If you're addicted to drugs or alcohol, you may waste years of your life trying to quit on your own. While it's possible to stop drinking or doing drugs all by yourself, you'll have a higher chance of success if you go into an addiction treatment program. Plus, you may beat your addiction much sooner and be able to get on with a productive life. There are both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs available. Here's how to decide which type is right for you.

Inpatient Addiction Treatment

One of the main advantages of an inpatient program is that you're free of your usual temptations and triggers. You'll be in a safe place where you can focus on your recovery 24 hours a day without old friends or habits triggering you to start using again. That doesn't mean you won't have cravings, but you'll be given coping tools and be in an environment where it's easier to overcome your urges to drink or do drugs.

Inpatient treatment can vary from a few days for detox up to a few months of treatment in the form of therapy and supervision. The length of time varies for each person and might depend on factors such as the type of drug you're addicted to and how well you progress with therapy. During that time you'll have a full schedule of activities and therapy so you can fill your time and learn skills to help you deal with problems that drove you to drugs and drinking.

If you find it difficult to give up drinking or drugs because your spouse uses or your home life is in constant turmoil, then inpatient addiction treatment could be the best option for you.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment

The advantage of outpatient treatment is that you'll have the ability to keep your job or go to school, and your therapy will be scheduled around these obligations. If you're still able to work, go to school, or care for your family even though you have an addiction problem, you may not want to go into inpatient care for weeks for fear of losing your job or being away from your kids. In that case, outpatient therapy could be ideal. You'll still have therapy sessions frequently, and if it's possible to schedule it, you may have day-long sessions at a rehab center. However, you'll always be free to go home at night.

If you have supportive family at home and can control your addictions enough to work or go to school, you may do well with outpatient therapy. It may help you overcome your addictions just as well as inpatient treatment would. Another advantage of outpatient treatment is the lower cost. If you don't have insurance coverage and you don't have the money to pay out of pocket for inpatient care, then outpatient treatment may be the perfect choice. You get the help you need at a lower cost and may have the option to pay for each session as you take it so that therapy is easier on your budget.