What’s the difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab?

December 15, 2025
Adj Prof Dr Prem Kumar Shanmugam

When seeking treatment for addiction, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between inpatient and outpatient rehab. Both are designed to help individuals overcome substance dependence, but they differ in structure, intensity, and level of support.

Understanding these differences can help you or your loved one make a more informed choice in the journey towards recovery.

What Is Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient rehab, also known as residential treatment, involves staying at a rehab centre full-time for a specific period—typically 28 to 90 days, depending on individual needs.

This immersive setting provides:

  • 24/7 medical and emotional support

  • Structured daily routines

  • Therapy sessions (individual and group)

  • Holistic care (such as mindfulness, fitness, and art therapy)

  • A safe, trigger-free environment

Inpatient rehab is ideal for those with severe addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders, or those who have relapsed multiple times.

At Solace Asia, our residential programme focuses on holistic healing, personalised treatment plans, and building a solid foundation for long-term recovery.

What Is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient rehab allows individuals to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions at a clinic or treatment centre. It is more flexible and less intensive than inpatient rehab.

Outpatient programmes include:

  • One-on-one counselling

  • Group therapy sessions

  • Psychoeducation

  • Relapse prevention planning

This option is best suited for individuals with mild to moderate addiction, or for those transitioning from inpatient care. It’s also ideal for people who have work, school, or family obligations they can’t pause.

Key Differences at a Glance

Which One Is Right for Me?

Choosing between inpatient and outpatient rehab depends on:

  • The severity and duration of your addiction

  • Your current living environment

  • Whether you’ve attempted recovery before

  • The presence of mental health issues or medical complications

If you’re unsure, speaking with an addiction specialist can help assess your situation and recommend the best fit.

Support at Every Level

At Solace Asia, we offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment programmes, tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're seeking round-the-clock support or a more flexible recovery path, we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way.

No matter where you begin, the most important thing is that you start.

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Why Choose Us?

Our values make us the best addiction treatment facility in the region.

Trust

We offer addiction treatment services to clients and their families. As the first private residential rehab in Malaysia, we set the benchmark for ethical treatment.

Language

We have the ability to provide treatment not only in English, but also Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, Cantonese and even Arabic! We are truly local yet global.

Culture

All our treatment has the Asian culture embedded in our modalities. We are 100% locally owned and operated agency, every center in Asia are owned by expatriates.

Academia

We don't only do Addiction Treatment, we also teach it! We are a NAADAC Approved Education Provider. We are also on Udemy, the worlds largest education platform.

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