When people think of drug and alcohol rehab, what usually comes to mind is an inpatient program in which a patient stays in a facility for a month. They spend that time detoxing, treating their withdrawal symptoms, and attending therapy sessions address the roots of their addictions. That’s all very important, but addiction treatment doesn’t end there.
As anyone who has ever struggled with drugs and alcohol can tell you, addiction is a lifelong struggle. A patient might be over their physical addiction, but there are always underlying factors that led to substance abuse in the first place such as depression, anxiety, an abusive home life, or chronic pain. These issues often don’t go away just because someone is physically clean; they can persist throughout life and lead to a relapse. This is why outpatient treatment is so important.
Rehab is the First Step
In many ways, undergoing detox and inpatient rehab is only the first step in overcoming an addiction. It may be a very important first step, but it is a first step nevertheless. What it does is allow patients to become physically healthy and overcome the need to constantly use drugs and alcohol to be free of pain and withdrawal. When that happens, the real healing can begin in the form of ongoing therapy that can last for years.
The Benefit of Outpatient Treatment
\In its simplest form, outpatient treatment keeps patients accountable so they don’t relapse and start using drugs and alcohol again, but it’s often more than that. We’ve already talked about how outpatient therapy allows patients to address the underlying psychological issues that may have drove them to drugs in the first place, but it can also provide a strong support system if they engage in group therapy. That support system is crucial since it surrounds patients with people who understand what they are going through and provides them with positive influences to replace the peers who may have encouraged risky behavior. The most important thing to remember is that the initial inpatient rehab is only a small part of addiction recovery, yet it’s something that most people fail to realize. The treatment that comes after is just as important, if not more so. It’s the reason why most good treatment programs include inpatient and outpatient treatment programs instead of just the standard detox that most people imagine.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, always remember that there is hope for you. It will be a long and difficult road to recovery, but it is one that will be worth it in the end. For more information about the programs that may be available to you, contact us today at 844-903-2111. We will be more than happy to answer your questions and provide the help you need.
