Top-Rated Outpatient Drug Rehabs

Outpatient Substance Rehab

Relapse is a reality that can happen to people struggling to recover from substance use disorder issues. In these instances, an outpatient rehab is beneficial. The same is true for individuals who wish to continue their treatment following an inpatient program. Either way, it is crucial for the people who will undergo this treatment to have a solid and reliable support network in place to guarantee the optimal success of the program.

Outpatient rehabs are best fit for people who need to be at home while undergoing the program or those who only have a small budget to defray the cost of the treatment. It must be noted though that outpatient addiction treatment works best for those who suffer from mild to moderate stage addictions.

People suffering from chronic levels of abuse, more so if they have previously unsuccessfully tried to quit, should not opt for a drug and alcohol outpatient program. Choosing this treatment plan will not be sufficient to help them recover. However, an outpatient program may be sufficient to help individuals live a sober life if they seek help before their addiction progresses.

When Does an Outpatient Treatment Work Best?

Outpatient drug rehab programs are the best course of action for those who want to continue with their treatment following the end of an inpatient treatment, and for people who suffer from mild to moderate addiction. For people who have recently relapsed, this is also something worth considering. Nevertheless, this is not recommended for people who have cycles of relapse.

Individuals whose substance addiction or abuse is fairly manageable are the ideal participants of this program. They should also have a solid network of support outside of the treatment. This network may involve family, friends, loved ones, peer support groups, and church. So, how does an outpatient rehab work?

Outpatient drug rehab offers more flexibility in terms of scheduling options. It is also less costly compared with inpatient programs. The participant usually lives in his residence, go on with his responsibilities, and even work part-time within the duration of the treatment. In case extra support is necessary, there are centers that offer living options to cater to these needs during and even after the treatment.

How Long is an Outpatient Rehab?

The period of an outpatient program usually takes a month to three months depending on the individual’s needs and the facility. Sessions may be done during the day and evening to accommodate the lifestyles and schedules of the participants. An outpatient rehab clinic generally requires a minimum commitment of hours or days spent in the program.

The level of intensity and the number of hours or days spent in therapy hinge on the program itself. Generally, the participation in the program may range from three to eight hours of sessions for five to seven days a week.

Given this information, the patient must not immediately choose a program with the lesser time requirement. You must take note that beating the condition needs enough time for treatment, diligence and hard work. Without these, the participant is just short-changing himself and leaving himself ill-equipped to face the challenges that a sober life will present.

Is Outpatient Substance Rehab for You?

Your choice of a treatment program is critical to ensure a successful recovery. Deciding on the matter requires honesty and attentiveness regarding your personal needs. This is best if you are someone who:

• Is it an environment with fewer addiction triggers?
• Has a substantial and solid support system?
• Does not suffer from strong withdrawal symptoms?
• Does not have a co-occurring mental health disorder?
• Is suffering from mild to moderate addiction for less than a year?

What Happens in an Outpatient Treatment Program?

Here is what you can expect in an outpatient treatment program:

• Day Programs – Outpatient drug rehab centers offer this highly-structured program where participants meet for five to seven days a week. These involve outpatient drug and alcohol counseling, therapy, peer support, and a series of other means of treatment.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) – These programs require a lesser number of days and commitment of time compared with the day programs. Sessions generally involve four times a week for about three to four hours each session. The duration and even the frequency of the treatment are gradually reduced once the participants exhibit progress with their condition.
• Generally, outpatient addiction programs include:
  • Mandatory 12-step meetings
  • Educational classes
  • One-on-one weekly behavioral therapy sessions
  • Peer support group sessions
  • Family therapy and support
  • Training for relapse prevention
  • Holistic treatment to target individual situation and needs
  • Sober living skills

Participants to this type of program may also seek care even after the treatment is done. This care may be done through a counselor-led group or mutual support.

Does Outpatient Treatment Involve Detox?

Medical detox is necessary for a successful road to recovery in the event an individual feels withdrawal symptom such as tremors, sweating, and anxiety among other symptoms. This is crucial especially if there exists a strong dependence on or addiction to alcohol or drugs. People should take note that withdrawal symptoms are not only uncomfortable, as they can also be severe and painful. There are even instances when the symptoms are so extreme to the point that they become deadly if they are not properly attended to. Thus, medically-supervised detoxification is needed.

Most outpatient rehab for alcohol abuse as well as drug abuse does not involve medical detox. Consequently, a short-term inpatient detox program is needed. While some outpatient detox programs are available, people struggling with severe addictions get the best results if treated with inpatient care. Those who need medically-supervised detox should think about enrolling in an inpatient drug rehab since this program permits them to move from the detoxification process to rehabilitation without going out of the facility.

Medical detox, as well as drug and alcohol outpatient program, might not be enough to truly care for some people struggling with addiction. The detox only treats the physical addiction. Sadly, the psychological addiction remains after the process. Opting for an outpatient rehab for alcohol and drugs may not fully address the deeply rooted psychological impact of addiction.

Outpatient Rehab is Not for Everyone

The fact is drug and alcohol outpatient programs are not for everyone. There are more people with addiction who will greatly benefit from undergoing a residential inpatient rehab program. This is mainly because their addiction is so rooted in their lives or it has already progressed to a higher level. Individuals who have a mental disorder, little to no support, or are having a difficult time dealing with their triggers, will also greatly benefit if they opt for an inpatient rehab program.

Individuals who have severe addictions to alcohol, strong opioids like prescription painkillers, heroin, and benzodiazepines are generally best treated in an inpatient rehab.

Treatment for these substances usually makes use of a two-pronged approach. The program begins with a medical detoxification to flush out all of the substance from the body. Thereafter, the treatment follows. An outpatient drug rehab center does not always provide a seamless transition from detox to treatment or offer the same intensity of care.

An individual’s mental illness can trigger substance use disorder, and the condition worsens in the event the person starts self-medicating. There are also instances when addiction causes the development of a mental illness. No matter what the case may be, these people need individualized dual diagnosis care.

It is common for these mental illnesses to have not been diagnosed or given proper treatment. If there is a failure to treat both mental health disorder and substance use disorder, there is a big possibility that the treatment will fail, the person may drop out of the program or relapse may occur. Outpatient drug treatment programs do not usually offer the kind of focused care, therapies, and intensive number of sessions that these individuals need.

We often hear how people struggling with addiction alienate their family, friends, and loved ones. Working hard to mend these pains and engaging the support of these people are very vital in making recovery.

Those who do not have this support system may feel that they are not worthy of the treatment, give up on their goals to get their life back on track, and eventually relapse. It is your loved ones who will boost your self-confidence, morale, and hope during this transitional period.
There are many substance cues that surround everyone. People with substance addiction have their own specific triggers. These triggers come in the form of places, persons, or things. A smell, image, sound, a particular phrase in a song could bring a person back to using and abusing substances.

A considerable amount of time during treatment must be dedicated to helping the individual establish coping mechanisms and relapse prevention skills, so they can rise above their triggers. For a person who is just starting out with their recovery and have not yet developed these skills, these cues can be very detrimental. There are also individuals who have a number of triggers and staying in their usual environment can expose them to such cues that they may relapse.

Participants of outpatient alcohol treatment program face a greater risk of relapse. The same is also true to outpatient drug rehab participants. This is because they have easy access to substances, limited access to therapy and treatment modalities, less structure, and reduced support measures. Outpatient rehab programs can only be effective under certain conditions. Thus, before making that important decision, allow us to help you assess your needs and condition.

Get Help that Fits You

Acknowledging the need for help is the first step towards recovery. It is already a victory in itself. You just need to have that resolve to make your way through the process. The next equally crucial step to look for a program that can best cater to your needs. There should be an objective assessment of where you are at in your addiction and how long has the condition been existing. These factors will dictate the course of treatment you should take.

If you are someone struggling with substance use disorder or addiction, we are here to help you find the most suitable treatment program. The sooner you get help, the sooner your mind and body can heal. Get in touch with us today to avail of a confidential assessment.