What are Outpatient Treatment Programs?

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What are Outpatient Treatment Programs?

When seeking rehab options for a substance use disorder you have two basic options: residential rehab or outpatient rehab. While each of these treatment options has unique benefits and features, this article will focus on outpatient rehabs. So, what are outpatient treatment programs and is it the right choice for you?

What is an Outpatient Treatment Program?

Outpatient treatment programs are a widely used option for individuals seeking to overcome a substance use disorder. The outpatient option is best for those with an emerging or mild substance problem. It offers comprehensive treatment elements while also providing the flexibility to continue to reside at home. For individuals with a long-term drug or alcohol addiction, a residential treatment program would be a better solution.

About Outpatient Rehab

If you are wondering, “What are outpatient treatment programs,” you will learn all about them here. Outpatient addiction treatment takes place in treatment centers for a prescribed number of hours per week. This commuter treatment option is preferable for those who can’t take a leave of absence from work or family obligations.

Outpatient treatment is less intensive than residential programs, which feature a full schedule of daily treatment activities. However, outpatient rehabs tend to be longer term, with most outpatient programs lasting 3-6 months.

Outpatient treatment centers are equipped to treat a wide range of substance use disorders. There include:

  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Opioid use disorder
  • Heroin
  • Methamphetamine
  • Benzodiazepine use disorder
  • Prescription stimulant use disorder
  • Prescription depressant use disorder
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Synthetic drugs

Outpatient treatment comes in different levels of intensity. Many people begin at the highest level of outpatient intensity and then step down over time. As well, those who have completed an inpatient program often step down to outpatient treatment.

What are the Benefits of an Outpatient Rehab Program?

When researching outpatient versus inpatient rehabs, you will learn there are pros and cons of each option. Some of the benefits of outpatient treatment include:

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  • More flexible. Outpatient offers flexibility in scheduling treatment sessions
  • Freedom. You are able to continue to engage with work, family, and friends while enrolled in treatment
  • Less expensive. Outpatient treatment is available at a lower cost than residential rehabs
  • Continuum of care. Able to step down to reduced levels of care when recovery benchmarks are met
  • Access to support. Outpatient offers easier access to the support of family and friends
  • Case management. There is coordination of adjunct and aftercare services

Even with its many advantages, outpatient care isn’t suitable for everyone. Some of the drawbacks to consider include:

  • Exposure to substances. If the home environment exposes you to alcohol and drugs, it will be difficult to remain sober.
  • Exposure to friends who use. Interaction with people you used to party with will undermine sobriety.
  • Temptation to quit. Being at home around family and friends, especially when holidays or festive occasions arise, may tempt you to stop treatment.

Types of Outpatient Treatment

There are three types of outpatient addiction treatment. These include:

  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): The PHP, also called day programs, offer the highest level of outpatient care. PHP involves an intensive schedule of about 30 hours of programming per week. The PHP offers detox services, mental health services, individual and group therapy, and a physician on site.
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): The IOP provides a well-rounded outpatient program of about 9 hours of programming per week. Program elements include psychotherapy, addiction education, and 12-step programming, with detox services referred out.
  • Outpatient Continuing Care: This is the least intensive outpatient rehab. Basic outpatient therapy is a step down for those who have completed an IOP or a residential program.

Types of Therapy in Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient treatment programs utilize a broad range of therapies to help individuals make important changes in their behavior patterns. These include:

  • Individual therapy. In these one-to-one sessions, you explore dysfunctional behavior patterns that keep you locked in the addiction cycle. Therapies like CBT and DBT guide you toward making needed changes that help to strengthen your recovery.
  • Group therapy sessions. Outpatient programs focus much of their treatment on group sessions. It is believed that peer interaction and social support are essential for making progress in treatment. During group sessions, a clinician provides topics for each meeting.
  • Family therapy. A healthy family system is central for creating needed support and boundaries within a safe and supportive space. Family sessions are geared toward improving communication and conflict resolution skills.
  • Holistic activities. Outpatient programs often provide yoga and meditation to aid in stress management.
  • Medication management. Medications may be useful to help manage cravings and reduce relapse.

How to Sustain Recovery After Outpatient Treatment

Once your outpatient rehab program has been completed, your main focus turns to avoiding a relapse. Here are some actions that can help reinforce sobriety after rehab:

  1. Self care. To manage stress, it is important to access self-care strategies. These might include deep breathing techniques, yoga, mindfulness training, meditation, massage, and acupuncture.
  2. Make new friends. To avoid feelings of boredom or loneliness it is crucial to form new sober friendships. Find new sober friends through support groups, sober clubs, sober travel groups, and sober gyms.
  3. Recovery community. Find a local A.A. or N.A. or SMART Recovery group and attend meetings regularly.
  4. Sober living. Sober living housing can be very helpful if you don’t enjoy a supportive home environment. Sober living provides housing that is drug and alcohol free during the early months of recovery.
  5. Get healthy. Substance use recovery should also involve new healthy habits. The stronger and healthier you feel, the lower your chance of relapse. Clean up your diet, get daily exercise, and make sure you get enough sleep each night.

If you are looking into rehab options and wanted to know what are outpatient treatment programs, now you know. Help is available, so reach out now.

Bodhi Addiction Treatment Offers Outpatient Addiction Rehab Services

Bodhi Addiction Treatment has created the Bodhi Wellness Program to assist individuals seeking help for substance use disorder. If you are wondering what are outpatient treatment programs like at Bodhi, please reach out to us today at (877) 328-1968.