Heroin addiction and misuse of prescription opioids affect more than 2 million Americans every year. If you have a heroin or opioid addiction, you should enter a drug rehab program to detox yourself from the substance and live a healthy and drug-free life. Patients have two rehab options: inpatient and outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab is usually recommended because you’re living in a facility, surrounded by medical staff and other residents who are going through your exact same situation. But outpatient addiction rehab for substance abuse may work better for other patients. Continue reading to look more about outpatient rehab and if it’s the better option for you.
What Is Outpatient Drug Rehab?
Like inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab offers different services to treat alcohol and drug addiction. But you’re not living in a facility; instead, you attend different detox and therapy sessions. There are usually multiple sessions in a week. Outpatient rehab is ideal for those who work full-time, have to stay at home, and other reasons. There are different types of outpatient rehab services and they all differ in intensity. Generally, all outpatient services focus on education, counseling, and connecting with other patients for support. Is outpatient rehab as effective as inpatient rehab? There are many opinions on this debate. But as long as you’re committed to drug abuse recovery, have a strong will to succeed, and are disciplined, then outpatient rehab will work for you.
How Is It Structured?
When you first begin your treatment, you’ll meet with a professional to create your treatment plan. This plan outlines your goals and any other crucial actions for recovery. The professional will ask you questions such as your medical history, drug use, current medications, mental health issues, family problems, legal problems, living situation, employment, and if you had treatment in the past. They will use this information to create a treatment plan based on your needs as well as your availability. The professional will also use this information to gauge the severity of your addiction and if you require medical care. Outpatient drug programs typically have specific rules. For example, you’ll have to take regular drug tests. You’ll have to attend all of your sessions and your sessions may include assignments to complete while you’re at home. Don’t be surprised if the treatment staff members ask about your transportation situation — you’re required to attend regular treatments and they want to ensure you have a way to get there.
Benefits of Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab is a great choice for different kinds of patients. That’s because this form of rehab comes with many benefits.
Flexibility
Those in outpatient rehab don’t live in a facility or follow a specific schedule. If you have other priorities in life and want a flexible rehab service, then outpatient rehab is the best option for you. Most outpatient rehab programs work around your schedule. For example, if you have a strict work schedule, you can schedule different counseling and medication sessions around your work schedule. You can also live your life while still getting the benefits of rehab. You’re free to focus on other priorities in your life, such as family, while still receiving the help you need.
Affordable
Outpatient rehab centers are a cost-saving option. When you live in a facility, you have to pay housing costs as well as the costs of your medications and treatments. Some inpatient rehab centers have amenities that also cost money. You don’t have to worry about these extra costs when you choose outpatient rehab. Most patients only have to pay for their medications and treatments.
Family Involvement and Support
The right support from loved ones can help addicts recover. Most inpatient rehab facilities allow visitors, but don’t be surprised if the visitors have to be approved by a therapist or other staff member. If unlimited support from family and friends is the most important aspect for you, then you’ll prefer outpatient substance abuse programs. Most outpatient programs recommend that patients connect with others during the entire process.
Types of Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. There are different types of rehab programs for all patients. Here’s a breakdown of the most common rehab programs.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
This program outlines a specific treatment plan with milestones that indicate the patient is recovering. Patients usually have to commit a few hours each week to IOP. Some of the sessions you’ll attend include group therapy, counseling sessions, 12-step program, and relapse prevention education. IOP still works with your schedule, but you’ll have to dedicate lots of time to these sessions. Once you meet more milestones, you don’t have to devote as much time to your program.
Day Programs
If you want the highest level of care but still want to stay at home, you’ll prefer day programs. Some of the sessions you’ll attend include ground counseling, ongoing therapy, biofeedback, and even music and art therapy. You’ll have to attend a facility between five and seven times a week for multiple hours a day. If you have work or school obligations, this will seriously interfere with your treatment program. This program is also ideal for those living in sober living homes instead of outpatient facilities.
Continuing Care
What if you finished an inpatient rehab program already? You can opt for continuing care programs to connect with other sober individuals and continue receiving treatment. The most famous continuing care examples are Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. These groups are run by licensed therapists and meet weekly. But there are other continuing care options. For example, there are age and gender-focused groups out there. You may even want to choose a group based on any struggles you have staying sober.
Join Outpatient Rehab Today
If you’re trying to recover from drug addiction, outpatient rehab is a convenient option that lets you attend treatment programs all while living at home or at a sober living facility. These programs are all tailored to your needs and availability, with different treatment plan options to ensure you recover. Do you live in New Jersey and are trying to recover from drug addiction? Take a look at our outpatient detox program.
