Is Outpatient Right for You?

Addiction treatment can be designed to fit the lifestyle of the person who needs substance abuse treatment. Programs do not have to look the same. They can be tailored to the unique circumstances each client presents.

Outpatient treatment programs are viable options that offer flexibility to people who are making the transition to sobriety. These programs focus on healing the psychological and social effects and behaviors of addiction, and they give people in recovery more control over their schedules as they work toward their sobriety goals.

This flexibility means outpatient programs are less structured than partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs), but they are no less effective than inpatient programs and vary in intensity and duration.

One key difference between outpatient and inpatient treatment programs is that outpatient does not require clients to live on-site in a 24-hour supervised rehab facility for a month or more, unlike inpatient clients do. The freedom to come and go as needed allows them to continue to go to work, attend school, and take care of family and other responsibilities at home.

These programs also have lower costs compared with inpatient programs, because there are no room and board fees to pay, which make them appealing options for people who may not be able to cover some or all the rehab costs. People who want to keep treatment a private matter also may be interested in this kind of program.

WHO BENEFITS FROM OUTPATIENT TREATMENT?

Outpatient treatment typically appeals to people who are:

• In the early stages of addiction or have a mild substance use disorder

• Want to continue their aftercare upon leaving residential or inpatient treatment

• Benefitting from having access to a supportive network of family and friends

• Unable to cover the costs of inpatient treatment

• Highly motivated and committed to their recovery goals and keeping a schedule

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), adolescent drug abuse treatment is offered in outpatient settings, which can be highly effective when delivered by well-trained clinicians.

WHAT SERVICES DO OUTPATIENT CLIENTS RECEIVE?

Outpatient programs vary in duration and intensity, and clients still must do the work to overcome their addiction. Time requirements in these programs can last a minimum of six to nine hours to more than 20 hours of treatment a week.

Those who participate in low-to-moderate intensity programs may attend treatment sessions once or twice a week. Intensive outpatient services typically require attendance at sessions more than twice a week for at least three hours or more a day, according to NIDA.

Outpatient rehab gives clients in early-stage addiction the tools and strategies they need to overcome addiction and substance use disorders. It offers a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and can include any of the following:

• Substance abuse education

• Cravings and triggers management

• Mental health treatment

• Therapy (individual and group)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• 12-step programs

• Transitional living facility referrals (including sober living homes)

• Relapse prevention training

WHAT OUTPATIENT TREATMENT DOES NOT OFFER

Clients who enter an outpatient program do have more flexibility and independence, but there are limitations as well. Outpatient care is not around-the-clock, so people who live outside a rehab center are solely responsible for keeping their environment safe, stable, and drug- and alcohol-free at all time.

They must remain aware of the people and places that serve as temptations and triggers that can lead to relapse, and they must make a concentrated effort to practice habits that support their sobriety.

Safe Haven Recovery is a boutique Florida Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center located in Miami, FL. We specialize in Suboxone Maintenance & Detox, along with, Couples Addiction Treatment. Call us today at 866-447-4650.

About the Author

Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns, Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.

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