Choosing to pursue drug and alcohol recovery is one of the most important decisions you can make in life. Before opting to do so, however, you must answer some questions to ensure that you are getting the type of treatment that is best suited for your needs. One of the biggest questions you will face is whether outpatient or inpatient treatment is the best choice for you.
The answer isn’t straightforward because the selection of inpatient treatment or an intensive outpatient program (IOP) depends upon your particular needs. Every individual entering into a treatment environment has different needs, for instance, as well as different relationships and different mental health problems that may compound addictive behaviors. Personality can also play a large part in the type of treatment environment that will be the most effective. Let’s take a deeper look at the differences between some of the most well-known treatment settings like True Life Center, and look at some alternatives.
Do I Need Outpatient or Inpatient Treatment?
Residential Treatment
Inpatient treatment — also commonly referred to as “residential treatment” — is the type of drug and alcohol recovery program most people think of first. It involves living where you receive care for the duration of your detox and treatment.
Inpatient treatment is typically the most expensive treatment option because the cost of treatment is combined with the cost of room and board and amenities. This treatment option may be beneficial for patients who need a very high level of supervision and accountability or those who need to escape a negative home environment. Individuals with particularly severe substance use disorders may need this level of care during the early stages of recovery. Particularly if medical needs are intense or family/outside support is sparse.
Inpatient treatment is also a way for individuals to remove themselves from an environment that is not conducive to recovery. This allows patients to concentrate solely on getting better.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment programs involve patients receiving treatment at a drug and alcohol recovery center for a set number of hours per week or per day while living elsewhere.
At True Life Center, we offer two levels of outpatient treatment — intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization.
- Intensive outpatient program — In an intensive outpatient program, patients are often able to continue attending work or school and fulfilling their social and familial obligations while receiving individualized care. The IOP is ideal for patients who continue to need a high level of care but who also benefit from putting their recovery into practice in the real world.
- Partial hospitalization program — A partial hospitalization program like the one at True Life Center offers treatment that is as intensive as that found in a residential treatment program but without the expenses or restrictions of on-site living. Individuals in the PHP receive up to 20 hours of treatment, and because they also spend a great deal of time outside of our care, they also begin to put the lessons they have learned in treatment into practice in real-life scenarios.
The Outpatient Advantage
No treatment program is ideal for every patient, and many have found recovery through traditional rehabs. There are, however, many advantages associated with an outpatient model:
- Outpatient treatment is more flexible. Individuals in an IOP or PHP can continue to work or go to school as they receive treatment.
- Outpatient care can be personalized to meet individual patient needs more easily.
- Patients in an outpatient treatment program spend a significant portion of time outside of the drug and alcohol recovery center and so can put what they are learning into practice.
- Patients in outpatient treatment can build stronger support networks where it counts: out in the real world. This type of support is an important ingredient in avoiding relapse.
- Outpatient treatment is generally less expensive than inpatient treatment because it lacks a residential component.
TLC’s Neurobiological Integration Approach
True Life understands levels of care and how difficult it can be to figure out what level of treatment you need. We can help you or your loved one explore a healing path that’s custom-designed for you. At True Life Center, our dedicated staff is drawn to working with people on finding and freeing their true selves to live their best lives. Our unique Neurobiological Integration Approach aims to identify the root cause of illness and gets results by using the synergistic combination of:
- Individual psychotherapy with DBT, CBT, EMDR and/or psychodynamic approach
- Expert psychiatric treatment
- Acupuncture
- Mindfulness and self-compassion practices
- Yoga therapy
- Body healing with Qi Gong
Reaping the Benefits of Finding Mental Health Treatment in San Diego, California
True Life Center is committed to helping individuals find and express their authentic selves. When suffering is deep and enduring, understanding the path forward brings comfort and hope. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive map for long-term recovery and optimal health. We listen carefully to you and your loved ones to understand and co-collaborate in the creation of your True Life Recovery Plan. Finding treatment for mental illness may seem challenging right now, but it’s only a phone call away. Five minutes can give you the key to years of stability and contentment. Give us a ring to start your journey to healing today.
Contact True Life Center Today
You don’t have to navigate the path to recovery and mental wellness alone. Reach out to True Life Center online or call us at 866.420.1792 today to learn more about our outpatient treatment programs and our unique neurobiological integration approach to alcohol and drug recovery.
