It may not be very easy to decide whether to enter an alcohol treatment program, nor which type to enter. There are many different options and the differences can be subtle.

Outpatient and inpatient alcohol treatment are two of the most common types of treatment, and they can both be very effective. Neither choice is necessarily better than the other. The right choice depends on an individual’s circumstances, including the duration and severity of their alcohol addiction. Other determining factors include an individual’s finances and obligations at work and home, if any.

Treatment Approach

The intensity of treatment is much greater with inpatient alcohol treatment than with outpatient. There is medical and psychological care available around the clock. The length of treatment is usually longer, around 30 days or more. This is beneficial because studies have shown that treatment lasting at least 30 days decreases the chances of relapse. For this reason, inpatient alcohol treatment is typically recommended for more severe, prolonged alcohol addictions.

Detox

Outpatient treatment centers typically will not offer detoxification services on-site, whereas inpatient alcohol treatment centers will. Because inpatient centers have the medical staff and equipment on-site, it is easier for them to offer detox.

Some treatment centers opt for an all-natural approach, without the assistance of medication. However, medical supervision should always be provided at the very least, because detox can cause physical symptoms like hallucinations and even seizures as the body goes through withdrawal from the alcohol.

Outpatient alcohol treatment programs, though not typically offering detox services, may contract with a third-party detox administrator. Otherwise, they may accept patients who have already been detoxed elsewhere, like in a hospital.

Cost

Although cost should by no means be the sole – or even the primary – determining factor in choosing an inpatient alcohol treatment center, the fact is it will usually cost more. Outpatient alcohol treatment is less expensive because it is less intensive and does not provide continual care, whereas inpatient treatment provides around-the-clock care and room and board. Again, cost should not be the primary consideration when choosing outpatient versus inpatient alcohol treatment. Instead, weigh all the options, including your own personal needs, to determine the right option for you.