Non-resident or outpatient rehab may seem like a lighter approach to overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. In reality, residing offsite typically requires a deeper level of commitment and the ability to maintain sobriety outside of the structured environment residential programs tend to offer. Therefore, most treatment centers recommend outpatient programs to clients who already have a relatively structured lifestyle, a home setting that encourages clean and sober living, and the ability to do the hard work outpatient treatment generally requires.
How Much of a Time Commitment Does Outpatient Treatment Require?
The amount of time an outpatient client spends at the treatment center depends on the nature of the individual’s addiction and the stage at which he or she is in his or her recovery. Individuals who are newer to rehab typically spend more time at the treatment center attending therapy sessions and participating in treatment activities. Those who graduate from a residential treatment program are generally at a stage at which they are able to reintegrate into life outside the treatment center. Therefore, they may return to the center a few times a week for outpatient treatment. People who enroll in outpatient treatment typically have employment commitments and/or childcare responsibilities to which they attend during their time away from the treatment center. Your treatment counselor will help you plan your schedule in a way that permits you to uphold your responsibilities, participate in your outpatient program, and maintain time to get the rest you need to support your health in your recovery.
Does Outpatient Treatment Include Intensive Therapy?
Mental health support is an integral part of rehab. Outpatient clients participate in counseling sessions to help them learn and fine-tune coping skills to help them process experiences that may otherwise trigger substance abuse. As an outpatient, your adherence to your therapy schedule is critical to your continued recovery. In addition to attending counseling sessions, you will also likely be encouraged to attend recovery group meetings and receive additional mental and physcial health support that is essential to your recovery process.
Practical Requirements of Outpatient Treatment
In addition to having a stable residential environment outside of the treatment center, rehab facilities also have certain logistical prerequisites in place before they recommend a client for outpatient treatment. Outpatient programs require the client to commute to and from the treatment facility as frequently as daily or as infrequently as two to three times each week, depending on the client’s current stage in his or her recovery plan. Therefore, clients who enroll in an outpatient program must have personal transportation or access to reliable public transporation that will allow them to commute to and from the rehab center to receive treatment throughout the week. Some treatment centers provide transportation while others connect clients who do not have personal transportation with organizations that provide access to transportation.
Motivation is Key When It Comes to Outpatient Treatment
In some cases, a client who has the means to make all outpatient treatment appointments may not be successful in an outpatient program because he or she lacks the motivation to return to the treatment center according to his or her prescribed schedule. Lack of motivation may take several different forms. An individual who has recently completed a residential program and graduated to outpatient treatment may prematurely feel like he or she no longer needs treatment. In other cases, an individual may become preoccupied by his or her work and social life outside the facility and no longer feel motivated to keep scheduled treatment appointments in his or her outpatient program.
To get the maximum benefit from an outpatient program, the client should be prepared to balance other activities against his or her need to keep up with the scheduling requirements of his or her program. The client must take all appointments seriously and work diligently to remain motivated to participate even if outside activities may seem more important. In the end, choosing other activities over following the outpatient treatment plan may ultimately mean treating addiction recovery as a lesser priority.
Is Outpatient Treatment Right for You?
The best way to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for outpatient treatment is to speak with an addiction specialist. Our counselors are available to answer all your questions and to help you find a treatment program that is right for you. Call us today at 844-639-8371 to learn more about our treatment options.