Outpatient Vs. Inpatient Treatment for Alcoholism

When it comes to treating alcoholism there are more choices than most people realize. In Canada, there are plenty of different avenues that families can choose for their loved ones. They range from simple support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, or more intensive residential treatment facilities that combine a large array of services such as the bio-physical treatment. At times, the choices for treatment can be more overwhelming than the alcoholism itself.

One of the choices that must be realized is whether or not the patient needs to have outpatient or inpatient treatment. The two are vastly different in scope and how they treat someone who is addicted to alcohol.

Outpatient treatment is a matter of therapy and support groups. This type of treatment is for two different types of people. First, someone who is not severely addicted to alcohol can visit a therapist on an ongoing basis to help them cope without alcohol. They can also take part in a support group with weekly meetings and mentors. Second, outpatient treatment is for those who have already gone through a residential treatment program and is living on their own again. This outpatient treatment helps the person continue with their treatment, but also to live their life again.

Inpatient treatment is vastly different. An inpatient type of setting is where the person addicted to alcohol receives 24 hour monitoring within a rehab facility. This can be a hospital setting, or a residential rehab facility. Canada boasts several of the world's leading private facilities with a high success rate.

The biggest difference, aside from around the clock care, is that inpatient treatment provides both medical and psychological care. Many people who have been drinking excessively for many years have several serious conditions that must be taken care of before any type of treatment for alcoholism is given. These include withdrawals, which can be quite severe, and any medical conditions that have been caused by the alcohol. Liver damage, heart problems, respiratory problems, and motor skills are some of these conditions.

When choosing between the outpatient or inpatient treatment there are some factors that a person must consider first. Each type of treatment is going to differ in the level of care, but also in several other areas of life also.

First, the general condition of the patient must be considered. If someone who have been drinking for ten years wants to find help, then they will have some other problems that will also have to be dealt with. Inpatient care is the best suitable answer.

Next, the cost of the treatment is another limiting factor. Unfortunately, many of the private residential facilities are very expensive, and do not accept many forms of medical insurance. Canada has plenty of government run facilities, but this may require traveling to another province.

Once those two factors have been realized, then there is the question of support. Will the person in a long term facility have the support they need from their job, their family, and friends? On the other side of that coin, will the person have support during an outpatient rehab where there is more temptation from outside influences? When determining whether or not inpatient alcohol treatment program or outpatient  is necessary, all parties involved must look at these factors.

 

^{Reference: www.thecyn.com/alcohol.../outpatient-versus-inpatient-alcohol-rehab.html}

 

 

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