Making the decision to change your relationship with drugs or alcohol is a huge step toward recovery. There are several types of substance abuse treatment programs available, including detox, counseling and therapy. Although many people think about inpatient rehabilitation programs when thinking about drug rehab and detox, outpatient programs are also a viable option. Outpatient substance abuse treatment programs are one option for you or your loved one battling substance abuse.
What Is Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment?
Outpatient substance abuse treatment programs involve non-residential daily treatment, including counseling, therapy or group sessions at a facility or clinic. Those who choose outpatient substance abuse treatment programs are able to continue life at home while they recover, enabling them to take care of family members or children while keeping up with their jobs and/or staying on track with school. Outpatient rehab requires much less time at a facility, in comparison to inpatient rehab programs that often require a minimum of three months in a rehab center.
Most outpatient substance abuse treatment programs are less intensive yet still help clients to overcome their drug and alcohol dependence while teaching them how to maintain their recovery over the long-term.
Outpatient substance abuse treatment programs are ideal for those who are committed to stop using alcohol or drugs but require flexibility so they can still remain functional at home and work while adhering to their regular schedules.
There are several different types of outpatient substance abuse treatment programs, including:
- Day Programs, which offer the highest level of structure and care in an outpatient setting, often meeting 5 to 7 hours a day while offering biofeedback, ongoing therapy, group counseling and other types of therapy.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs offer treatment with defined and measurable milestones that are set in place to ensure progress. The commitment per week is decreased as each milestone is met. IOP programs are a great option for those who are serious about abstaining from drugs and alcohol but still need to be able to pursue daily responsibilities, such as work, school or family life. These programs may require a few hours of sessions each week by way of group therapy, counseling sessions, relapse prevention education or recovery support groups.
- Continuing care groups are another type of IOP programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous. These ongoing support programs are available to help those battling substance abuse to solidify their commitments to sobriety. These groups may be gender- or age-specific and may focus on certain aspects of recovery.
Why Should I Consider an Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Program?
Outpatient substance abuse treatment programs offer many benefits that make it the best option for many clients, including:
- Outpatient substance abuse treatment programs tend to cost less than inpatient rehab as they do not include the costs of lodging at an inpatient facility.
- Clients can live in their homes while receiving treatment, which is a great option for clients who have friends and family who are a support system.
- Many different types of therapy and counseling are offered in this setting and clients can choose the level of intensity of care that is best for them and their unique situation.
- Programs can treat clients with co-occurring problems or disorders, including eating disorders, depression, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Appointments can be made for meetings that accommodate work or school schedules, including evening meeting times.
Who Should Go to an Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Center?
Deciding whether outpatient substance abuse treatment is best for you or a loved one battling substance use is between you/them and a professional; however, by asking yourself or your loved one a few questions before committing to outpatient rehab vs inpatient drug rehab can help:
- Are you exposed to drugs or alcohol in your environment?
- Do you live in an environment that is supportive of sobriety and stable?
- Do you have close friends or family members who use drugs or drink alcohol around you?
- Can you leave your home, school or job for a period of time to pursue treatment?
- Can you commute to a facility from your home several times a week?
- Do you have any other mental health or medical issues that require specialized treatment for a co-occurring disorder?
If you or a loved one is up against a drug or alcohol problem, it is important to pursue help from a treatment professional or someone you can trust. Treatment professionals can offer feedback that helps patients to decide which treatment option is best.
If you or a loved one is ready to pursue outpatient substance abuse treatment help, the team at My Recovery Source is dedicated to helping you find the best treatment center for you. We understand that obligations at work or home may keep some from pursuing necessary treatment, which is why we are here. Whether you are ready to pursue outpatient substance abuse treatment or want to determine which addiction treatment option is best for you or your loved one, contact us today to get started down the path to wellness and recovery.
