What is an Outpatient Treatment Program?

An outpatient rehab program is different from an inpatient program. An inpatient program requires individuals to move into a facility for a specified period of time. With an outpatient program, individuals can stay in their homes and communities as they work on their addiction issues.

Types of Outpatient Programs

Many of these programs are based on several factors designed to accommodate a person’s individual needs.

  • Financial and insurance status
  • Type of substance disorder
  • Medical history
  • Severity of the substance disorder
  • Age
  • Mental health conditions

Effective Outpatient Drug Rehab Programs

Certain outpatient drug rehab programs are more effective than others based on individual circumstances.

  • Recovery Residencies – This is also known as a halfway house. It is for individuals whose stage of recovery is between inpatient and outpatient. They are sober, healthy, non-medical, and function well in environments that are focused on recovering from substance abuse. Some provide intensive and structured services. Others provide housing with peer-to-peer support.
  • Day Programs – These are often considered the most intensive type of outpatient rehab programs. They are designed to provide the most services and structure during an individual’s treatment. Individuals in these programs are required to attend up to seven sessions a week for multiple hours daily. Time is spent with group counseling, talk therapy sessions as well as other therapies. It is common for them to offer music or art therapies.
  • Continuing Care Groups – These are such groups as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. They are designed to assist people with their commitment to maintaining sobriety. Individuals in this program usually meet weekly. The sessions can be run by members who have achieved long-term sobriety or a licensed therapist. They provide individuals with a community of people dealing with recovery, counseling as well as important resources as they work to overcome their substance abuse issues.
  • Intensive Outpatient Program – This involves making treatment plans with goals that are measurable and clearly defined. As a program participant meets their goals, their commitments, and requirements of the program decrease. The early stages of the program may involve such things as participation in other recovery support groups, individual counseling sessions, 12-step programs, group therapy as well as relapse prevention education, and more.

Convenience

One of the most popular benefits of outpatient care is the convenience it provides. Patients do not have to move out of their house or remove themselves from their responsibilities to address addiction issues. Individuals can get quality assistance without the hassle or stigma associated with inpatient care.

Cost

Many people find an outpatient program is very cost-effective. Statistics show that approximately 62 percent of inpatient treatment facilities use a sliding scale for the fees they charge. This still makes the costs too much for many addicts. An addict can participate in an outpatient program without paying for room and board. This means their services are much less expensive when compared to an inpatient program.

Timeline

Every addict’s pace in an outpatient program will be different. Recovery and treatment paths are designed to meet individual needs. There are some common goals that almost all outpatient programs want their participants to achieve.

1. Getting Sober – Participants must end their use of alcohol or a substance. Detoxification will remove the chemicals from their system. Their body and brain can then start the process of healing. It will take time for important body functions such as healthy eating and sleeping to stabilize. This is a time for an addict to replace their alcohol or substance abuse with healthy behaviors. They will learn about building a support group and dealing with their cravings.

2. Strengthening Sobriety – This step includes sharing and learning. An addict will hear the experience of other addicts. They will learn new techniques and skills as they start exploring available resources. An addict will start making sober friends and applying their newly learned thought processes and behaviors to their daily life.

3. Aftercare Treatment – An addict having aftercare treatment is common. This happens even when sobriety has been obtained. It helps people embrace enjoying their life without alcohol or drugs. They continue to practice the healthy behaviors they’ve learned. It prevents relapses from occurring and helps them to be of service to others.

Outpatient treatment programs are known for being a less intense type of addiction treatment. It works best with people who need a treatment touch-up as well as those with clean and sober partners who can assist them. It is also best for recovering addicts who don’t need care and supervision 24 hours a day. Could you or a loved one benefit from an outpatient treatment program? Call us today at 833-846-5669. We are ready to help you. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day at 123-456-7890”