Your decision to seek outpatient treatment for drug addiction can spark many questions as you prepare your mind to commit to recovery and long-term sobriety. A common question that comes up, especially among those between the ages of 18-30, is how long the programs will last. Outpatient drug treatment centers typically design their programs to run for about 30-90 days, but they can be shorter or longer depending on the level of addiction and whether you need mental health treatment.
Getting Drug Treatment at an Outpatient Rehab
Both outpatient and inpatient or residential rehabs offer detox and therapy as part of their comprehensive approach to drug treatment. Outpatient treatment programs can be done as a traditional outpatient (level 1 care) or intensive outpatient (level 2 care) depending on your needs. Some outpatient centers offer only “step-down” programs which mean they focus on therapy only, after you complete detox or residential treatment elsewhere. Traditional Outpatient: Conventional outpatient is structured to cater to clients with mild addiction who do not require medically-assisted detox or 24-hour medical supervision during withdrawal or afterward. They usually attend rehab for at least 9-12 hours a week while continuing to live at home. It makes a great option for people such as:
- Working professionals needing to maintain their careers
- Clients who need to care for family members
- Those who cannot afford inpatient treatment
- Clients capable of managing drug use triggers on their own
- Individuals with a low risk of relapse
- Those needing to protect their privacy
- People unwilling to commit to residential rehab
Intensive outpatient: These programs are more rigorous in nature and may include partial hospitalization (PH). Clients in these programs may have moderate addiction and will need some level of hands-on-care in a hospital or clinical setting during detox and withdrawal. During this time they can receive the optimum care to help them manage post-acute withdrawal symptoms. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recommends at least 9 therapeutic contact hours for persons receiving outpatient care. Outpatient treatment could be extended to involve sober living or involvement in sober groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These auxiliary programs serve as a way to help you maintain your sobriety once formal treatment ends. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it is critical to remain in treatment for an adequate length of time. This increases your chances of remaining sober.
Connecting with an Outpatient Treatment Center in South Florida
Many rehabs in South Florida offer outpatient or intensive outpatient in a compassionate and structured environment. Their medical and mental health team consists of highly trained professionals who deliver individualized treatment. A dual diagnosis is usually performed at intake to determine the level of care you need. Treatment may also include sports and exercise as a form of holistic therapy, family or couples therapy, and occupational therapy. You can take the first step to get sober, today, by giving them a call at 833-846-5669 to find out more about their programs.