Outpatient substance abuse treatment is an important part of the recovery process for many people who struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. An outpatient program offers people the opportunity to receive treatment while still maintaining their everyday lives.
Outpatient treatment is much less restrictive than inpatient care, and it doesn’t involve living at a facility or giving up your personal space daily. Instead, it’s a cost-effective and time-efficient way to enable individuals to continue working, attending school, or caring for family members while also getting the help they need to tackle their addiction healthily.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and needs help, this brief guide will give you some helpful information about outpatient substance abuse treatment and its benefits.
What Is Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment?
Outpatient treatment – also called partial-hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment – is a form of drug or alcohol rehab that allows patients to attend scheduled treatment sessions while maintaining their daily lives outside the facility.
People who choose outpatient treatment often do so because they want to continue with their daily responsibilities – or careers – while receiving treatment. Outpatient treatment is also a good option for people who don’t have the money to cover the cost of inpatient care.
There are two main outpatient programs: intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and group outpatient programs.
IOPs are similar to inpatient programs in that they require daily attendance at treatment sessions. The frequency and duration of these sessions can vary.
On the other hand, group outpatient programs offer participants scheduled treatment sessions once a week. These sessions are usually shorter than those found in intensive outpatient programs.
Benefits of an Outpatient Program
There are many benefits to participating in outpatient treatment as opposed to inpatient care.
For one, outpatient treatment is less restrictive and allows you to maintain independence. It can be a good option for people who don’t have the option of taking a leave of absence from work o those who want to continue living at home with their families instead of moving into a treatment center.
Outpatient care offers you the flexibility to attend group and individual therapy sessions at times that work best with your schedule.
In many cases, you’ll be given homework between sessions to help you apply what you learn in treatment to your daily life. This can help you build positive habits and stay on track with your recovery long after your therapy sessions have ended.
Outpatient care is also more affordable than inpatient treatment and is much shorter in duration – usually lasting between 6 to 9 months – than inpatient care, which can last from 3 to 6 months. And, unlike inpatient care, outpatient treatment is covered by many insurance providers.
Outpatient treatment can help you identify the root causes of your addiction and learn how to manage cravings in your daily life. You’ll be able to build a support network of friends and family members who can help you stay on track with your recovery once you complete your treatment program.
In Summary
Outpatient drug and alcohol treatment is a great option for many people who are struggling with addiction and want to get help while still maintaining their daily responsibilities. It’s less restrictive than inpatient care and doesn’t require giving up your independence.
Now that you have some insight into outpatient treatment, you can make a well-guided decision for yourself or your loved one.
