Making the commitment to enter a substance addiction rehabilitation program is the first step of many when trying to get your life back on track. Admitting that there is a problem and being willing to accept help are not easy feats, but they are necessary toward improving one’s quality of life. However, this is only the first step of many in the recovery process. After being admitted to a program, it is the responsibility of the client to put forth his/her best effort into following the recovery process. This involves following all of the rules, even during the most difficult and trying of times.
Despite the fact that all rehabilitation programs and centers will come with their own specific rules and regulations, there are several commonalities that are practiced across the board. These include:
- Remaining clean from drugs and alcohol
- Attending all therapeutic sessions
- Staying at the facility
However, the last rule is entirely contingent upon what type of program the client has entered: inpatient or outpatient.
Inpatient Versus Outpatient Treatment
Though they share many similarities, the main difference is that clients of outpatient therapy programs are able to leave each day. In outpatient treatment, clients attend the same group and individual therapy sessions throughout the day but return to their homes each night. These programs are best suited to those whose addiction is not so extreme or has not been plaguing their lives for an extended period of time.
Inpatient treatment requires individuals to move-in to a residential treatment facility, typically for 30 to 90 days. While clients may be allowed to leave, with supervision, under extreme circumstances- such as an important appointment- the general rule of thumb is that the person must remain on campus. Inpatient treatment programs are highly structured for a reason: when all rules and programatic elements are adhered to, they have extremely high success rates. If a person is able to come and go as they please, he/she puts himself at risk of being triggered by the outside environment, relapsing or putting the other clients at risk. Of course, a person may quit the program and leave the facility, but all clients are encouraged to stick through the inevitable tough times and see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Ready to make this commitment to improving your life? Give us a call today at 833-846-5669