What's the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment?

Inpatient and outpatient treatment offer different levels of support and structure, and the right choice depends on your specific situation, the severity of your addiction, and your life circumstances. Inpatient treatment, also called residential treatment, means living at a treatment facility for a period of time, typically 30, 60, or 90 days. You receive 24/7 medical supervision, intensive Psychotherapy, group sessions, and are removed from your usual environment and triggers. This option is often recommended for people with severe addictions, those who have tried outpatient treatment unsuccessfully, people with co-occurring mental health conditions, or those whose home environment isn't supportive of healing process. Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home while attending treatment sessions several times per week. This might include individual Psychotherapy, group Psychotherapy, Psychiatric medication management, and educational sessions. Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) typically require 9-12 hours per week, while standard outpatient might be 1-3 hours per week. This option works well for people with strong support systems at home, work or family obligations they can't leave, or those stepping down from inpatient care. Both approaches can be effective, and many people benefit from a combination—starting with inpatient care and transitioning to outpatient support. The most important factor is finding a program that matches your needs and that you're willing to fully engage with. Consider discussing your options with an addiction counselor who can help assess what level of care would be most beneficial for your situation.