Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Drug addiction outpatient addiction treatment is a valuable tool for people struggling with addiction, but it’s not necessarily the best option for every need. There is a vast catalog of different treatment options, and outpatient care is just one of them. Outpatient addiction treatment programs can be effective for people with less severe addictions or people with social responsibilities. It can also help people who have already gone through inpatient programs and want to continue their treatment.
So, what is outpatient treatment exactly? Is it right for you? If you are struggling with addiction or you know someone that is, getting information about the proper treatment is vital. With all the options out there, don’t hesitate to ask for help in making the right choice. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, the first step is to talk to someone about your needs. Call us today at 614-502-6247. We can help you pick the options best suited for your success.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Outpatient care is a type of addiction treatment that doesn’t involve an extended stay in a facility. When you enroll in outpatient addiction treatment, you’ll attend visits based on your needs. This can range from half-day meetings multiple times a week to hour-long sessions once or twice weekly. Outpatient care is beneficial to people that have responsibilities outside of their recovery. People who fulfill family roles (like picking up kids after school), hold jobs or have other responsibilities find that this method of treatment works with their schedules.
Because you don’t stay in a facility, outpatient care can offer a cost-effective method of treatment.
Outpatient addiction treatment is useful for people who have just begun an addiction or have attended more intensive treatments before and want to continue their recovery program. Additionally, people with an established support network of friends and family benefit greatly from this more flexible style of treatment. It usually involves a mix of one-on-one therapy and group sessions.
While there are many components to this treatment, the main focus is to build and strengthen your support network and provide you with counseling and information.
Difference Between Outpatient and Inpatient Treatment for Addiction
While outpatient care allows a patient to come and go, inpatient care involves staying at a facility for a determined amount of time. To stay at a facility full time requires a doctor’s note for insurance providers to consider it inpatient care and cover it as such. By its nature, inpatient care is considerably more expensive than outpatient.
The main difference is the level of medical care needed by the patient. Inpatient is best for people that face more severe substance abuse problems. Detoxing the body can be dangerous for your health, and it’s best done in the care of medical professionals. Inpatient also serves people who face long-term addiction to heavy drugs and can address any behavioral issues underpinning the addiction. If you would like more information about if inpatient or outpatient is right for you, then call us today. Our experts will work with you in order to make sure you get the best treatment for your situation.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment Techniques
You’ll be asked a series of questions by your therapist. You should be as frank as possible in your answers. It’s normal to be embarrassed about matters concerning addiction, but your therapist is there to help. They’ve heard it all before and won’t judge you for anything you tell them. Being open and honest will allow your therapist to get you the best care for your situation.
Treatment sessions are built around your schedule. Depending on your needs, you’ll probably have more frequent, longer sessions to begin. As time goes by and you progress in your recovery, you may meet with your therapist less frequently.
Different recovery techniques are often used in outpatient addiction treatment. These include:
- Individualized Drug Counseling. You’ll focus on your immediate goals of reducing or ending your substance abuse. Here, you’ll also address social issues, such as your job, criminal activity related to your drug use, and your relationships. You’ll develop coping techniques to help you stay clean.
- Group Therapy. You’ll join a group setting, where you’ll gain support from peers committed to staying clean and living drug-free lives.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. You’ll learn to recognize, address, and avoid thoughts and behaviors that lead to addiction or relapse.
- Multidimensional family therapy. Especially useful for youths, you’ll focus on the patterns of your addiction and aim to improve family function.
- Motivational Interviewing and Incentives. This makes the most of your readiness to change and develops a program of rewards to incentivize you to stay clean.
Treatments Available
When considering options, it’s reasonable to be anxious about what to expect from outpatient treatment for addiction. This type of treatment has a smaller effect on your daily schedule. You’ll be able to hold a job and attend to other responsibilities. Some treatment plans are similar to inpatient treatment plans in that they require a more robust meeting schedule. Other methods are more like maintenance plans to help you continue your recovery. It all depends on what your needs are.
A therapist or other mental healthcare worker will help guide you to the program that best fits your needs. You should always be honest with them about where you are in your addiction and how your recovery is going. Minimizing your struggles will only hurt you because you may not get the kind of help you really need. Call and talk to our specialists today about what treatment options are best for you, or whoever you are worried about. Do not wait. Call us today before it is too late.
Day Treatment
Day treatment is the most intensive type of outpatient treatment for addiction. You’ll attend sessions nearly every day of the week, and they can take up most of the day. You’ll still be able to return home at the end of the day, but having a job or attending school might be impossible. Day treatment involves a wide variety of different therapies to help you. This can include personal counseling, group therapy, or any number of activities that have proven effective in rehabilitation.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
Intensive treatment includes measurable milestones of success for you. IOPs are useful for people who have dedicated themselves to quitting substance abuse but still have responsibilities they don’t want to drop. Patients that don’t need detox or who have already finished an inpatient program often find this treatment beneficial. Usually, you would choose an intensive program if you need more support than low-intensity offers.
When you join an intensive program, you’ll be attending multiple sessions a week which will last for a few hours. As you progress, the time commitment will lessen. You may also have “homework” of a sort, where you’ll take home what you learn and practice applying it. You’ll participate in many of the same therapies as you would in day treatment, including group therapy and individual counseling. IOPs sometimes involve joining a 12-step program as another way to mark your progress.
Low-Intensity Care
Low-intensity care as an outpatient addiction treatment is less invasive. People in these programs meet once or twice weekly for an hour or two. You may have individual meetings with your therapist to discuss your addiction recovery, or you may be in a group setting that acts as a support network. Often, both personal and group therapy is used to help you succeed.
This type of treatment is excellent for people who recognized they have a problem with addiction in the early stages, before enough time has passed that their habits are deeply ingrained. Additionally, this works well when you don’t need to go through a detoxification process, which should always be monitored by a doctor or nurse.
Because of its nature, low-intensity treatment can sometimes be little more than drug education. Once you’ve completed a recovery program, outpatient care can keep you steady if you are concerned about a potential relapse or want further support. Your recovery team is there to provide whatever assistance you need.
Continued Care
When you’ve reached your recovery goal, continuing your efforts can be a massive benefit to you. By participating in continued care, you’ll be joining a support group of fellow recovered addicts. These group meetings can be beneficial in helping you manage the stresses of everyday life. No matter how well you’re doing in your recovery, relapse is always a danger. Having people you can fall back on to support your recovery is vital to avoiding a relapse. You’ll also be part of a responsible community where you can offer your support to someone struggling. Joining a support group that meets regularly can help rejuvenate your commitment to recovery if your willpower begins to wane. Need more information? Then call us today. Our experts will equip you with the information that you need to get you started on a healthier lifestyle now.
Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Therapy
One of the most appealing benefits to outpatient addiction treatment is the freedom it allows. Depending on what’s right for you, this treatment option works with your schedule. You’ll be able to keep up with your familial duties, work, or attend school. Since you won’t be staying full-time at a facility, outpatient care is also less expensive.
One thing to note is that you usually won’t pick which type of care you receive. Medical professionals will assess your case and decide which will be of the most benefit to you.
Is it Successful
Like all treatment plans, outpatient addiction treatment can be very powerful when it’s right for you. This is why talking to healthcare professionals is crucial, and following their advice even more so. Your success will also greatly depend on you. For the best chance of success, you should prioritize your meetings, talk openly with your therapist, and practice the skills you learn daily. The biggest tool at your disposal is your commitment to recovery. Treatment will help you develop strategies and support relationships; it’s up to you to use them.
Outpatient treatment is effective if you attend at the right point in your recovery. If you are deep in the throes of addiction, you will likely be better off choosing inpatient care. The best thing to do is talk to a recovery specialist and make a plan that suits your unique needs.
The Value of Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient addiction treatment can be immensely helpful if you’re struggling. It’s a valuable tool on the road to your recovery. Most importantly, you should consult medical professionals to decide if this is right for you and which course you should take once you start. Outpatient care can help you reclaim your life while giving you the tools to avoid or manage dangerous situations. we know that your life has value. So call us today, and we will make sure that you get the treatment that is right for you. Do not hesitate to call. Let us help you start your journey to a happier and healthier life.
Written by Malory McDermott
Sources:
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/inpatient-vs-outpatient-care-and-health-coverage
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64094/
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states/types-treatment-programs
