There are typically two rehabilitation options for substance abuse, namely inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Although both options are fundamentally focused on rehabilitation, each treatment option is designed to offer different types of support, for different levels of addiction.
For any person who is planning to undergo rehabilitation, it’s important to know which one of the two treatment options is most appropriate.
Inpatient rehabilitation is typically more intensive and designed to treat individuals with more severe addiction. On the other hand, outpatient treatment is on a part-time basis and for individuals with milder forms of addiction.
In order to undergo inpatient rehabilitation treatment, individuals are required to check themselves into a facility that will support and guide them through the recovery process.
This support takes place on a 24/7 basis and includes medical, emotional, psychological and physical support. This can be an extremely difficult process and should be carried out in a controlled environment.
In addition, support from family and loved ones is an essential part of the recovery process and is allowed but limited according to each facility’s unique policy.
With inpatient rehabilitation, patients are residents of the facility, which means that they are given the opportunity to focus all their energy on recovering, without their usual daily distractions or temptations.
Because of the carefully designed schedule in inpatient treatment programmes, residents are given much-needed routine and structure to follow, which will adjust according to their progress.
The daily schedule of inpatient treatment includes one-on-one meetings with doctors, counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists.
Typically, inpatient programmes can last between 28 days and 6 months, depending on the type of addiction being treated, and of course each individual’s progress.
Because of how the body changes after long-term substance abuse, around the clock medical care is absolutely imperative and can make be the defining difference between relapse and recovery.
This treatment option is for individuals who have a mild addiction, those who need it for part of a long-term treatment program or, who are showing early signs of developing an addiction.
Outpatient treatment allows patients to go about their usual business but are typically required to spend between 10 and 12 hours at their designated treatment centre for a period of and, ranging between, 3 months to a year or more.
Sessions that patients are required to attend will focus on, among others, drug abuse education, group counselling, and individual counselling.
Because patients are permitted to stay at home during their treatment, access to social support from family and loved ones is not restricted.
Outpatient detox lasts approximately 6.5 days and is far safer and requires less time than the typical inpatient detox and has been shown to be effective for individuals with mild to moderate addiction.
Throughout the entire outpatient detox process, patients are required to attend regular mental and physical check-ups at approved facilities in order to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.
It’s important to understand what the differences are between inpatient and outpatient treatment options for substance abuse.
Choosing the right option for you or your loved one is crucial to ensure a successful recovery. If you would like more information about inpatient and outpatient treatment, please contact us.
Lastly, given the current situation surrounding COVID-19 in South Africa, we are doing everything in our power to protect the health and well-being of our inpatients and outpatients alike.
We commit to continue providing the same level of care to all of our patients throughout the entire lockdown period and, of course, beyond.
It is possible to slow down the rate at which this virus spreads throughout our country if we move swiftly and work together.
Therefore, we urge all residents of South Africa to stay safe and stay at home during this lockdown period.
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