Outpatient rehab is a medical treatment for addiction that allows the individual to return home or to sober living each evening. Outpatient rehab can be a stand-alone treatment option, but works best following inpatient (also known as residential or overnight) rehab with a medically supervised detox program. Outpatient rehabilitation facilities cover a wide variety of addictions and often simultaneously provide care for co-existing mental health or medical problems.1
Usually, outpatient care is less costly than inpatient care. It is a great follow-up plan after inpatient care because it allows you to return to your own home or sober living house while still receive supportive treatment. This can be a real advantage, because you will be able to maintain some level of normal living or working. You will probably be able to keep some of your regular job hours, and do things like pick your kids up from school, or other everyday tasks. As you progress through the outpatient care program, these daily tasks will likely become even easier to perform.
Outpatient Levels of Care
Outpatient rehab offers different levels of care, depending on the facility you choose. Some terms to be familiar with include:
- Partial Hospitalization: This treatment level is intended for individuals who may need medical monitoring or medical assistance, but are not quite in need of overnight hospitalization. Partial hospitalization works best when the individual has a safe and supportive home environment. Partial hospitalization usually requires a full-time commitment as it lasts approximately 4-6 hours each day for most days of the week.
- Intensive outpatient (IOP): IOP treatment is a step-down from partial hospitalization and works as a stand-alone treatment or as a highly effective follow-up to more intensive care. With a focus on preventing relapse, these programs allow individuals to return to work during the days or evenings and require only two or four hours of time each day.
- Counseling and Therapy: Counseling and therapy sessions usually involve appointments with a trusted mental health provider, recovery coach or treatment team. Group therapy may also be included. Counseling and therapy are vital to any recovery plan, and are absolutely essential for lasting recovery.
It is important to choose the most comprehensive level of treatment possible. Addiction is an all-consuming illness, and it may take time to overcome. Since every person is unique, it is best to talk with an experienced intake counselor to determine the best treatment fit.
The objective of a good rehabilitation program is to get you past the withdrawal stages of your detoxification and help you to establish new thinking patterns that will break the patterns of addiction. This will entail forming new habits and building new skills, and learning to cope with anxiety or pain without dependence on the substance that you once abused. For this reason, you may want to consider inpatient detoxification services to help you get through the first stages of recovery, and transition into outpatient care to maintain ongoing wellness.
Outpatient Rehab after Inpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab treatment is an excellent way to bridge the gap between full substance use disorder and the life you want to live. Outpatient treatment is one way many people gradually strengthen resistance against relapse and return to normal life with a newfound support system.
Although outpatient rehabilitation will not physically bar you from access to the people, places, and things that influenced your substance use, it has the advantage that you will learn to gradually move forward of your own initiative and will not face the temptation alone. Outpatient care is designed to offer dedicated support for people who are transitioning into a life of newfound sobriety. Many people find that outpatient care helps them prevent temptation while building a go-to support network of other people in recovery.
Outpatient care facilities are available in nearly every community, and comprehensive lists can be found online or by speaking to a healthcare professional for guidance and assistance. It is good to do some solid research when you choose your outpatient care program. Some programs may offer little more than drug education. While that can be a great step in prevention of substance abuse, it will not nearly do the trick for addiction disorder, which needs actual medical attention.2
If you choose to get outpatient care instead of inpatient rehabilitation, be careful to arrange suitable transportation in advance to all of your appointments. Missed appointments are one common reason that rehabilitation may fail. Studies have shown that those who miss appointments in outpatient care are significantly less likely to complete the detoxification process than those who receive treatment in an inpatient facility. However, those who do keep their appointments and go through with the outpatient program in full celebrate better success in long-term freedom from relapse.
Outpatient Rehab for Wellness
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Find an Outpatient Rehab That Works in Michigan
Outpatient treatment is an investment you make in yourself and your loved ones. As part of a comprehensive recovery program, outpatient rehab is an option that stands out. Building a support network in recovery is possible with options that meet your schedule and lifestyle needs. If you would like to learn more about outpatient recovery, please contact us today at 269-280-4673.
Sources
1 “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A research-Based Guide.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. December 2012. Web. Accessed 8 February 2016.
2 Motoi Hayashida, M.D., Sc.D. “An Overview of Outpatient and Inpatient Detoxification.” NIAAA. 16 June 2014. Web. Accessed 8 February 2016.
