The Pros and Cons of At-Home Drug Detox vs Inpatient Programs

Drug detox is a process used to treat drug addiction by managing withdrawal symptoms. 

It involves medically managing the symptoms associated with giving up drugs to make it easier for an individual to stop using. 

Inpatient and outpatient programs are both options for drug detox, but each has its own set of pros and cons that should be considered before making your choice.

 

Pros of At-Home Drug Detox

The pros of at-home drug detox are obvious. It can be done in the privacy of your home without leaving your family and friends behind. 

You don't have to worry about traveling or staying overnight somewhere else, which may not be as comfortable or familiar as home. 

This can help reduce some stress and anxiety associated with going through a detox program away from home.

In addition, many people find they can handle their withdrawal symptoms better when they're at home rather than in an unfamiliar environment where things might feel more stressful or scary. 

If this sounds like it might apply to you, consider doing an at-home detox instead of one at an inpatient facility.

 

Cons of At-Home Drug Detox

If you have a long history of abusing prescription drugs and/or street drugs, then at-home detox may not be the best choice. 

In this case, seeking out an inpatient program where medical staff can monitor your physical health while providing counseling and support throughout the process is important.

Another con of outpatient recovery programs is that most insurance companies don't cover these types of treatments (and Medicare doesn't cover them at all) and these costs can begin to add up.

In addition to paying out-of-pocket, there are often additional costs associated with travel expenses and lost wages from taking time off work during treatment. 

If possible, look into ways that might help lower these expenses. Perhaps there are organizations close by that offer discounted rates on some services.

If you are eligible, you may be able to find some free drug and alcohol rehab programs nearby. 

Pros of Inpatient Programs

If you're considering an at-home detox program, it's important to remember that these programs have several drawbacks. 

Inpatient drug detox programs provide a much more controlled environment than at-home treatment can offer. 

Inpatient programs have access to medical professionals and medication, which is more likely to help you through withdrawal safely and effectively if needed. 

Additionally, group therapy is often a component of inpatient drug detox programs. Group therapy allows people with similar struggles to support each other during this difficult time in their lives.

 

Cons of Inpatient Programs

The cons of inpatient programs are pretty simple. They're more expensive than at-home detox and more time-consuming, which may not be an issue if you can afford it and can afford to take time off work or school. 

In addition, there's a certain level of reliance on others for transportation. You won't be able to drive yourself home after your treatment ends.

Inpatient drug rehab centers also lack privacy. You won't have your own room with a locked door (Some programs offer this option for an extra fee). 

This could present problems when trying to get some rest during those dark days while recovering from addiction withdrawal symptoms. 

And finally, lack of control over food intake can lead some people into overeating--or undereating--which may cause additional health issues later down the road.

Both programs have advantages and disadvantages.

As you can see, both at-home detox and in-patient programs have advantages and disadvantages. The choice of which is right for you will depend on your particular needs and circumstances. 

If you are looking for an effective treatment program that is also cost-effective, then an at-home drug detox program may be right for you. 

However, if cost isn't an issue or if there are other factors involved, such as needing more supervision or support than what an at-home program can provide, then an inpatient drug detox center might be better suited to meet those needs.

The cost of in-patient programs can vary greatly depending on the various amenities provided during your stay at the program’s facilities.

Take, for example, luxury rehab facilities like this one. It may be more expensive, but the experience is much better. 

Conclusion

If you're undecided about whether an at-home detox program or an inpatient program is right for you, consider your personal situation. 

If you can access a safe place to stay during withdrawal and recovery, then at-home detox may be the better option. 

However, if your addiction has been severe enough to require hospitalization in the past, then it may be best for you to stay in an inpatient facility where caretakers can monitor all of these issues simultaneously.