Outpatient treatment programs allow addicts to recover at their own pace from the comfort of their own homes. This is a good option for people who are juggling work and family commitments who don’t have time to enroll in traditional inpatient rehab. Many people who are dealing with addiction don’t realize that they have a problem until their drug use has progressed to a severe stage. For these people, outpatient treatment is the first step on their journey to recovery.
Inpatient rehab is challenging—but when you get to the other side, you feel a sense of accomplishment, proud that you’ve successfully completed your substance abuse treatment program. However, you should keep in mind that is no cure for addiction. Substance use disorders are chronic diseases, like high blood pressure or diabetes. Consequently, substance use disorders often require ongoing treatment to maintain sobriety. For instance, someone that is recovering from drug addiction may need to attend AA meetings or engage in other forms of therapy for years after their initial treatment to avoid relapse.
General Outpatient Vs. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is an addiction treatment program that doesn’t require overnight stays. It’s a therapeutic setting where patients can return home at the end of the day. General outpatient programs, on the other hand, are designed for patients who need less intensive care and can be discharged after each session. During intensive outpatient treatment, you would spend up to four days a week in a rehab treatment facility for up to three hours at a time. It’s like going to school: You attend classes and then go back home. There are two levels of intensity: full-day programs, which typically run from 9 to 5; and half-day programs, which either run from 9 to 1 or 12 to 6.
When you’re going through a detox or withdrawal, it’s tough to cope with the side effects of the medication. Medication-assisted treatment is available to ease the discomfort and withdrawal symptoms of detox. The medical care staff will administer dosages and monitor your progress as you go through your course of treatment.
The Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Treatment Centers
Addiction treatment starts with an inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment center. Inpatient treatment programs are short-term addiction rehabilitation programs that offer a continuum of care to individuals who are addicted to substances. A typical inpatient addiction program is three months long, with the average stay being 30 days. Outpatient programs are typically less intensive than inpatient programs and offer recovery services on an as-needed basis.
Outpatient addiction rehab is a continuation of intensive outpatient drug rehab programs. It’s typically used for people who have completed an inpatient program, are stable enough to be away from the facility during the day, and are not at risk for relapse. Outpatient drug rehab is sometimes known as sober living. Outpatient treatment is also a great option for those who are on the road to recovery and have suffered a minor setback such as relapse. It is much less expensive than inpatient treatment and can be done as often as desired. Additionally, outpatient treatment will allow those who are recovering from mental illness to maintain their work, family, and other responsibilities that might be compromised by in-patient care.
Duration of Outpatient Treatment
The duration of outpatient treatment is something that should be decided on a case-by-case basis. The type of addiction, severity, co-occurring disorders, age, gender, and other individual factors all play a role in determining the length of outpatient treatment. One of the most important factors in reducing the risk for relapse in sobriety is staying in an outpatient treatment center long-term. Treatment centers offer a safe, nurturing environment where recovering individuals can get personalized care from a professional therapist who will help them achieve their goals. Outpatient rehab programs are designed to support individuals in overcoming addiction. These programs offer many different types of therapeutic services, including 12-step meetings, process groups, or community support groups.
Listening to other people’s sobriety stories can be a huge motivator for staying sober. It is also an opportunity to create lifelong bonds. Many people who have gone through drug and alcohol rehab will tell you they still feel the need for support even after they’ve been clean for a long time. This is because addiction affects them in every way possible, including their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Within the support system group, new members often face challenges in maintaining sobriety.
Conclusion: Life After Outpatient Treatment
If you are someone who suffers from both addiction and mental health, your treatment provider may recommend individual counseling sessions with a therapist for your mental health needs, medication management. If you’re struggling with addiction, the best thing you can do is get help. Inpatient drug and alcohol treatment can provide a safe place for you to detox from the substance that’s been keeping you from living a full life. These programs can also offer counseling to help you deal with any mental health or addiction issues that are keeping you tied down. Call us at 855-936-4435.
