Choosing Between Inpatient and Outpatient Codeine Addiction Treatment

Codeine addiction treatment can be provided in either inpatient or outpatient form, specially tailored to meet the unique needs of the patient. Each type of treatment is unique in the way that it provides help for those who are suffering from codeine addiction and can offer benefits of its own. Choosing between the two requires a brief self-examination of the basic wants, needs and expectations of treatment.

Inpatient Codeine Addiction Treatment

For many people inpatient treatment is a good choice, as it provides around the clock care and a temptation-free environment.

According to Medline Plus, “Codeine can be habit-forming,” when taken regularly, excessively or for a prolonged period of time. For those who become physical dependent on codeine, inpatient codeine addiction treatment provides 24-hour care at a live-in facility in which patients can receive medical care as well as psychiatric support while they overcome withdrawal and other physical elements of codeine addiction.

Inpatient treatment is able to provide a much more significant level of medical support and supervision than outpatient treatment can. People who suffer from moderate to severe codeine addiction are usually advised to seek inpatient treatment prior to attempting the long term maintenance of their addiction with outpatient care.

For structured support, around-the-clock medical intervention, psychological counseling and physical healing, inpatient treatment for codeine addiction is the ideal choice. While you will have to live in the facility, the structure and supportive environment of such a living situation will help you to get your life back on track.

Outpatient Codeine Addiction Treatment

Medications such as methadone or Suboxone can be prescribed to help those who are addicted to codeine to maintain their cravings and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal that arise when they quit using the drug. Often times, medication maintenance programs such as these are utilized in conjunction with outpatient addiction treatment which provides specially tailored counseling and therapy to patients on a daily, weekly or bi-weekly basis depending on patient needs.

Outpatient codeine addiction treatment typically requires that the patient be involved in treatment at least once each week for a period of a few hours. Some programs, such as intensive outpatient treatment, require longer stays in therapy such as 6-8 hours a day 3-5 days or more per week. The primary difference between these programs and an inpatient treatment program is that the patient is still free to return home at the end of the treatment session each day.

Unfortunately, outpatient addiction treatment is unable to fully address certain medical needs of the patient and there is no around-the-clock monitoring or support to ensure that safety and sobriety of the patient overnight. This type of treatment is often advised to those who have already finished inpatient treatment or to those who have a very mild addiction to codeine.