What is the Difference Between Intensive Outpatient Treatment and an Inpatient Treatment?
The major difference between an IOP and an inpatient level of care is that people treated in an inpatient program live at the facility while they receive their care. These programs also offer services and amenities that IOPs do not, such as meals, housing, recreation, and access to medical care.
Inpatient levels of care are usually a good fit for people who have longstanding or more severe addictions. Some people in these programs have had multiple relapses and need to be kept away from drugs and alcohol for an extended period of time. These facilities are also good options for people who live in home environments that are particularly unstable or triggering or who have mental health conditions that require dual diagnosis treatment.
Each program has pros and cons, and which one is best will differ for every person.
- Benefits of inpatient : 24-hour medical monitoring, a structured drug-free environment, and distance from triggers.
- Drawbacks of inpatient : a higher cost than outpatient, the time commitment, and being away from loved ones and work.
- Benefits of IOPs : ability to live at home while in rehab, lower cost, and flexible schedule.
- Drawbacks of IOPs : returning to an environment where there may be temptations to use and the lack of medical care/detox services.