As you’re exploring options for drug rehabilitation, you are likely to encounter an array of terms, and some of those terms refer to both inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient drug rehabilitation means that you live at the facility while outpatient means that you do not. Understanding the differences can help you to determine which course of action is the best fit for your needs. However, you should also speak thoroughly with a counselor to determine the proper treatment.
The Role of Outpatient Services
Outpatient services allow you to continue living where you are now. Typically, therefore, you would choose an outpatient treatment program that is located near your home or job so that you can get there with ease. Outpatient treatment typically comes in one of three forms:
- outpatient treatment before inpatient treatment
- outpatient treatment exclusively
- outpatient treatment after inpatient treatment
Breaking down these three categories will provide you with a better sense of how outpatient treatment functions.
Outpatient Treatment before Inpatient Treatment
This method of treatment is typically not a planned sequence. In other words, you will likely go from outpatient treatment to inpatient treatment only if the former option isn’t working or if the problem is escalating. As you are first starting to learn about rehabilitation treatment programs for your drug addiction, you may feel nervous about leaving home or feel that you have obligations preventing you from doing so. Trying outpatient treatment can work, but you and your support system will need to know if the time arrives for you to switch treatment plans.
Outpatient Treatment Exclusively
Another possibility is that you enroll in an outpatient treatment program and it works. Outpatient treatment in this capacity can function in a variety of ways. For example, you may attend group programs. During these programs, you are typically encouraged to share your story and to listen to the stories of others. The sharing element helps to remind you that you are not alone in your progression toward better health.
These bonds can certainly extend beyond the meetings, which is a major benefit. Instead of spending time using drugs with old acquaintances, you can engage in healthy and meaningful social activities with your new friends. Outpatient treatment can also involve individual sessions with a counselor so that you can discuss your goals for recovery.
These sessions can also prove useful if you are struggling with mental health issues as well as your addiction to drugs. Discovering the connection between these two battles can help in creating a better and more specific plan for recovery. You may also find programs that allow you to engage in art therapy or other methods of therapy that encourage you to pursue your interests and develop new abilities.
Outpatient Treatment after Inpatient Treatment
Another popular option is to pursue outpatient treatment after inpatient treatment. In other words, you will live at a rehabilitation facility for a period of time. During your stay there, you will engage in a variety of healthy activities, counseling sessions and self-growth opportunities to work on recovering from your addiction to drugs. However, your journey will not end when your stay is over. Instead, you will continue with an outpatient program. You might live near the facility and have the ability to meet with the counselor whom you saw at the inpatient facility. With today’s modern technology, you don’t necessarily always even need to live in the area.
You could communicate with this counselor through online chat sessions. If the facility does not have this service available, the staff members can help you to find outpatient services in your neighborhood that will continue to support your recovery efforts. Outpatient treatment after an inpatient program assists in keeping you motivated and reminding you of your goals. Furthermore, you are likely to feel temptation and challenges even after completing an inpatient program, and you can talk with your counselor about healthy strategies to avoid falling back into deleterious old routines.
Essentially, outpatient treatment is a continuation of your inpatient program, but you are getting back into day-to-day living outside of a rehabilitation facility while still having a strong support system. Clearly, outpatient treatment serves many different plays and is of crucial importance. Whether outpatient services act as a way for you to discover what you really need in terms of treatment or help to keep you motivated after an inpatient stay, you can speak with a representative about your specific needs by calling 844-639-8371.