The decision to attend outpatient drug treatment or residential treatment is dependent on many different factors. If your addiction is one of long standing, or if you have relapsed before, then outpatient services may not be sufficient. You likely will need the structured, constantly supervised, singular environment of a residential facility. As you proceed through the treatment process, the temptation to give in to drug cravings will likely be strong. Residential treatment will help you with that, because you will know that your drug is simply not available there. There is little point in scheming to get it. Residential treatment is also good for people who feel they need to get away from their present environment, so they can focus on treatment in a minimally distracting environment.
Outpatient services are more suitable for people with lower-intensity addiction levels. At the end of this article you will learn how you can determine the best option for your circumstances.
You will need to make an initial choice. Generally, you don’t go from residential treatment into outpatient treatment. If you choose the residential option, you will receive aftercare services to support you after you have completed the facility’s recovery phases. Aftercare typically consists of supportive counseling. It will probably include both group and individual counseling. It’s included in the price of your residential stay and will continue for a significant period of time after you leave the facility.
Other Treatment Options
There is nothing wrong with also going to an outpatient program afterwards, but it likely won’t be necessary. You also need to focus on rebuilding your life. This means working and attending to family responsibilities. Many outpatient programs require participation hours that take up a good part of a day. It will be hard to do both, not to mention managing the expense.
If you feel you need more support after you have left a residential treatment facility, you can seek out more counseling services from a therapist. Be sure they are certified to treat substance abuse problems. You can also attend Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings. They are available in nearly every city and generally offer meetings at all different times of the day and night, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule. Everyone is welcome.
You don’t necessarily have to work their 12-step program to attend. If you don’t believe in it or if it hasn’t worked for you in the past, you don’t have to do it. You don’t have to talk at all if you don’t want to. The point of these meetings is to get support and knowledge from others who are, or have been, where you are.
If you’re ready to enter outpatient or inpatient drug treatment, we can help. Just call us at 844-903-2111. We would be happy to help you select the perfect recovery option for you, including helping you with the choice of outpatient or residential treatment. We’re here 24 hours a day. Help is a phone call away.