North Texas is fortunate to be the site of some of the country’s most affordable drug and alcohol rehab programs. The region was one of the first in the country to support the Prohibition movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, so it’s no surprise the practice of addiction rehab has deeper roots here than in many other parts of the country.  

However, while stints at inpatient drug rehabs in Dallas, TX and other parts of the North Texas region are much more affordable than they would be in other parts of the country, newer outpatient programs are now the dominant mode of addiction treatment throughout the United States. 

Why do most people choose outpatient programs? 

They are far cheaper in most cases. A lot of this has to do with the rising cost of living throughout most of the country, particularly in major metropolitan centers like the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A higher cost of living almost always translates into higher addiction treatment costs, as the staff has to be compensated appropriately for their location. Additionally, most outpatient programs will also allow the patient to continue working, which is a major consideration today. 

However, even in cases where the cost of living is relatively low, inpatient programs have to incur all kinds of costs that outpatient programs don’t.  

Inpatient programs include 24/7 staffing, which effectively doubles or triples the associated manpower expenses from the get-go. They also need adequate facilities, including bedrooms, gyms, classrooms, outdoor spaces, cafeterias, living spaces, and other things essential for such a program. Everything also has to be adequately secured, which sometimes means the facility needs to be in a relatively remote place, which increases upkeep expenses. Plus, there is also the daily cost of room and board, which is completely absent from outpatient programs. 

Why you may want to go with an inpatient program anyway 

So given the cost, which is often thrice that of an outpatient program, why would you even want to go with an inpatient program in the first place? Below are some solid reasons why you’d want to stick with an inpatient rehab program. 

1.) You want the best possible outcome 

Most addiction treatment experts agree that, if one has the resources, an inpatient program tends to be the better choice. They completely remove the patient from the environment that caused their substance misuse, keep them away from potentially harmful personal and professional distractions, and allow a complete, unfettered focus on recovery. These are exactly the things someone with a drug or alcohol problem needs for good long-term outcomes.

While it is possible to get good results from an outpatient program, these are less likely the more severe a person’s substance use disorder is. Because individuals are free to do what they like after they leave the outpatient facility, there’s little to stop them from relapsing, especially during early recovery when cravings are at their strongest. To add to this, outpatient programs can do little to limit a patient’s exposure to substance use triggers, which makes them less useful for many recovering individuals. 

2.) You want to save money in the long-term 

While it’s true that outpatient programs are much more affordable than inpatient programs, you might want to look at the long-term picture. If your relapse risk is much higher with an outpatient program, chances are you will be spending more for treatment overall, as you may have to keep repeating the same processes all over again each time you relapse. 

While no one can guarantee that a patient won’t relapse if they enroll in an inpatient program, the comparative risks are much lower. Not only are they effectively separated from their triggers, but 100 percent of their time in the program will also be devoted to their recovery. Though it may not matter for someone with a mild substance use disorder, this can be a life-or-death decision for someone who has been hooked on drugs and alcohol for years. 

3.) You’re interested in a more comfortable recovery 

Make no mistake, withdrawals from drugs and alcohol can be pure hell on recovering individuals. For those with severe substance use disorders, the early part of recovery may be the most physically and emotionally difficult experience of their life. Without access to immediate intervention, it’s not uncommon for recovering individuals to relapse or even commit self-harm, often with fatal consequences. 

At this point, anything that makes recovery a less miserable experience will be welcome. While nothing can make withdrawal and early recovery a pleasant experience, choosing inpatient rehab programs could make it far more comfortable than what you would typically experience in an outpatient setting. If  one has the resources or if insurance covers it, there are rehab programs that will offer a hotel-like luxury experience that can significantly ease a patient through early recovery. 

Conclusion 

While outpatient programs have their place, people with especially serious drug or alcohol problems will probably be better served by an inpatient program. These programs offer the specific benefits individuals in early recovery need, including better trigger avoidance and fewer distractions. For the same reasons, those with less serious substance use disorders who want to maximize their odds of recovery should also consider entering an inpatient program as well.