Rehab might sound like a scary word or conjure up images of sterile facilities and unsympathetic doctors. Rehab is one of the most effective ways to overcome addiction. For many people, it can be a positive and life-changing experience. There are different types of rehabilitation, and treatment can take many different forms. If substance use and/or dependence has started to affect you or someone you love, it may be time to consider your options. Before you make the decision between inpatient or outpatient rehab, it’s important to understand what they are.
Knowing When It’s Time to Go to Rehab
The first step to getting help is acknowledging that you have a problem. Substance use issues come in different forms and from different sources. Prescription medication, alcohol, over-the-counter medication, and recreational drugs can all lead to substance use disorder (SUD). Substance dependence can lead to problems at work or school and in relationships. It also can have a mental and physical toll on the user. According to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, some common signs of a SUD are:
- Risk-taking when under the influence, such as reckless driving or unprotected sex
- Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home
- Legal trouble, such as arrests or DUIs
- Keeping secrets from loved ones about your substance use
- Feeling irritable, spaced out, or anxious when under the influence or craving a substance
Mood changes, secretive behavior, and neglect of responsibilities can cause damage to your social and professional life. If you see these signs in yourself or someone you love, it may be time to consider rehab. Addiction is stigmatized, and you may experience feelings of shame, but reaching out for help is always an act of courage and nothing to be ashamed of. There are two main types of rehab to consider: inpatient and outpatient.
Inpatient Rehab
Residential treatment programs, or inpatient treatment programs, such as those offered at Laguna Shores Recovery Center, require an individual to admit themselves into a facility where they will be helped by medical and mental health professionals to face SUD. In inpatient rehab, you live and receive treatment in the facilities. Some treatment centers are similar to hospitals, while others are more like a spa or retreat. Which you choose depends on what type of environment you feel more comfortable in. Typically, inpatient programs run from 30 days to 6 months, depending on the severity of the SUD and the progress made while admitted.
Admittance to an inpatient program usually begins with medically assisted detox. This is when medical staff monitors a patient while the substances work their way out of the patient’s system. The detox process is often unpleasant but necessary. After detox, patients will begin a regiment of different treatments that may include therapies, support groups, or even communing with nature. The addiction specialists create a treatment plan for each patient so the process can be as productive as possible.
Generally, inpatient rehab is recommended for more severe SUDs or individuals with co-occuring psychiatric issues, but it’s important to note that admittance requires time away from work and family. That may seem discouraging; no one wants to leave their normal life behind for an indeterminate amount of time, but your health and well-being is the most important thing. Those who love you and care about you would want you to take the time you need to get better.
Outpatient Rehab
Choosing an outpatient rehab can provide more freedom to those seeking treatment who are unable to be admitted. However, if your SUD is severe, inpatient admittance is strongly encouraged as it is more effective in preventing early relapses.
There are two types of outpatient treatment: partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs. Partial hospitalization involves a patient receiving treatment at a rehab facility for five to six hours every day, though they reside at home when not receiving treatment. This type of treatment may allow for more time with family than inpatient care but usually still requires time off of work. Intensive outpatient programs usually will enable a patient to return to work and daily life while still attending rehabilitation services for three hours per day, three to five days per week. This may include sessions with therapists, addiction specialists, or support groups.
Outpatient rehab can be a great option for those with milder SUDs or individuals who have completed inpatient care and are ready to transition back into normal life.
Taking a Step Toward Recovery
Admitting that you need help with your SUD is one of the hardest steps on the road to recovery. The next one is seeking treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of SUD, it’s never too late to reach out to the addiction and mental health professionals at Laguna Shores Recovery Center for help.
Understanding what you need in order to heal from addiction can be complicated. An establish rehab facility such as Laguna Shores Recovery Center can help. We are here to guide you in the direction that will work best for you and where you are. If you are in a position where residential treatment would be the best route for your progress we will get you admitted and set up with a plan made for you. We use individualized care to ensure you are the focus of your treatment. Our staff cares about your mental and physical wellbeing and wants to guide you through the process of healing. Call us at (866) 774-1532 to learn more about our programs.
