In the world of addiction rehabilitation, there are two major types of treatment: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient is residential treatment that is more aggressive in nature, and outpatient is non-residential that is less intensive. While inpatient rehabilitation has a stronger success record, both forms of rehabilitation have been proven beneficial in certain circumstances. Selecting the type of rehab that will work best for yourself or for someone you love can be complicated, but understanding the essentials of rehab will inform your decision immensely.

Inpatient rehabilitation typically follows a general model. There are 30, 60 and 90-day programs available, depending on the severity of the addiction. The client will either detox off-site at a specific detoxification medical facility before arriving at the rehab facility, or they will detox at the rehab before they jump into their treatment program. Once detoxed, the client begins counseling, reading, going through workbook exercises and doing therapeutic activities in order to restore their physical and mental health. Clients will undergo group and individual therapy sessions to get to the root cause of their addiction problems. This is supplemented by visits to the gym, sauna, massage parlor or outdoor recreation area, depending on the quality of the rehab. When the treatment period is over, clients will often spend time living in a sober living facility on site at the addiction treatment center to ease themselves back into the world.

Outpatient addiction treatment employs similar methods and ideals, but does so in a less intensive style. Instead of living on site, the client continues to live in their home and attends the outpatient rehab program on a regular schedule. There, they participate in similar types of psychological exercises, readings, counseling sessions and therapies, as well as support group meetings. This type of rehab works well for people who are struggling to end their addiction on their own but whose addiction is not severe or putting them in immediate danger.