Is Rehab Right For You?

Making the decision to seek treatment for alcohol or drug addiction is no small feat. The path toward recovery isn’t always an easy one, but it’s definitely worthwhile. Once you’ve decided to get help, the next big question is what kind of treatment is best for you: inpatient drug rehab, outpatient care, or something in between. The truth? There’s just no one-size-fits-all answer. For some, virtual or outpatient drug rehab provides just the right balance of flexibility and support. For others, the safety, structure, and intensity of inpatient rehab are exactly what’s needed to begin real healing. Keep reading to learn about the different kinds of alcoholism treatment and when in-person rehab may be the best next step in your recovery journey.

Telehealth: Accessible, Flexible, But Not For Everyone

In recent years, telehealth has become a common entry point for care. Initially popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth stands as a popular choice for many people due to its convenience, affordability, and privacy. Imagine a working parent squeezing in therapy between meetings, or someone in a rural area accessing care without the long commute. It’s not hard to see the appeal. Options like outpatient alcohol rehab and outpatient drug rehab fall under this category, giving people the chance to get help without putting life entirely on hold. In-person rehab requires a significant time commitment and isn’t something that can easily be tackled alongside the rest of your daily responsibilities, which is why some people are hesitant to enter treatment. Others may find the intense environment of inpatient alcohol rehab to be overwhelming at first. However, while telehealth is an accessible and flexible choice that may allow some people to pursue treatment amidst a busy professional or personal life, it isn’t the right choice for everyone, and that’s completely okay. Oftentimes, the deciding factor in whether or not telehealth is an acceptable choice comes down to what you’re addicted to. If you’re abusing benzodiazepines, an inpatient medical detox, known as withdrawal management, will be required. If you’re seeking treatment for opioid addiction, on the other hand, Marcus Hansen, founder of RecoveryDelivered.com, says that Suboxone treatment online could be a great choice. “It's affordable, and the providers are licensed to provide you with addiction medicine and advice,” Hansen says. “Providers will gladly make a referral to a facility that would better serve the patient if they feel it's in the patient's best interest.” Alcoholism treatment can vary, as some people need inpatient care, while others do well with outpatient treatment. Nick Padlo, founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery, understands the challenges of selecting the right treatment plan as someone in recovery. He shares that while telehealth treatment can be helpful for many people, seeking treatment virtually can come with a lack of accountability, connection, and focus.

“In a virtual environment, it is often more difficult to form the solid connections that allow us to have a robust network in our recovery,” he says. He also notes that the connections made in a virtual treatment program may not always be local, which can prevent you from building a solid infrastructure of support around you.

Padlo also notes that everyday distractions may prevent those seeking sobriety from being fully present in their treatment, and that full commitment is required. Virtual treatment shouldn’t be chosen because it’s thought to be easier,it can actually be much more challenging for some. “We need to be fully present and working on ourselves,” he says. “Halfway doing treatment often results in relapse and continued struggles.”

Signs You May Need In-Person Rehab

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to consider in-person rehab, here are a few key signs to look out for:

You’ve Tried Telehealth But Feel Disconnected

“The opposite of addiction is connection,” Padlo says. If you’ve tried telehealth treatment a time or two but still feel disconnected, isolated, or just not seeing any improvement, it may be that you need the face-to-face connection of in-person treatment.

You’re Surrounded By Triggers

In the early stages of addiction treatment, Hansen says that being physically removed from your environment is oftentimes the only way to truly reset. Removing access to people and places that may be triggering gives you a fresh baseline to begin rebuilding.

You Need Accountability & Routine

Accountability is a significant component of sobriety, but it needs to be done right to stay on the path to recovery. Some individuals find that certain virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are less effective, especially when group sizes are larger or structure is minimal. If you find yourself struggling to stay committed or disciplined in a virtual program, the accountability and routine of in-person treatment may make all the difference.

In-Person Rehab: What It Offers That Virtual Can’t

While telehealth treatment is known for its convenience, in-person rehab offers benefits that some individuals may find more effective for their recovery needs.

Space To Focus On Recovery

When you step into an in-person rehab treatment program, you gain distance from daily responsibilities and distractions. This physical separation allows you to focus solely on recovery. With fewer outside stressors competing for your attention, it becomes easier to fully engage in the healing process. “During rehab, I had the ability to step completely away from the responsibilities of my life,” Padlo says. “This allowed me to focus fully on my recovery and develop the tools and skills needed to be successful in long-term sobriety.”

Built-In Support & Accountability

In-person rehab offers an immersive experience in which you’re surrounded by licensed professionals and peers who understand what you’re going through. This face-to-face support system can help you feel less isolated in your journey. Padlo shares that his time in in-person treatment gave him the opportunity to develop connections that enabled him to have a support system for when he faced struggles post-rehab. These relationships often become the foundation for a long-term recovery network.

A Safe & Structured Environment

One of the biggest advantages of inpatient drug rehab is the structured and secure setting it provides. Unlike telehealth, which leaves you to manage your own environment, inpatient rehab removes access to triggers and temptations that may lead to relapse. The program is structured, and you don’t feel isolated in your recovery, nor do you feel like you have to make every decision and positive choice on your own. Hansen adds that in-person monitoring is vital for patients needing detox, as serious withdrawals should be medically managed and supervised by a healthcare provider to ensure the safety of the patient.

The Financial Commitment

While in-person rehab can offer a comprehensive treatment experience that can’t be replicated virtually, it comes with a significant financial investment.

On average, Hansen says that in-person treatment can cost between $25,000 and $45,000 for a 30 to 45 day stay, with luxury treatment centers charging even higher rates. This cost might not be feasible for everyone, but fortunately, some accept insurance or offer sliding-scale payment options.

Of course, this doesn't take into account the high cost of alcohol abuse, which in itself can really add up and be detrimental.

When Telehealth Can Be Enough

Let’s be clear: telehealth isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay, no single solution is. But for some people, it’s exactly what they need, which might be the case for you. Many people prefer telehealth because of the autonomy it offers, they’re in charge of the pace, place, and timing of care. With telehealth, there’s no time spent driving back and forth between appointments, sitting in waiting rooms, or overpaying for appointments. As the patient, you’re in control, and for people in the right stage of their recovery journey, this freedom can be key. At the end of the day, Padlo says that it’s all about maintaining an ongoing sense of self-awareness in your recovery journey. If telehealth is working, great. If not, it’s time to reassess. “If we start a virtual IOP and we find ourselves struggling, we need to be aware of that and make a change to an in-person program,” he says.

Making The Call: Questions To Ask Yourself

Choosing the right treatment plan requires an honest self-assessment to determine what you specifically need. Here are a few questions to get you started:

• Am I safe to detox at home?
• Am I engaging with my current treatment plan?
• Do I feel seen, supported, and connected?
• Am I showing up for myself, or avoiding the hard stuff?
• Am I prioritizing long-term sobriety or short-term ease?

Aja Chavez, Executive Director of Adolescent Services at Mission Prep Healthcare, reminds her patients that recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all, and that despite hesitancies and anxieties that may surround in-person rehab, letting yourself truly evaluate what you need with the proper priorities in place is key. “Focus on safety first, like the risk of withdrawal, self-harm, then clinical fit like evidence-based therapies for your specific needs, and finally practicality like cost, location, work/family obligations,” she says.

How To Take The Next Step Toward In-Person Rehab

If you decide that in-person rehab is the best step forward in your sobriety journey, trying to figure out how to begin the treatment process may feel overwhelming. Here are a few steps to build an action plan for yourself as you work towards a better future:

Do Your Research

Start by exploring your options. Googling phrases like “inpatient drug rehab near me” or “outpatient alcohol rehab in [your city]” can help you get a sense of what's available nearby. You can also look at treatment directories, check reviews of local rehab centers, or ask your doctor for referrals. Don’t forget to contact your insurance provider to find out which programs are in-network and what kind of coverage you have for treatment.

If you begin to feel overwhelmed or paralyzed by too many options, try making one simple phone call. “Have a conversation with someone at a good, well-reputed treatment center,” Padlo says. “They should either be able to help you or point you in the right direction to understand what you need to do next.”

Don’t worry about having all the right words. The goal isn’t to know everything, it’s to start a real conversation that gets you moving forward.

Here are a few questions to break the ice:

• What programs are available for my specific substance use?
• What’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment here?
• What are the costs and payment options?
• How soon can I begin, and how long is the typical stay?
• Do you offer medical detox or withdrawal management?
• These conversations provide an opportunity to clarify what you need and what is realistic. You’ll learn about the types of care available, how quickly you can start, and what support is available during and after treatment.

Loop In Your Support System

If you’re struggling to make progress toward in-person alcohol rehab, don’t be afraid to seek support from the people you trust. Ask your partner, friend, or family member for support. See if they can help you make the call or talk through local treatment options. Remember, you aren’t alone in your recovery, and you deserve to have people in your corner who will cheer you on. Give yourself credit, you’re doing something brave, and you should be proud of that.

Final Thoughts: There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Path

Regardless of which treatment plan you choose, the most important thing is to simply begin. There is no “right” path to sobriety, and recovery isn’t linear. Starting somewhere, even virtually, is a big deal, and it’s something to celebrate. You’re choosing to build a better future for yourself, and that’s really all that matters.

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