Outpatient Drug Rehab: Is Outpatient Drug Treatment Helpful?

Substance use is a complicated issue that can affect an individual's health, work, and personal relationships. Thankfully, one can overcome it with the help of professional assistance. So, people look for a drug rehab center. 

However, when hearing about drug rehab, inpatient drug rehab is the first thing that pops up in one's mind. Nevertheless, outpatient drug rehab is also a viable option for addiction treatment. Continue reading this piece to know why outpatient drug rehab is helpful, what it is, and the benefits one can enjoy! 

Outpatient drug rehab is a non-residential program that gives patients optimum flexibility while receiving the highest level of care. In other words, unlike inpatient treatment, it does not involve onsite housing arrangements. So, an individual attends the sessions and therapies during the day and returns home in the evening.  

This eliminates the problem of people not receiving alcohol or drug treatment because of intensive commitment. As a result, they do not have to take out much of their time by staying away from family and quitting jobs or school. 

In outpatient rehab, patients can simultaneously work through their addiction and school or work without putting off their responsibilities. 

Outpatient drug treatment is beneficial as it does not require total submission. Moreover, the sessions are personalized to fit every individual's routine and needs. For example, it can range from 3 to 7 days a week or 1 or 2 sessions weekly. 

Outpatient treatment is suitable for people satisfying the following criteria:

• Should have only mild or moderate addiction

• Is comfortable traveling for regular counseling sessions

• Have a strong support system of caregivers

• There is a low risk of experiencing life-threatening withdrawal symptoms 

• Is motivated to attend sessions and stick with the treatment 

Outpatient treatment programs will not suit those with severe drug or alcohol addiction problems. For example, people experiencing complicated withdrawal symptoms may need drug detox in an assisted background. 

Apart from this, if someone has a history of relapse, have co-occurring mental and health condition, or do not have a strong support system are less likely to benefit from this program.

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The biggest comparison of inpatient vs. outpatient is in its concept. For example, while one requires total submission, the other is independent. Other differences are as follows:

Stay

Inpatient treatment requires patients to stay in the rehab center. However, outpatient allows people to live at home and continue their everyday lives while receiving treatment. 

Requirement

Severe drug or alcohol treatment cases require inpatient rehab that may last between one to three months or more. During this period, the addict receives therapy and behavioral counseling, which is considered a successful treatment approach. 

On the other hand, outpatient treatment centers treat mild addiction problem or those severe cases when the patient has already completed inpatient treatment but need further assistance. 

Purpose 

As inpatient treatment provides a stable environment, it focuses on recovery and prevents outside influences that might interfere with the recovery. On the other hand, the outpatient treatment program reduces the chances of relapse and helps individuals get back to their normal life. 

Outpatient drug treatment can vary depending on the substance used, visible withdrawal symptoms, and individual requirements. Generally, it divides into three categories:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Day Treatment

eIt is only one step down from inpatient treatment in which patients have to attend highly structured programs lasting for 4 to 5 hours a day every four or more days a week. PHP treatment is beneficial for those who require constant monitoring during the day but need to return home at the end of the day. 

However, receiving this type of treatment support from caregivers is very important. They need to make sure their home environment is stable and supports sobriety. 

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs or IOPs include 3 to 4 hours of sessions a day for three or more days a week. These professional helpers set measurable milestones to track the progress of addicts. After hitting one milestone number of sessions reduces by one. It is perfect for those who require the intensity of inpatient but freedom of outpatient. 

Moreover, one also does not need to worry about progress as survey reports say IOP is as effective as inpatient drug treatment for most cases. 

Outpatient Program (OP)

This includes a group of caregivers that assist in achieving complete recovery. These caregivers are licensed therapists who take weekly sessions to motivate and keep individuals on track. 

Some outpatient drug rehab centers also sort these groups according to age or gender so people feel comfortable sharing experiences, trust the process and learn from others. In short, the NIH defines it as a 'continuum of care.'

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During drug and alcohol outpatient treatment, patients live a normal life like they usually do and attend rehab services when they are free. The services offered during this period of recovery include:

Group Therapy

Group is an essential part of rehab programs as they motivate each other with their life experiences and speed up recovery. In other words, a person with a mild addiction problem attends group counseling weekly, monthly, or daily. 

The group includes several people suffering from a similar situation and a qualified addiction counselor who leads the session. The aim here is to understand addiction deeply for a better cure.

Mental Health Therapy

As addiction can directly affect patients' mental health, multiple therapists lead separate sessions for individual assistance. However, groups in outpatient treatment for depression and other psychic problems are usually small to avoid people getting intimidated. 

People in the group share their challenges, creating a sense of comfort that no one is alone. Not to mention it helps people to re-engage, as addiction can propel people to become anti-social.

Wellness and Fitness Activities

Wellness and fitness activity are other essential elements of outpatient services as they add to mind and body development. In addition, fun activities promote an optimistic outlook in patients and boost confidence. Moreover, to maintain abstinence from substance use, one also needs to maintain well-being. 

These are all possible by maintaining nutrition, appropriate physical activity, and fun through trekking, party, and day-out. Moreover, as proved by a recent survey, since a significant portion of the addict ratio belongs to the adolescent age group, it helps maintain their interest. 

There are many reasons why people seek assisted outpatient treatment, which is discussed in brief below:

Outpatient Detoxification

Detoxification of drugs is a complicated process and can go out of hand if not managed by medical professionals. So, people seek a safe and effective outpatient detoxification service. It has dedicated staff that assists with medications and constantly monitors their vitals. 

Moreover, while detoxifying, one also does not hamper the social and family relationship by getting isolated from loved ones. Instead, the patients return to the same clinic to complete their detox.

Maintaining Employment

Another benefit of choosing outpatient drug treatment is it does not hamper employment. The rehab centers work on off or evening hours, so patients can join the sessions after finishing work. 

Leave to attend alcohol or drug rehab is protected under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). So, no one can get fired for seeking addiction treatment. However, the leave can be unpaid, making it a problem for breadwinners. Thus, instead of taking off for inpatient, they opt for outpatient and manage work accordingly. 

Family Focus

Patients can search for drug rehab near me and signup at the nearest outpatient center to support their family while getting rid of their addiction. Not to mention family therapy is an essential part of outpatient services to offer guidance to the entire family rather than the single individual. 

This, as a result, helps find resources and strengths in the family and use it to live without substance use. 

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Treating drugs and alcohol do not need complete submission. One can also seek outpatient drug treatment in rehab and expect the same recovery for mild addiction. The treatment program includes therapy, counseling, treatment sessions, and medication to eliminate dependence successfully. Moreover, during this, people can stay home and go to school or work. 

The Edge Treatment Center is an outpatient drug rehab center that allows family visits, licensed clinicians, flexible scheduling, and even exciting adventures. We even offer an individualized treatment plan, dual diagnosis, and evident-based care for a wholesome recovery. Furthermore, you can enjoy frequent outside trips because we believe recovery can be fun too! So, embark on a journey to a happier life. Talk to The Edge Treatment Center today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to prepare before seeking outpatient treatment?

Before seeking outpatient drug treatment, one should have answers to questions such as how long you have been using a substance, have you abused any other drug simultaneously, and whether you are suffering from any mental disorder.  

For how long does outpatient drug treatment continue?

The length of outpatient drug treatment varies from one rehab center to another. The average duration may extend up to ten weeks. Also, this usually follows a step-down approach meaning the number of weekly sessions keeps decreasing as specialists notice improvement. 

What is the outlook for outpatient drug treatment?

Studies reported by the National Institute of Drug Abuse have indicated that 43% of the patients that participated in the outpatient treatment completed their program. Of this, 18% of people are still sober after five years, and the rate of drug addiction relapse ranges from 40% to 60%. Ultimately, participating in outpatient drug rehab is better than avoiding it entirely.

What to consider when looking for outpatient drug treatment?

When looking for outpatient drug treatment, you must consider the type of programs offered and whether it is individualized. Also, look for mental and physical treatment, aftercare plans, treatment methods, payment options, and treatment for co-occurring situations. 

What outpatient therapies does a rehab center offer?

The exact outpatient therapies will depend on the treatment center from which you take help. However, the common ones include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Contingency Management (CM), the Matrix Model, Family Therapy, and Motivational Enhancement Therapy. 

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If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.

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