One of the biggest concerns that many people have when it comes to seeking help for their addiction to drugs or alcohol at an outpatient treatment facility are the rules that many of these facilities have in place. That said, it should be noted that these rules are necessary to maintain order and to ensure all patients have a reasonable chance of overcoming their addiction and achieving long-term sobriety. In this article, we will explore some of the rules that are in place at most outpatient rehab facilities and what patient can expect as they go about getting the help that they so desperately need.
7 COMMON RULES YOU WILL NEED TO FOLLOW IN AN OUTPATIENT REHAB PROGRAM
Before detailing the 7 rules that you will need to follow while being treated at an outpatient rehab facility, it is important to note that all facilities are different, and therefore, some of these rules may not necessarily apply. That said, it is always a good idea to schedule a consultation with a prospective facility to discuss their specific rules, which can help you decide whether or not they are a good fit for you.
1. NO ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
While not allowing romantic relationships may seem arbitrary and pointless, this rule is critical in that it ensures patients can focus on the goal at hand, which is to overcome their respective addiction and better their lives. Of course, the process involved in enforcing this particular rule can vary from facility to facility.
2. NO CELL PHONES OR LAPTOPS
Although this rule seems excessive in that it effectively cuts you off from the world, it is designed to prevent individuals from making contact with those who are either still using or have the ability to provide you with drugs or alcohol while you’re trying to get clean. Furthermore, it prevents you from sharing your experiences on social media, which can infringe on the privacy of others who are also seeking substance abuse treatment.
3. NO MEDIA
Along with prohibiting the use of cell phones and laptops, many outpatient facilities will go one step further by not allowing movies, television, or music of any kind. However, there is a method to the perceived madness. The goal of this rule is to help patients avoid possible triggers that may contribute to a relapse. After all, a lot of the music on the radio, not to mention content in movies and general television programs, make some reference to alcohol or drugs.
4. MANDATORY ATTENDANCE AT ALL TREATMENT SESSIONS
Attending all treatment sessions is critical to overcoming addiction and achieving long-term recovery success, and most outpatient rehab facilities will work diligently to enforce this rule.
5. COMPLETE ABSTINENCE FROM DRUGS OR ALCOHOL
Along with mandatory attendance at all treatment sessions, those seeing substance abuse treatment in an outpatient rehab program are expected to remain sober throughout the entire treatment process. Although this may seem obvious, studies show that a small percentage of individuals relapse while still in treatment.
6. INABILITY TO COME AND GO AS YOU PLEASE
Although most people may argue that restricting someone’s ability to come and go as they please can make rehab feel more like a prison stint, it helps prevent relapse. That said, most outpatient programs will not allow individuals to leave the facility unless they are accompanied by an employee of the facility.
7. MUST FOLLOW A HIGHLY STRUCTURED SCHEDULE
One to the best way to improve your chances of overcoming addiction is by adding more structure to your daily routine, which minimizes boredom and a possible resumption of old patterns of behavior that could give way to relapse. Having said that, most outpatient programs will require that their patients follow a strict and highly structured schedule that includes
- One-on-one therapy sessions
- Group therapy sessions
- Following a prescribed detox regimen
- Appointments with a physician while going through detox
In summation, the rules in place at most outpatient rehab facilities not only benefit the patient seeking help for their struggles with drugs or alcohol but also the facilities themselves. Assuming you have made up your mind to put substance abuse behind you for good, these rules should not be too hard to follow. To learn more about outpatient rehab rules or to schedule a consultation with one of our helpful and compassionate counselors, you’re encouraged to contact us today at 772-266-5320.
