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What if You Don’t Need Inpatient Addiction Treatment?

When a person needs help with addiction, inpatient rehab isn’t always the first step. A person may need to work around other obligations. Or their addiction may not be critical enough to require inpatient treatment. It may be more intensive, but that doesn’t make it better than outpatient rehab.    We’ll take a look at what it takes to consider inpatient treatment. You’ll also learn about other options that may work for you.  

What factors go into someone getting inpatient treatment? 

Matching a person’s needs with the level of care is critical. Here are some of the factors that matter most when looking at inpatient treatment.  

Need to clarify diagnoses, other health concerns

It can take time to clarify a person’s diagnosis. And if they have other health concerns, more evaluation may be needed. With inpatient addiction treatment, a person has access to many professionals. They have the time and resources to learn more about a person’s issues.  

Safety concerns

A person coping with addiction can become a danger to themselves. Recovery can be emotionally taxing, and people can struggle with the process. Individuals at risk for self-harm or disordered eating may need extra help.  Also, a person’s substance use may increase despite going through treatment. In these situations, the support of inpatient treatment can help. If a safety issue comes up, it can be addressed quickly and safely.   

Need for professional and personal support 

Professional and personal support both benefit a person in recovery and can be achieved with outpatient care.. But some people don’t have enough positive social connections to help with recovery. In this case, inpatient care can bring the social network to them. Caring professionals and fellow people in recovery are always close.  

What are the other options besides inpatient?

Some people need a lot of recovery support, but inpatient treatment may not be the answer. A few different types of intensive outpatient treatments may be a better fit.    These programs do not require overnight stays, but they include several hours of treatment per week. They’re more structured and intensive than typical therapy. Some people can manage without 24-hour care. In that case, these intensive treatments may work better.   IOP—Intensive Outpatient Programs include several sessions a week. This option is best for someone with a less severe addiction. IOP is a more flexible program. It’s possible to attend IOP rehab and still go to work or school. People can also be more independent.   PHP— Partial Hospitalization Programs include treatment sessions lasting several hours a day. Treatment occurs most days of the week, including some weekend time. PHP takes up more time during the day than IOP, which means less time for other commitments.   

What if a person needs inpatient treatment even after completing outpatient care?

Sometimes a person’s treatment journey can take an unexpected turn. Many people improve after outpatient rehab. But some people still need more care at a higher level. If this happens, the outpatient staff can help with the transition. The fit is essential for the best outcome.  Some facilities have both levels of care in the same system, making for a smooth transfer process. Promises Behavioral Health created the P.A.T.H. program with this situation in mind. If needed, a person can move easily between outpatient and inpatient facilities.  

Learn more about outpatient rehab

Inpatient rehab gives some people their best chance at recovery, but it’s not superior to outpatient rehab. And it isn’t the right choice for everyone. Outpatient rehab helps people in recovery, too.  When considering inpatient rehab vs. outpatient rehab, finding the right program is vital. To learn more about outpatient drug treatment at P.A.T.H. facilities, call 713-528-3709. We’re here to help.

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