Addiction can be nearly impossible to fight on your own, but fortunately, you don’t have to face it alone. Seeking outside help to aid you in the battle against substance abuse is a huge step in the right direction. It may be the one decision that allows you the strength to say goodbye to addiction for good and regain control over your life.
Making the conscious decision to get help is only part of the journey. Now you have to decide which level of care you are needing. Whether you are looking for a temporary living space with 24-hour supervision to help you stay on course or just a few hours of therapy per week, there is a method that will suit your individual needs.
How Outpatient Rehab Differs From Inpatient Care
Though the ultimate goal of rehab is to guide each patient to the path of lifelong sobriety, some facilities may provide inpatient services while others may practice outpatient treatment. Some may even offer both methods. There is no option better than the other. It all boils down to personal preference, lifestyle obligations, and the severity of your substance abuse.
Inpatient rehab requires patients to live in the facility for the duration of their recovery. However, outpatient rehab allows participants to come and go as the program allows. If you decide to go the outpatient route, you must be determined to stay away from substances and possible triggers when you are away from the facility. If you don’t trust yourself not to succumb to your addiction, you may want to check into an inpatient facility instead.
What To Expect in Outpatient Rehab
While you would only be spending a certain amount of time in an outpatient facility, the treatment plans are equipped to take on the difficult challenge of addiction. To offer the best wholistic treatment, outpatient facilities are staffed with medical professionals, psychiatrists, and social workers. Unlike inpatient facilities, outpatient rehab puts little emphasis on medication and detox plans; instead, the focus is centered around therapy and mental tools to help wean off the desire to use. Some of the methods practiced include but are not limited to:
- Twelve-step programs
- Individual and group counseling sessions
- Professional evaluations
- Recovery education
- Aftercare meetings
There are different types of outpatient care that you can choose from. Generally, they are broken down into three categories: day programs, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and continuing care. Some of these options may require you to check into the facility on a daily basis or at least five days per week. Others may only ask for a few hours of weekly participation. Depending on the facility, group treatment may also be broken down by gender, age, and substance of focus.
How Outpatient Care Affects Work And School
The great thing about outpatient care is that after you have been treated for the day, you are free to go until your next session. This makes it possible to continue going to school and/or work while getting clean. While each facility operates in a slightly different manner, staff members will do their best to work around your schedule so that you can recover while still handling your responsibilities.
If you have to manage a busy schedule, your best option would be an intensive outpatient program. This program is quite flexible and only requires a few hours per week. It tracks patients’ progress by setting milestones. As patients reach their goals, their time is decreased, and when the facilitator feels that they are able to maintain a substance-free lifestyle, they will have completed the program. From this point, a patient may find an interest in continuing care groups. These are meetings that usually take place once per week to keep patients on the right track once they have recovered. Day programs are a bit more involved and require at least five to seven days per week. Along with multiple therapy sessions, leisure activities, such as games, painting, and music, are included as a way to introduce healthy pastimes. If you choose a day program, it may be hard to attend work and school.
You no longer have to struggle with addiction. Living a clean, sober life is possible, no matter what your circumstances are. Call us today at 844-639-8371 to find out how we can assist you on your journey to recovery.