How Does Outpatient Treatment Work?
Although inpatient drug rehab might be the most recommended way to overcome your substance use disorder, you may find yourself in a situation where outpatient treatment would be more suitable. Even so, it is important that you understand how this form of treatment works before you enroll in any program. Read on to find out more:
Understanding Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is unlike inpatient drug rehab in the sense that you will not be required to move into the treatment facility for the duration of your rehabilitation. Instead, outpatient drug rehab will allow you to continue living in your own home and community even as you keep up on your work on your addiction.
Most of these treatment programs have set schedules. As such, you will be required to appear at the facility for both group and individual therapy and counseling. Alternatively, the program might run a system that is based on appointments. These programs are ideal if you need to seek treatment while also meeting your responsibilities and obligations at work, school, and home.
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
There are many benefits that you stand to gain when you choose to seek addiction treatment and recovery on an outpatient basis. Some of these benefits include but are not limited to:
a) Convenience
If you do not want to abandon your responsibilities or leave your home environment to seek treatment services for your substance use disorder, outpatient drug rehab might be ideal for you.
It can allow you to receive help with your addiction without abandoning everything to enroll for treatment in a controlled environment. This way, you will be able to conveniently continue meeting your home, work, and school responsibilities.
b) Affordability
The fact that outpatient treatment does not require you to check into the drug rehab center for round the clock care means that your costs will be reduced. This is because you won't have to pay for room and board, since you will be staying at home or in a sober living facility.
In the long term, outpatient drug rehab might end up costing you much less than you would have had to pay if you were enrolled in an inpatient or residential addiction treatment program.
c) Freedom and Flexibility
In the same way, when you choose outpatient drug rehab, it means that you will be able to schedule your treatment sessions around your normal daily schedule. As a result, this form of treatment will allow you to continue meeting your daily obligations while also getting help for your substance use disorder. This flexibility could also prove useful in ensuring that you are able to afford your treatment services - because you can still continue earning a living as you seek treatment.
Who Needs Outpatient Treatment?
Research studies have reported that outpatient treatment is a less intensive form of care for substance use disorders. This is because you will not be provided with round the clock medical care and supervision. However, this also means that you won't be able to access the services of clinicians in case you are in a crisis.
To this end, you should only choose outpatient treatment if you have:
- A new substance use disorder that has not progressed enough for your drug and alcohol related habits to become fixed and firm
- A support system of sober friends and family members who could help you in case you are in a crisis
- Already received other addiction treatment services in the form of inpatient drug rehab
- No diagnosis for a co-occurring mental health or medical disorder that could affect your progress in addiction recovery
- You only need a touchup on your treatment after being through residential drug rehab
If any of the above characteristics describe your situation, then you will still need some help dealing with your substance use disorder. However, this help does not have to come in the form of the round the clock medical supervision and care that is provided through inpatient drug rehab.
In an outpatient treatment program, you can still continue working towards your full sobriety and recovery during your treatment sessions before going back to your normal daily schedule once you have completed your drug rehab meetings.
Getting Help
If your addiction is relatively new or not diagnosed as sufficiently severe to warrant inpatient drug rehab, you might benefit from outpatient treatment. However, you should undergo thorough assessment and evaluation before choosing this form of treatment to ensure that you are a good match for it.
In the long run, outpatient treatment might prove sufficient in helping you overcome your substance use disorder and in ensuring that you keep up with your sobriety as long as you are serious and dedicated to the program that you choose.
CITATIONS
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states/types-treatment-programs
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360921/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152944/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/21822638_Effective_Outpatient_Drug_Treatment_Organizations_Program_Features_and_Selection_Effects
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1081/ADA-100107659?journalCode=iada20
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