Have you ever wondered what rehab is like on the inside? You’ve likely seen many different scenarios on television and in the movies concerning rehab centers. You know that there are different types of facilities to choose from, such as inpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and outpatient. You might be seriously curious about outpatient rehab if you don’t think you’re ready for the commitment of a residential center.
If you are wondering about outpatient rehab and would like to learn more, we would love to help you out! Read on for more information on how outpatient centers work and how they can help you stay sober today.
What’s the main difference?
When you attend an outpatient rehab program, you won’t be required to stay overnight in the facility. Inpatient programs offer 24-hour care, which includes housing, meals, and constant access to medical staff. They are also more expensive because of these factors. To stay in an inpatient center, you’ll have to put your regular life on hold. This may and will include work, school, and any other obligations you may have.
Instead of staying overnight, you will go to and from the facility for your treatment every day or for a series of days when you choose outpatient rehab. Every program varies when it comes to time commitment. Some programs are for a few hours a day, all week long, while others are just a few hours per week. Some programs do provide detox services, medical care, and medications for withdrawals. The majority of outpatient centers offer different therapy sessions, from group to one-on-one to family.
Who will benefit from outpatient therapy?
It’s important to have the following if you are considering outpatient treatment:
• Reliable transportation to and from the center. Since it will be up to you to get to your sessions and back, always make sure you will have a ride before you commit to the program.
• A strong support system to go back to every day. You won’t have the same support you would get if you were in a residential center, so make sure your family and friends are ready to help you when you are at home.
• A less severe drug or alcohol addiction. Outpatient rehab works better for those who are not heavily addicted to drugs and alcohol.
• A lower risk of complications due to withdrawal symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms can be deadly, such as alcohol withdrawal. If you believe that you will have less severe symptoms than others, outpatient rehab will be the better choice for you.
What will I be doing in outpatient rehab?
The center you pick will have various programs to choose from. You’ll visit the center on certain days and at certain times. You’ll be able to work around your schedule if you cannot take time off from your obligations. Every program will differ in intensity. For example, some programs are made up of several sessions per day while others are just a couple of days per week. During the sign-up process, you will speak with the team about your specific needs so that you can develop the right treatment plan.
Most outpatient programs include a mix of individual and group counseling sessions. You’ll learn about substance abuse up close and personal and how it has affected your life. The counselors will help you learn what your triggers are and the easy ways to avoid them when you are not in rehab. Many centers offer additional classes that focus on developmental skills, such as stress management, anger management, socializing, communication, family skills, financial responsibility, and employment needs.
Many outpatient rehab groups also provide self-help and 12-step meetings, such as Narcotic Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. You may also learn about telehealth services you can attend online from home as the world deals with the ongoing crisis of COVID-19.
How to get started
When you know it is time for a change, meet up with a qualified staff member to talk about your personalized treatment plan. They will want to know about your health, background, drug use, legal and family issues, and any previous rehab stints you may have under your belt. Always be as honest as you can during these meetings- it’s the best way for the team to develop a plan that works for YOU. Additionally, most outpatient rehabs require their patients to undergo drug tests while they are a part of the program. You will be expected to be clean while you are attending your treatment sessions.
Ready for action? Call us now at 844-639-8371 to see how we can help you or your loved one.