What You Need to Know About Outpatient Addiction Treatment

It's obvious that you need professional help if you've been struggling with alcoholism or drug dependency. However, most people can't afford to stay in a pricy inpatient institution for very long. If you want to find a treatment that works for you specifically, where do you start? The good news is that there is always an option for outpatient addiction treatment, no matter where you are. Furthermore, people who are ready to make a change and are seeking therapy but need some leeway might benefit from outpatient care. Therefore, if you are unsure about taking this step, we will tell you what you need to know about outpatient addiction treatment.

What Is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Outpatient addiction treatment is there for patients who are unable to take time away from their jobs, schools, or other commitments to attend rehab. This type of treatment provides flexible treatment hours throughout the week. If you enroll in an OP (outpatient program), you may stay at home while getting help for your addiction. You are actively participating in treatment by going to therapy sessions and maybe taking medication on a regular basis. The primary goals of outpatient care are education and counseling. Most outpatient treatment centers focus on helping their patients build a community of sober friends and family members who can assist them through the difficult early days of sobriety.

Furthermore, outpatient programs are far more affordable than inpatient ones and can help most individuals as well. The frequency of your therapy appointments will likely decrease as you make progress toward recovery from whatever ailment brought you in for the first time. This is what makes outpatient addiction treatment great. Furthermore, you have a better shot at having your insurance company pay for outpatient addiction treatment than they would for inpatient care because of the lower cost.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment Types

1. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP, often known as day therapy) enable patients to live at home while receiving intensive medical attention. Patients in a day treatment program often attend sessions anywhere from five to seven times a week for as long as five hours at a time. Due to the rigorous schedule, it may be challenging to continue working or attending school full-time while undergoing treatment. Individual and group therapy, creative therapies like art and music, and even biofeedback are just some of the many therapeutic modalities available in partial hospitalization programs. The patient gets to go home at the conclusion of each day of therapy. For the length of their outpatient day treatment, many patients choose to stay in a sober living home.

2. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

These kinds of programs are perfect if you require frequent meetings but can't take time away from work. In intense outpatient treatment, patients often attend numerous sessions each week. However, some appointments may be scheduled during off-hours or on weekends. Many intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) mandate a minimum of three weekly, three-hour therapy sessions. In addition, these programs typically include both individual and group therapy sessions, as well as lessons on how to avoid relapsing. Another option is to enroll in a 12-step program or similar support group.

3. Continuing Care (OP)

Maintaining sobriety after initial treatment is a primary goal of continuing care, sometimes known as a general outpatient program (OP). A qualified therapist usually leads these groups, and members tend to be of a similar age or gender. One to three weekly gatherings are the norm for most groups. Most patients who have completed rehabilitation will first engage in continuing care by participating in peer support groups organized by the center. Some individuals, as their recovery progresses and they no longer need as much assistance, make the switch to AA or NA support groups.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment: What to Expect

Upon entering outpatient addiction treatment, you will work with a facility staff member to create a personalized plan of action. This involves a thorough review of your medical background, including questions about past drug and alcohol use, current prescriptions, and the presence or absence of mental health disorders. Detoxification is often a necessary first step in rehabilitation, and many facilities provide their support during this time. At this stage, you will also learn the guidelines you must follow during your time in therapy. In most centers, you are expected to participate in every treatment session.

What's more, it's common practice for the staff at these establishments to give you reading material between sessions. Drug testing is a standard requirement at many rehab facilities. This material is usually of great importance, and that is why addiction recovery experts from Little Creek Recovery recommend that you read all of it. 

With that in mind, you will engage in numerous forms of therapy throughout your time in outpatient addiction treatment. The therapy will assist you in overcoming your drug abuse issues as well as addressing the underlying issues that led to the addiction in the first place. The individual, group, and family therapy are all part of outpatient addiction treatment.

The Various Methods of Outpatient Addiction Therapy

Every facility providing outpatient care for substance abuse will take a slightly different therapeutic approach. Various therapists within these frameworks may use different methods, such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches you coping skills to help you avoid depression, as well as relapses during your recovery.
• Motivational enhancement therapy examines your motivations for using alcohol or drugs and then assists you in identifying motivations for becoming healthy and sober.
• Contingency management therapy concentrates on rewards to assist you in developing desirable behavior.
• Family systemic therapy is a type of intensive, short-term family therapy designed to help families reestablish communication.
• Motivational interviewing teaches you how to make healthy decisions on your own

After finishing therapy, there is always some form of relapse prevention training. This training provides coping skills and strategies for dealing with triggers and helps you stay sober. Furthermore, there are parenting seminars, job skills training, and anger management courses that you can take as supplementary recovery education. In addition, you will likely be given counseling to address any co-occurring mental health conditions you may be experiencing alongside your addiction problems. So, now that we have said what you need to know about outpatient addiction treatment, it's time for you to take the next step.