Outpatient Sign over a Hospital Outpatient Services Entrance

Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious but manageable problem. One can overcome addiction and recover with the help of experts in the field. When people hear the term “drug rehab”, they might think of an inpatient rehab center where you live for a certain period. However, outpatient treatment is also an option. But what is an outpatient treatment plan, how does it work, and who can benefit from it?

What Is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient rehab is a non-residential treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction. A scheduled treatment plan allows patients to continue with their regular responsibilities while living at home, but they are required to check into treatment at their allotted times for counseling and medication.

Outpatient programs are available in various formats and different levels of intensity, but the general focus is on counseling, education, and support.

Outpatient Treatment Programs: When to Use Them?

Outpatient rehab can be beneficial for many people who need drug or alcohol treatment. However, some people may benefit from outpatient treatment more than others.

Those more likely to benefit from outpatient drug treatment have:

  • A mild to moderate addiction
  • Low risk of serious withdrawal with medical complications
  • A motivation to attend regular counseling sessions
  • Finished inpatient treatment

If you are not sure whether outpatient treatment is a good fit for your needs, you can contact us for a consultation session.

Why Are Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs Beneficial?

There are many reasons someone may choose outpatient rehab over inpatient rehab.

Maintaining Employment

This is a big plus for outpatient rehab. People who cannot leave their jobs because they support their families, or if they are the sole caregiver of children might not want to attend inpatient rehab.

Outpatient rehab allows you to have control over your schedule while receiving care. 

Outpatient drug treatment is more private than inpatient

You don’t have to be concerned about people finding out that you are enrolled in a drug abuse treatment program. An outpatient program takes place in an one-on-one setting. 

The cost of outpatient rehab

Outpatient rehab is usually more affordable than inpatient rehab. The relatively lower cost makes treatment possible for almost everyone.

Outpatient drug treatment is tailored to meet your needs

Thanks to one-on-one attention, you will be able to determine exactly what works for you. 

Smooth transition to long-term recovery

The goal of outpatient drug treatment is to move you gently into long-term recovery. Once you’ve learned all the skills and tools to live sober, you can leave the outpatient care. Outpatient treatment helps to transition you into a life of sobriety rather than throwing you into the deep end of the pool.

Expectations During Outpatient Rehabilitation

With our outpatient drug treatment, expect nothing less than sobriety and recovery. These are the components that will be included in your treatment plan:

Medications

Medications help to detoxify the patient and minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

CBT positively enforces abstinence from drugs and helps the patient to find new meaning in life, beyond addiction.

Social therapy

This part of the treatment includes the patient’s family, friends, and social circle. It makes an immense difference in treatment outcomes, and will create a supportive and non-judgmental safety net for the patient.

Psychological therapy

The patient receives psychiatric counseling to help them fight their drug cravings.

Supportive therapy

It explains the basis of addiction and relapse to the patient and helps manage anything that could hinder good treatment outcomes.

Situational therapy

It teaches and helps the patient to face challenging situations, and involves a one-week, or less, session with the doctor.

Follow-up

After a successful treatment outcome, the aftercare plan will provide emotional support for 3 to 6 months.

Various Forms of Therapy in Outpatient Rehabilitation

Outpatient rehab caters for many different kinds of addictions. Outpatient drug treatment can be either used as an extension of previous inpatient treatment or to overcome addiction before it becomes a lifelong, or serious problem.

At our clinic, we have different outpatient drug treatment options, such as:

Partial Hospitalization Daytime Treatment

It includes patient rehabilitation during outpatient hours, typically from 8 am to 2 pm. The patient needs to be under a doctor’s supervision during this time, six days a week.

Intensive Outpatient Drug Treatment Rehabilitation

The treatment plan is split into milestones. The length of routine checkups will shorten as milestones are reached. Checkup dates and times are set according to the patient’s schedule.

Florida Outpatient Drug Treatment Model

This model includes both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Under the direction of doctors, patients reside in a separate housing complex connected to the rehabilitation facility.

Whatever the Decision, Recovery is Around the Corner

Whatever course of therapy you or a loved one takes, drug treatment can change your life. Addiction is a chronic illness, and recovery is a lifelong process. Medical professionals, mental health counselors, and community support groups can teach you the necessary skills to avoid relapse.