Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that affects millions of Americans each year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people struggled with drug and alcohol addiction in 2022.[1]
When you suffer from a substance use disorder, you need to attend professional treatment. There are two main options for addiction treatment centers: inpatient treatment and outpatient rehab programs. While inpatient is the most intensive form of care, some people are better suited for the environment and flexibility offered by outpatient drug rehab centers.
Outpatient rehab clients can live at home while they commute to regular treatment sessions 3 to 5 days per week. The amount of time you spend in outpatient rehab will depend on your needs and the type of outpatient treatment you choose.
If you are wondering whether an outpatient treatment program is right for you, there are some things to consider. These facilities are best for people who have a stable living environment, need to continue working a job while they attend treatment, and would benefit from having easier access to family support.
In this article, you will learn:
- What are outpatient addiction treatment programs
- Is outpatient rehab right for you
- Signs that outpatient rehab is not sufficient for your needs
What is Outpatient Rehab?
Outpatient treatment allows you to live in the comfort of your own home while you commute to treatment sessions a few times per week. There are several types of outpatient treatment programs, with each one offering a different level of care.
Outpatient rehab includes the following treatment options:
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) – PHP programs are the most intensive options when it comes to outpatient care. You will attend treatment sessions for 3 to 5 days per week for several hours each visit. These programs offer many of the same services as inpatient rehab, like detox, medication management, individual therapy, group counseling, support groups, relapse prevention planning, and more.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) – IOPs are considered a step down from PHP treatment. Depending on your needs, you will attend treatment sessions 3 to 5 times per week for a couple of hours each day. These programs focus on therapy and relapse prevention planning.
- Outpatient Programs (OPs) – Traditional outpatient programs are the most relaxed and flexible option among outpatient treatment centers. Usually, it only involves 3 treatment sessions per week and focuses on developing coping mechanisms and relapse prevention skills. It is common to attend inpatient or PHP before transitioning into an OP.
The main difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is the ability to live at home. Additionally, outpatient programs might have a higher focus on identifying triggers and learning coping skills as you will be faced with potential relapse triggers while you are attending the program.
Who Should Go to Outpatient Rehab?
Each person’s recovery journey looks different from the next. While some people might need residential treatment to recover, others would benefit more from an outpatient program. It all comes down to your specific needs and goals for recovery.
You should consider attending outpatient rehab if:
- You require a flexible schedule for treatment to care for outside obligations like work, school, or caring for family members
- You have a safe and supportive living situation to reside in during treatment
- You will benefit from having unregulated and constant access to family support during the recovery process
- You cannot afford an inpatient stay
- Your withdrawal symptoms can be managed at home or you have already completed detox
- You have a mild substance use disorder and do not have co-occurring mental health conditions that require intensive treatment
Outpatient treatment requires you to be highly motivated in your recovery and daily life. There is less supervision from therapists and addiction counselors. The main source of accountability you will receive from outpatient treatment is randomized drug and alcohol testing.
Signs That Outpatient Rehab is Not Right for You
While outpatient rehab can be highly beneficial for some people, it might not be right for you. It is also possible that you should attend outpatient rehab after completing an inpatient rehab program to lengthen the support you receive during early recovery.
Signs that you should attend inpatient rather than outpatient include:
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms and requiring inpatient detox services like medical treatment, monitoring, and supervision
- Not having a safe and supportive living environment to reside in during treatment
- Having co-occurring mental health conditions that require ongoing support
- Having a history of relapses or failed outpatient treatment in the past
- Dealing with a moderate to severe substance use disorder that requires extensive treatment, monitoring, and 24/7 support
If you are having a hard time deciding whether outpatient rehab is right for you, the admissions counselors at Archstone Behavioral Health can provide you with an assessment to determine what level of care you need. You can also ask your therapist to provide you with an evaluation to determine whether you need inpatient or outpatient support.
Get Connected to an Outpatient Rehab Center Near You
If you or a loved one suffers from drug and alcohol abuse, it’s time to consider professional help. Outpatient rehab centers offer the perfect balance of evidence-based services and flexibility that allows you to continue living your life.
At Archstone Behavioral Health, we offer a highly-rated outpatient rehab program that can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery. Contact us today for more information on how to get started.
References:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data
