The best treatment option for you will depend on several factors. If you have been struggling with a moderate or severe substance use disorder and any co-occurring or underlying issues, entering into an inpatient treatment program is likely a good idea. If you have been using your substance of choice for a short period of time or if you have previously been sober and recently experienced a slip, an outpatient treatment program might be ideal. Outpatient treatment programs are also frequently utilized as a step-down level of care for those who have already been through medical detox and inpatient rehab.
What is outpatient treatment? An outpatient treatment program offers a varied and flexible curriculum of addiction treatment, which is attended several days of the week for several hours each day. The flexibility of outpatient treatment allows clients to maintain their existing schedules, which might revolve around work, school, or other outside responsibilities. Clients might choose to live at home as they undergo outpatient treatment, or they might opt to move into a sober living home for additional support and accountability. To learn more about outpatient treatment options near you and for help determining which level of care is the most appropriate for your unique case, reach out to us today.
What is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment programs come in many different forms. Some are more intensive than others, and meet five days a week for between 6 and 8 hours each day. Some are less intensive, and meet two or three days a week for a few hours in the morning or evening. The majority of outpatient treatment programs offer a combination of relapse prevention training, individual and group therapy, vocational and/or educational training, peer support groups, and built-in accountability by way of regular drug testing. The main priority of most outpatient addiction treatment programs is to provide clients with the opportunity for ongoing healing and access to support while helping them build a sober support network.
Types of Outpatient Treatment Program
There are several different types of outpatient treatment programs. The right program for you will depend on the severity of your substance use disorder, the presence of co-occurring issues, and your prior experience with addiction treatment.
Partial Hospitalization
Partial Hospitalization, also known as PHP, is the highest level of outpatient care available. The main difference between PHP and inpatient rehab is that clients typically do not live at a designated residence while engaged in treatment; they are able to return home in the evenings, once the full day of treatment concludes. The National Library of Medicine states, “Partial hospital programs are usually furnished by a hospital as a distinct and organized intensive ambulatory treatment service of less than 24-hour daily care. Partial hospitalization is not a substitute for inpatient care. For some patients, the availability of partial hospitalization may shorten the length of stay of full hospitalization or serve as a transition from inpatient to outpatient care. It may allow some patients to avoid hospitalization. Placement in a partial hospital program is a clinical decision that can be made only by a physician thoroughly knowledgeable about the patient’s illness, history, environment, and support system.” (1)
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Intensive Outpatient Treatment, also known as IOP, is a step down from PHP. Most IOP programs meet 5 days a week for between 6 and 8 hours each day. IOP is an ideal treatment option for those who are suffering from a mild or moderate substance use disorder and do not require around-the-clock care. In many cases, IOP is utilized as a fundamental component of a multi-staged continuum of care, following medical detox and inpatient rehab. However, IOP can be utilized as a standalone treatment option in certain cases.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient Treatment, or OP, is the lowest level of clinical care available. Most OP programs meet between two and three days a week for between 3 and 5 hours each day. OP programs tend to focus on helping clients make a smooth transition back into fully independent living. Many OP programs offer vocational training, educational assistance, relapse prevention training, and the development of healthy coping mechanisms. OP programs also focus on helping clients develop a strong network of sober supports they can rely on throughout the remainder of their recovery journeys.
Is Outpatient Addiction Treatment Right for Me?
While committing to an extended stay in an inpatient treatment center is often beneficial, taking a prolonged break from daily life can be challenging for those with pre-existing obligations and responsibilities they cannot easily step away from. Outpatient treatment is a great option for those who have already completed a higher level of care or who require more flexibility and personal freedom from their recovery program. If a person has a dysfunctional or non-supportive home environment, they might choose to reside in a sober living home while they participate in PHP, IOP, or OP. The right choice for you will vary based on your personal circumstances. To learn more about whether or not outpatient addiction treatment is right for you, contact us today.
Benefits of Outpatient Rehab
There are many benefits to choosing an outpatient rehab program, whether you are looking for a standalone treatment option or a supplemental level of clinical care. Some benefits of outpatient rehab include:
- A higher level of flexibility and freedom than you would find in a traditional inpatient rehab center.
- Access to support from loved ones.
- The ability to actively implement the healthy coping mechanisms and life skills that are being learned and developed in outpatient treatment.
- The ability to work full or part-time while recovering from addiction.
- A cost-effective solution for those who are uninsured and cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket for inpatient rehab.
Finding the best treatment option for you is often as simple as reaching out for help. As soon as you make the decision to reclaim your life and take the initial steps towards recovery, we will be there to help guide you through the process. The moment you contact us you will be connected with an experienced advisor who will help you determine whether or not outpatient addiction treatment is right for you. We will help you find an outpatient rehab in your area; if you are looking for an out-of-state treatment option, we will help you locate one and help you arrange travel plans. Our main priority is helping those in need of treatment. We understand that with so many options to choose from, narrowing down your search can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, you don’t need to do it on your own. Contact us today and we will help get you started on your personal journey of addiction recovery.
