Which Level of Care is Right for Me?
One of the most common questions that we get asked as treatment providers is, “What level of care is right for me?” Unfortunately, there is no right answer, as recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Overcoming addiction and mental health challenges is a deeply personal thing that has to come from within, and what works well for one client may not be the best solution for another.
Thankfully, there are plenty of recovery options available that can be tailored to suit your needs. Whether you’d benefit from an intensive residential stay or you need a more flexible approach, most providers offer comprehensive care that can be narrowed down into two types: inpatient and outpatient treatment. Choice House offers both, and we know that when choosing a rehab program, it’s essential to understand how these levels of care differ to determine which is right for you.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient
Since inpatient and outpatient treatment are the two main types of recovery programs available, we’ll start by comparing them. They differ in key factors such as length, intensity and overall approach, but are often conducted at the same location. There may also be some overlap between therapists and treatment sessions. In fact, many individuals will begin treatment in a residential program and step down into outpatient care as they progress in their recovery. Regardless of which you choose, both share the common goal of helping clients achieve lasting recovery.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient or residential programs are often what people imagine when they think of rehab, where clients live on-site for the duration of their stay. Depending on the location and the severity of your addiction, treatment timelines can range from 30 to 90 days or more, but this is often flexible and can be adjusted based on the amount of progress you’ve made. Inpatient treatment is considered an intensive level of care and many clients begin their recovery journey here.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient programs are less restrictive and more flexible than inpatient treatment. In this level of care, clients regularly attend therapy sessions and strive toward their recovery goals, but live at home while doing so. Required treatment hours may vary depending on the provider, but outpatient care provides enough freedom to let you continue working and managing your daily responsibilities. Due to this, many clients step down into outpatient treatment after completing a residential program to stay on track in their recovery.
Other Levels of Care
Other treatment options are also available that fall into these two categories, including early intervention, detox, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), transitional care and medically managed inpatient services. These may be used as intermediate steps throughout the treatment process or as a primary care option, when appropriate.
Which is Right for Me?
In addiction recovery, level of care is recommended based on a number of factors. During your initial assessment, providers will ask questions to learn more about your substance abuse and mental health to make an informed decision. At Choice House, some of the information we gather includes:
- Your primary drug of choice
- Substance abuse history
- How much and how often you’re using
- If you have a co-occurring mental health disorder
- Whether you have any medical issues
- Relapse potential
- Readiness for change
Assessments are comprehensive and act as a solid starting point in determining which type of treatment will work best for you, but your personal goals, needs and preferences are also taken into consideration. Ultimately, your provider wants you to be in a level of care that you’re comfortable with, but that will also give you the best chance at achieving lasting recovery.
What About My Career?
A common concern among those considering addiction treatment is needing to drop everything in order to go. Many even fear they could lose their job or career. While there are certain laws in place to protect you from being fired for going to rehab, it’s true that residential care doesn’t allow you to manage your daily life during the course of your stay. A key strategy in these programs is eliminating real-world stressors to build a foundation for recovery, and that typically means a highly structured and supervised environment where clients can focus on healing.
The good news is that you don’t have to hit the pause button to get the help you need — intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide the same high-quality treatment but are more flexible than other options, so you won’t have to take a leave of absence or abandon any ongoing responsibilities to start the recovery process. Outpatient programs let clients keep up with career demands and are recommended for those with a fast-paced lifestyle that isn’t compatible with more restrictive levels of care.
Clients that require IOP as a preferred option are often working professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, nurses, doctors, lawyers and other individuals with a busy, stressful schedule. They’re often high-functioning addicts but have noticed their lives are spinning out of control due to their drug or alcohol use. If this describes you, then an outpatient approach may be the key to getting sober. These programs balance your recovery and work life, so you can make progress without sacrificing everything you’ve worked so hard for.
If you’re in too deep and feel like you need more intensive care, then a residential program may be right for you. While it can be scary to commit to an inpatient stay, doing so can give you the best chance at lasting recovery, especially if you have a history of relapse. Regardless of your career, prioritizing your sobriety will improve every other aspect of your life, and everything else will fall into place once you’re clean and sober.
When deciding on a rehab program, taking the time to understand the different levels of care available can help you determine which is best for you. Each individual’s situation is unique, so there’s no universal solution to getting sober. At Choice House, we understand that clients with different needs may do better in one type of care over another. That’s why we provide a range of treatment programs for men from all walks of life, including professionals who need flexibility and those requiring more intensive care. To learn more about our recovery options and how they can help you or a loved one achieve lasting sobriety, contact or call us today at 303-579-4773.