Drug Rehab: Does not Outpatient Work Just As Well As Inpatient?

We often hear the question: "Doesn't outpatient workwith the environmental dangers the recovering addict
just as well as inpatient drug rehab?" It's a validfaces every day. It's much more difficult to maintain
question because of the generally higher cost ofyour resolve under those circumstances. In fact, one
inpatient treatment, and the fact that it can bestudy of inpatient versus outpatient alcohol rehab
inconvenient or impractical to leave your home and jobfound that, with everything else being equal, outpatient
for a 30, 60 or 90-day-or-longer stay at a drug rehabclients were four times more likely to be early
center.treatment failures than inpatient clients. In other words,
The goal of alcohol or drug rehab is: A life free fromfour times as many addicts walk before their addiction
alcohol or drugs, with the former addict nowis handled.
rehabilitated and able to live a normal life. Both inpatientIf you're trying to decide whether inpatient or outpatient
and outpatient drug rehab models have showndrug rehab is best for your situation, bear in mind that
excellent results in the attainment of this goal, but mostsevere or long-term addiction, the presence of
research so far has found that inpatient has the edgeproblems in your life other than substance abuse, the
on outpatient treatment.absence of strong support from family, friends and
The advantage of the inpatient rehab setting is that itwork, or any lack of commitment on your part are
provides a distraction-free environment and 24/7 careindicators that inpatient drug rehab is needed. all
and attention, something you do not have in theindicate that inpatient treatment may be the best
out-patient setting. Inpatients have their emotionalchoice. Finally, inpatient treatment requires you to be
problems addressed, their nutritional needs cared for,away from home and work for however long it takes,
their life skills improved through special training, evenand statistics show that longer is better. Most
their recreational activities supervised. All theseaddictions are better served with at least 90 days, and
services are aimed at preventing relapse, and atlonger has proven even more successful.
encouraging the self-realization and knowledge neededWith this information, you should now have your
for a new, drug-free life.answer to the question, "Doesn't outpatient work just
Outpatients, on the other hand, are exposed on a dailyas well as inpatient?" If you can manage the time and
basis to the same dangerous environment where theirare looking for the maximum advantage in your
addiction began, with all its temptations and reminders.campaign to end your addiction, inpatient should be
To be successful, the outpatient drug rehab programyour first choice for a successful drug rehab program
would not only have to offer all the services ofand a drug-free life.
inpatient care, it would also have to effectively deal