If you are seeking outpatient treatment, chances are you have graduated from a residential rehab program. Other reasons you may be beginning outpatient treatment include personal responsibilities that do not allow you to enroll in a full-time residential program. You may also have other needs that make it more beneficial for you to remain in your home environment at night and commute to the treatment center to attend your program during the day. Whatever your reasons are for receiving outpatient treatment, here are three ways you can get the most out of your program by being proactive.
What to Expect in Outpatient Treatment
During outpatient treatment, you will likely have a little more flexibility with your time to accommodate other tasks and responsibilities you may have in your life. You will be required to travel to the treatment center. Outpatient treatment will likely be your first experience with balancing elements of life outside of the treatment center with receiving therapy, attending recovery meetings, and generally participating in activities that will help you remain in recovery. During your outpatient program, you will learn the skills you need to incorporate treatment into a healthy, productive lifestyle.
1. Plan All The Logistics
Outpatient treatment requires a commitment to commuting to the treatment center each day you are scheduled to participate in your program’s onsite activities. To ensure your attendance, work out arrangements to be sure you have reliable transportation. If you will be taking public transportation, map out your route and determine the time you will need to leave your starting point to arrive at the treatment center on time. If possible, set up a backup method of transportation in case your first mode of transport falls through. Transportation can sometimes be a barrier to people accessing outpatient treatment. If you think you may have difficulty obtaining reliable transportation to and from the treatment center, let your treatment counselor know. Treatment centers and nonprofits are often able to provide resources to help support their clients on the road to recovery. In addition to arranging transportation, you should also clear your schedule to be sure you are able to participate in your outpatient program while still meeting your other important obligations.
2. Make a List
Counseling and various type of therapy sessions play a substantial role in substance abuse treatment. Communication is a central component of any psychotherapy-based program. Before your first outpatient session, make a list of all your questions, feelings, thoughts, and expectations about beginning outpatient treatment. Communicating your thoughts with your counselors will help them better understand how they can make your experience more fruitful and rewarding. Writing your thoughts down eliminates the possibility of forgetting them by the time your first day of treatment arrives. Making a list will also help you and your counselor communicate more clearly and establish common ground before delving into your treatment program.
3. Create a Schedule
At the beginning of your program, you will be informed of the days and times you will be required to travel to the treatment center. If you work or have other obligations, you will need to adjust your schedule to accommodate your outpatient sessions. You may have to communicate with your employer, work out childcare arrangements, and coordinate schedules with family members to rework your schedule to ensure you are able to fully show up for your treatment program. If you require a doctor’s note or require assistance will scheduling and planning, express your needs to your counselors. The staff and clinicians at the treatment center are there to support you and help you improve your likelihood for a successful outcome in your outpatient program.
Outpatient Treatment in Wilmington
If you are still looking for the right outpatient treatment program, our addiction specialists are available to help you find the program that best meets your needs. We work with individuals of diverse backgrounds and from all walks of life. Whether you have low income or no income, are looking for faith-based treatment, or if you’d prefer a program that takes a holistic approach to treatment, we will connect you with the right resources. Call us today at 302-842-2390 for more tips on how you can prepare to begin outpatient treatment or to learn more about outpatient treatment options available to you.