It’s no secret that many Americans are addicted to drugs or alcohol. In fact, if you look at the statistics, you’ll find that almost 172 million Americans used drugs or alcohol in 2018. There are many benefits to seeking outpatient addiction rehab services if you’re in need of assistance and have an addiction. Trained professionals are prepared to help you confront obstacles in your life and teach you skills that will help you succeed. It can be intimidating to admit that you need guidance. Not knowing what you’re walking into can make the concern even greater. If you’re interested in outpatient substance abuse programs and are unsure about whether or not it’s the right choice for you, keep reading to learn what you should expect.
What Are Outpatient Rehabilitation Services?
Outpatient drug treatment is generally made up of many different programs that require you to visit a treatment facility on days throughout the week. Unlike inpatient services, outpatient services allow you the independence to live on your own. The biggest difference between inpatient and outpatient facilities is this independence and the fact that you won’t receive 24/7 care, including medical care, housing, or helpful guidance. Both of these types of treatment options have pros and cons that must be considered before one of them can be chosen. Outpatient rehab programs are generally less intense than inpatient treatments and can be anywhere from one session per week to a few sessions per day. It depends on the program you choose. At Next Wind Recovery, we ask that you visit our facility daily for treatment and evaluation when detoxing. During this time, you’ll still be able to go to work and meet all social or familial obligations. Everyone has a different recovery rate, so if you are in withdrawal, symptoms may last anywhere from a few days to weeks. Regardless, we are here for you every step of the way.
What Should You Expect?
As stated previously, if you don’t know what will happen when you are attending outpatient treatment, you may be imagining the worst. Truthfully, there are instances in outpatient treatment that will require you to get out of your comfort zone. Look at this as a positive learning experience for you to find out more about yourself. When you first arrive, you should expect to go through standard intake procedures. The intake assessment is going to ask you a lot of personal questions, mainly related to your alcohol or substance use. Some questions you’ll want to have answers for include:
- What types of substances you use
- The first and last time you used
- How often you use
- How much you use at a time
It may feel uncomfortable to answer these questions, but the intent behind them is to make sure you’re getting the right type of help. You may also be subject to a physical examination or drug testing when you arrive. During your time in outpatient drug treatment, you’ll likely need to express your thoughts and feelings at various times. This is meant to help you process what you’re dealing with and come up with healthier ways to cope with the root of your addiction. Most outpatient programs are going to require both group counseling and individual counseling, although some will only require one or the other. Following the detox phase, Next Wind Recovery encourages everyone participating in outpatient programs to participate in our group counseling and individual counseling sessions. We also provide after-care programs that help you prevent relapses and develop healthy lifestyle choices. Other things that may come up during your time in treatment include:
- Education about substance use and how it impacts the body and mind
- Skill development in different areas important to leading a healthy life, such as socializing, employment, or goal-setting
- Education on preventing future relapses
- Access to various self-help groups depending on the client’s need
Are You a Good Fit for This Treatment Program?
Some people will find that outpatient treatment is the best choice for them while others may benefit more from inpatient treatment. You may be more likely to thrive in outpatient rehab if:
- You have a mild or moderate addiction
- You have access to transportation
- You have a good social support system
- You are low risk for serious withdrawal or medical problems
- You are motivated
Inpatient rehab may be the better choice if:
- Your addiction is severe
- You have multiple addictions
- You lack a strong support system
- You have a history with addiction and relapse
- You’ve tried outpatient services before and dropped out
- You also have mental health conditions
- You’re at risk of complex withdrawal
If you’re unsure about which treatment option is going to be the best fit, you may want to meet with a professional at the rehab program, such as a counselor or doctor. Remember that even if outpatient rehab isn’t considered the right choice for you now, inpatient rehab is still a viable option to get the help you need.
Are You Ready to Get Help?
With this information about our outpatient rehabilitation services in hand, you may be thinking that it’s time to get the help you deserve. While it’s difficult to ask for help, doing so is the first step. Our trained specialists are on your side. Getting things back on track is not as impossible as it may seem. We are here to help you learn what you need to know and gain the skills necessary to live a healthier life. If you’re ready to get started, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We have experts that are ready to assist you today.
