Having to deal with the struggle of addiction makes life seem dreary and overwhelming. Many individuals who are experiencing the issue wish to get help, but at the same time need to maintain a job, go to classes, or look after family. Outpatient rehabilitation provides a perfect opportunity to get structured help while living at home.
With this type of program, individuals can go to counseling during the day and afterwards go back to their daily activities. This guide will provide insight on the nature of all outpatient rehabilitation, to whom it will of most benefit, and to enable individuals to make a sound choice on whether or not this will suit them or someone they care for.
What Is Outpatient Drug Rehab And How Does It Work?
Outpatient drug rehab is rehab treatment for drug additions which allow participants to live at home. Patients do not stay over at any rehab facilities; rather they come and go for their scheduled sessions at the drug rehab center.
Inpatient rehab requires the participants to live at their treatment center. Outpatient rehab does not mandate any home displacement which is less of an inconvenience on home life, but still provides structure and support.
Educating participants on addiction, medication support, and group sessions are typically included in most programs, during which the participant meets with their counselor one on one. Depending on the program, participants may attend during the day or at night. Outpatient drug rehab programs can sometimes last just a few weeks, but many continue for several months depending on the participants needs, eduction, progress, and safety.
Key Parts Of A Typical Outpatient Drug Rehab Program
- Evaluation and treatment strategy: A counselor collaborates with you to gather your history and create specific goals.
- One-to-one counseling: Discuss your triggers, stress, and wanted changes in life with a counselor one-on-one.
- Group counseling: You interact and assist one another on the same challenges, continuing your support and learning.
- Family sessions: Meetings may include your family to enhance the use of communication and set boundaries.
- Medication (if any): Progress and accountability may be shown in some programs through the use of tests.
- Relapse prevention planning: A strategy is developed with you to manage difficult times, and you learn the warning signs.
Different Levels Of Outpatient Care
Not all outpatient care is the same. Different degrees of outpatient care exist based on the amount of time you spend in treatment and the amount of support you require.
- Regular outpatient programs entail you going in for counseling or group sessions that are 1-3 times a week.
- IOP stands for intensive outpatient that you attend multiple times a week for a few hour sessions.
- PHP or partial hospitalization programs require the most of a time commitment as they run most weekdays, though you return home at the end of the day.
What is appropriate for you is determined based on the level of support you have at home, how serious the addiction is, and your safety.
Benefits Of Outpatient Drug Rehab For Everyday Life
Outpatient rehabilitation integrates into someone’s life rather than taking over. Many individuals appreciate being able to maintain work and personal responsibilities while getting ongoing support. Additionally, outpatient care typically provides greater confidentiality and is more affordable than inpatient care.
Stay At Home And Keep Your Daily Routine
In outpatient programs, you can typically maintain your job, school, and family responsibilities. Additionally, being able to stay in your own home is comforting and can alleviate some anxiety. Many programs even have sessions during the evenings and weekends, helping you attend without losing pay or missing school.
Lower Cost And Better Insurance Coverage
Because you don’t have to pay for lodging, outpatient rehab is often less expensive than inpatient programs. Many insurance providers reimburse a portion of the cost of outpatient care, and some facilities have payment plans or flexible fees. This increases access to treatment for people with financial concerns.
Practice New Skills In Real Life Right Away
In your outpatient rehabilitation, you practice skills you learn in therapy during your everyday routines including family and work situations the same day. You can identify triggers in your real life, and unite those encounters with your counselor or support group. This loop practice and feedback can smooth out the rough edges in the real life rehabilitation.
Is Outpatient Drug Rehab Right For You Or A Loved One?
An outpatient program is a big commitment and requires a lot of consideration. Some things to think about are safety, your level of support at home, and frequency and severity of substance use. While a professional assessment is the best approach to make the final decision.
Who Is A Good Fit For Outpatient Care?
Outpatient care will work best if you:
- Have stable housing.
- Have some support from family or friends.
- Do not face severe withdrawal risks.
- Have reliable transportation to your appointments.
- Are ready to engage in therapy and work on a plan.
These points are to guide you, not to dictate a decision, and a clinician will be able to help you clarify some of these.
When A Higher Level Of Care May Be Safer
You might consider inpatient or medical detox if you meet any of the following criteria:
- daily heavy drug use
- past history of dangerous drug withdrawal (i.e. seizures or severe distal illness)
- intense, severe, and/or uncontrollable drug use cravings
- lack of safe and stable living situation
- serious, including self-harm, mental health symptoms
If someone is at immediate risk, please contact emergency services or head to the nearest ER.
How To Take The First Step Toward Treatment
The initial steps may be challenging and you might be scared, but their purpose is to bring you relief. You can:
- Speak to your counselor, or doctor.
- Reach out to your local rehab center.
- Speak to your friends or family.
Try and prepare prior to the call by writing down your concerns. Your notes may help ease your mind.
Conclusion
Within your own home, you can gain flexible yet organized assistance through outpatient drug rehabilitation, which can also coordinate to your employment, schooling, and family obligations. Many find it to be the perfect balance between support and independence and it is typically cheaper than inpatient treatment.
For assessments and inquiries regarding outpatient treatment options, looking to make a safer, more secure, and hopeful future is just a conversation away. If you or your loved one is battling drug use, this is a great place to start.
