You’ve likely seen a lot of movies and shows about addiction. One thing many of them have in common is inpatient rehab- a place that addicts go to stay for weeks at a time. Most movies and television shows don’t bother to show anything but these types of rehab facilities that offer sanctuary from the rest of the world as their patients get clean.
Unfortunately, you might not be able to go to an inpatient center just yet. Maybe your insurance doesn’t cover such a long stay, or you can’t quit work to spend weeks in a facility. Whatever the case, you’re now looking at attending an outpatient drug rehab instead. But you’re still wondering, can outpatient rehab help me with my addiction? The answer is yes, yes it can. Let’s read on to learn more about outpatient drug rehab.
Treatment in Outpatient
If the person attending treatment is severely addicted to certain substances, such as oxycodone or heroin, then they will do better being treated for it in an inpatient center. However, if the substance abuse issue is a mild one, especially if it is caught in the very early stages, there is a good chance it can be treated in an outpatient facility. An outpatient facility is the best place for a person who wants to get the help they know they need but requires a place that will give them some flexibility.
When you attend outpatient rehab, you won’t be in the facility day and night. Instead, you will schedule days and times to receive treatment while continuing to live at home. It’s a perfect solution for addicts who need to keep up their responsibilities, such as work and family, while still attending to their addiction needs. An outpatient schedule will allow you to keep up with your regular responsibilities while getting help. You’ll have to check into the treatment center during your allotted times to receive medication and counseling services.
If you have a strong will to succeed and the willpower to make the change, outpatient rehab will be greatly beneficial.
What Types of Outpatient Rehab are Available?
You’ll find numerous types of outpatient rehab when you’re ready to make the commitment, but there are three main categories for outpatient rehab centers: day programs, intensive outpatient programs, continuing care. Let’s take a look at all three.
Day Programs- When you want the highest level of structure and care without staying at an inpatient facility, a local day program will be the best bet. You’ll be required to meet at the facility five to seven days a week for a few hours a day. You’ll participate in private therapy, group counseling, and any holistic therapies the facility may offer. You’ll return to your home after each session. While day programs do require a larger time commitment, you can still often schedule the therapy around work or school.
Intensive Outpatient Programs- An intensive outpatient program, commonly referred to as an IOP, starts with longer time commitments that decrease as milestones are met. An IOP is a great option for addicts who want to get clean but still have to go to work and deal with daily responsibilities. An IOP will require attending a few sessions per week for a few hours each day. You may also be required to attend a 12-step or other similar recovery program during your time.
Continuing Care- A continuing care program, such as Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous, is an ongoing support group that helps you keep your commitment to sobriety after you have been clean for a bit of time. These types of groups are usually run by a licensed counselor and meet daily or weekly. Many addicts attend this type of ongoing group for years after becoming clean.
There are a few factors to consider when you are looking at your rehab choices. The first is affordability. Since you won’t be staying at the treatment center if you choose outpatient rehab, you will not be paying as much. This is a big plus for a lot of addicts who cannot justify the cost. Outpatient programs are also very flexible for patients who have to work, go to school, or take care of family responsibilities. You’ll also have ongoing access to your family and support system when you come home every day, a factor that many people find necessary.
When you’re ready to head to rehab, we want to help. Give us a call at 772-266-5320 to schedule a time to talk about your options.
