Is Outpatient Rehab Right For Me?

Since every addiction is unique, there are various treatment options available. Learn more about outpatient rehab and how to decide if it’s right for you.

Outpatient treatment is very different than most other residential treatment programs available. Since every addiction is unique there are various treatment options available to cater to each individual and their recovery goals.

This style of treatment is one of the most popular methods available, as it’s very flexible and does not require you to live at the facility full-time. A lot of people choose this method when they deeply desire recovery, but they aren’t at a point where they can put their entire lives on hold.

Still, you might be wondering what the outpatient rehab process actually entails. What do you do every day? Is it actually effective? How does it differ from inpatient rehab? Below we dive into the outpatient rehab process and paint you a picture of the reality of outpatient rehab, so you can make the best decision for your recovery needs.

What Is Outpatient Rehab Like?

Outpatient treatment programs give patients a little more flexibility and allow people to maintain previous commitments to family, work, and school while getting the treatment they require. This also allows people to maintain a certain level of privacy since treatment usually won’t require them to take a long absence from their daily activities.

Every outpatient rehab program will be different, depending upon the addiction being treated and the overarching goals of the program. Usually, with outpatient rehab, there’s no set length of time for treatment as everyone progresses through treatment at their own pace.

Outpatient programs will run anywhere from one month to 90 days and beyond. The total length of your participation in the program will depend on  the recommendations from the addiction treatment specialists.

Outpatient rehab programs usually offer a network of support in the form of official support groups comprised of other patients and individual and group counseling. This style of recovery immediately allows you to apply the lessons you’ve learned in your life right away.

What Outpatient Options Will I Have to Choose From?

Outpatient rehab caters to a lot of different kinds of addiction. Outpatient rehab can either be used as an extension of previous inpatient treatment, or as a way to overcome your addiction before it becomes a lifelong problem. Below we outline three of the main types of outpatient treatment available:

1. Partial Hospitalization 

This kind of treatment is meant for people who have an existing stable living condition, but also require medical assistance. Usually, this kind of program entails meeting at the hospital a few days a week for up to 4-6 hours per day.

2. Intensive Outpatient

Intensive outpatient programs are similar to residential treatment, however, they require less of a commitment. The main goal of these programs is to prevent relapse from occurring. These programs are generally scheduled around previous commitments, such as school or work.

3. Therapy and Counseling 

Therapy and counseling are usually offered in tandem with the above treatment methods. This can help you to get to the true cause of your addiction and learn coping skills to help you maintain your sobriety.

Why You Should Consider Outpatient Rehab

Since outpatient rehab is less intense and restrictive than inpatient rehab it’s important that you meet certain prerequisites, so you don’t slip into relapse. Outpatient treatment is most effective for individuals who are in good overall health and already have a safe, supportive, and stable living situation and network.

Beyond the personal foundation there are a few others differentiating factors between outpatient and inpatient treatment, which we highlight below:

• Your addiction is manageable. Meaning, you’re in the early stages of addiction and you don’t require things like intensive inpatient care or medical detox.
• You only require continuing care after intensive rehab to help yourself transition into a life of sobriety.
• You’re looking for additional support outside of your family and peer group.
• You don’t have the money for an intensive inpatient program, but still want to take positive steps towards overcoming your addiction.

Ultimately, choosing outpatient rehab will depend on the severity of your addiction, your current existing personal resources for support, and your overall treatment goals. It’s important that you’re honest with yourself when it comes to diagnosing the level of your addiction. If you can’t determine the severity of your addiction by yourself, then reach out to an addiction specialist to get their feedback and a recommended course of treatment.

If you, or a loved one, has been suffering from addiction to drugs and alcohol, then outpatient rehab might be the next crucial step towards your sobriety. Reach out to the team at The Recovery Village if you have any treatment-related questions.