Finding the best recovery program for you is highly important to ensure you are on the path to long-term sobriety. There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right facility, such as cost, level of care, and other responsibilities. Understanding the difference between inpatient and outpatient recovery facilities can help you determine which would be able to meet your needs most. At Spero Recovery, we want to help you find the right recovery program.
Inpatient Recovery Facilities
Inpatient recovery facilities are where patients live in the facility throughout the program. They can run for 30, 60, or 90 days at a time, depending on what you need. Every facility is run differently, and they use the treatment methods they feel are most beneficial for you.
They are often used for those that need more in-depth care. Those with co-occurring conditions, such as mental health conditions or multiple substance use, and those that have been through other programs but relapsed may find an inpatient facility more effective.
The Benefits
Some of the benefits of inpatient care include:
- Having access to 24/7 professional care
- Living in a safe, controlled environment
- Restricted access to addictive substances, limited triggers that could make you want to use, and fewer distractions that could hinder your recovery
- Access to a support system at all times, including medical professionals and peers that are empathetic to your situation
- Incorporating family in treatment and family counseling sessions to rebuild those relationships
Potential Drawbacks
The potential drawbacks of inpatient care include:
- Inpatient programs can be more costly because of the higher level of care and the amenities to accommodate live-in participants.
- You usually aren’t allowed to work or come and go as you please, because they want your focus to be on your recovery and to limit the chance of relapse.
- If you have dependents, such as kids or family members you care for, you may not be able to dedicate such a substantial period of time to being away from them.
- They can be stressful to prepare for, depending on the number of and difficulty of any arrangements you may need to make before going.
The Spero Recovery Difference
Spero Recovery is a non-profit inpatient recovery facility. They use grants and donations to keep the cost of their programs lower than the national average. This makes us the perfect option for the under and uninsured individual seeking high-quality care and long-term success in sobriety.
They have separate programs for men and women to make sure everyone’s needs are being met. These programs are peer-led by alumni that have completed them and are successfully managing their addiction outside of treatment. The alumni run experiential treatment sessions, which include hiking, cooking classes, meditation, and woodworking. Having these peer-led programs is beneficial for both your recovery and the alumni’s.
Spero Recovery also offers sober living after your completion of their recovery treatment program. Sober living can be used as a transition between treatment and returning to society. They are a supportive community of people working on their recovery and that share similar experiences as you. There is no set time limit that you are allowed to spend there. The goal is for you to feel completely comfortable and confident in your ability to maintain your sobriety on your own.
Outpatient Recovery Facilities
If your recovery program is through an outpatient facility, then you will be commuting to your treatment sessions while living at home. These programs are often for those that do not need as intensive care as an inpatient facility and for the ones that have other responsibilities they can’t leave for extended periods of time.
Types of Outpatient Programs
These programs can be delivered at different intensity levels to meet your needs. There are different types of outpatient programs, such as:
- Day Programs: You attend your treatment five to seven days a week for multiple hours each day but return home at the end of the day.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs: You are given specific milestones to reach, and as you reach them, the amount of time you have to commit to your treatment is decreased.
- Continuing Care: These are support groups that you can attend outside of treatment, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
The Benefits
Some of the benefits of outpatient care include:
- Working on treatment around your other responsibilities, such as kids, work, or taking care of family members
- Being generally more affordable
- Putting emphasis on the use of loved ones for support during your recovery journey
Potential Drawbacks
The potential drawbacks of outpatient care include:
- Your recovery treatment won’t be your sole focus, which leaves room open for distractions and triggers.
- It may be difficult to reach out and connect with support when you are feeling vulnerable.
- They can be less effective than inpatient recovery facilities.
Knowing the difference between inpatient and outpatient recovery facilities can help you find the most effective program for your individual needs. A significant component is deciding whether you can dedicate yourself to a live-in program or if commuting would better fit your schedule. Maintaining your recovery should be your top priority in life. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have other responsibilities to handle daily. You need to enter a program that will have the best benefit for you and help you the most in your recovery. If you feel like you are struggling with choosing the right program for your recovery journey, reach out to Spero Recovery at (303) 351-7888 for more information today.
