Inpatient addiction care takes place in a secure hospital setting and is best for people who require medical oversight during detox. Typically, inpatient programs are more structured than residential treatment, meaning people live, eat and sleep at the facility during their stay. They also receive targeted support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whether that’s one-on-one therapy or group sessions with peers who are going through the same thing. Inpatient programs also often have a stronger focus on addressing co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Residential or inpatient alcohol and drug treatment is a level of care that removes patients from environments and relationships that promote or trigger their use. These programs are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment, while providing participants with the tools they need to successfully recover from their addiction. Depending on the program, it may include group and individual therapy, psychiatric services, family counseling, and education about life skills like nutrition and money management. Some programs will even address any co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression or PTSD.

For people who do not meet the clinical criteria for hospitalization, but still need more intensive rehabilitation than outpatient treatment, a residential treatment program is the next step. These facilities range in intensity from long-term, self-contained therapeutic communities to less supervised halfway or quarterway houses where people are transitioning back into the community. Some of these programs also offer medically supervised detox and integrated mental health services.

Intensive outpatient treatment, or IOP, is the least restrictive form of rehab and can be offered at most inpatient, residential, and some outpatient treatment programs. This type of rehab offers a more flexible schedule and allows people to continue their normal lives outside the treatment facility, which can be beneficial for some individuals. The flexibility of outpatient rehab can also help avoid the stigma of abstinence and ensure that those who need it have access to it.

Research suggests that outpatient addiction treatment can be just as effective as inpatient drug and alcohol rehab for some people. However, it’s important to understand the differences between these two types of addiction rehabilitation and decide which option is right for you.

Regardless of the type of treatment you choose, it is essential to commit yourself fully to your recovery and stick with it for the long-term. Research shows that the most successful addicts are those who commit to a full continuum of care, including residential and outpatient addiction treatment and ongoing aftercare. It is also helpful to connect with a support system, such as attending local meetings of 12-step or non-12 step support groups, for lifelong sobriety and to help you cope with cravings and urges that may arise in the future.