What is outpatient treatment like?

What is outpatient addiction treatment and who should go? Read more about types, benefits, duration, and cost of outpatient treatment, here.

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There are alternatives for addiction rehab!

There are various addiction treatment options available to those seeking recovery; one of the most popular options being outpatient addiction treatment programs, which allows greater flexibility in your treatment and recovery process than many other treatment options. For example, an outpatient program does not require you to live at the residence of a treatment facility. In fact, you could complete your treatment in the comfort of your own home or a sober living facility.

But what is outpatient addiction treatment like? And, who can benefit from going to intensive outpatient treatment vs. standard outpatient care? Continue reading to learn more, and feel free to post your questions in the designated section below.

Are there different Outpatient Treatment options to choose from?

Yes, there are different treatment options within outpatient addiction centers. In fact, the level of treatment that you choose is dependent on the level of addiction you’re struggling with.

Many treatment facilities offer a series of treatment “phases,” where you successfully complete one phase and are graduated into lower levels of care that are less demanding and hands on as you regain stability and sobriety. There are treatment facilities that strictly specialize in outpatient treatment programs for those struggling with less severe addictions or for those who are transitioning out of a residential inpatient treatment program. The following outlines the most commonly found types of outpatient treatment and what they include:

1. Partial hospitalization programs, or PHP.

These type of programs are considered the most therapeutic and intensive programs with a strict structure and schedule. PHP patients are typically required to meet with a counselor or participate in individual or group therapy meetings for 5-6 hours a day, up to five (5) days a week. The level of demand and involvement varies from patient to patient and is usually determined by the counselors, therapists and or staff members regularly involved with the patients.

2. Intensive outpatient programs, or IOP.

What to expect during intensive outpatient program? Intensive outpatient programs are a level below PHP programs and are considered to be less therapeutically intensive while still offering structured care. IOP programs are designed to provide a greater level of freedom and personal responsibility for patients, such as allowing them to work or attend school during the day while regularly participating in evening therapy sessions and meetings.

3. Outpatient treatment programs, or OP.

These are programs geared towards individual therapy that are significantly less intensive and structured than PHP and IOP programs. While intensity is based on the needs and motivation of the patient, this program is treated as continuing care.

How long does outpatient addiction treatment last? Many facilities require a minimum of two (2) hours of therapy and regular attendance to meetings each week. In this stage of recovery the individual is required to seek out their own therapist or psychologist, who specializes in addiction treatment, to work with them. With this program being treated as continuing care, the individual is able to spend a majority of their time working towards career and or educational goals while rebuilding their lives.

What is Outpatient Treatment like?

Outpatient rehab treatment programs vary in structured schedules and timelines. Everyone progresses through addiction treatment at their own pace, so there’s no set length of time for care.

Typically, programs run anywhere between one and three months, but they can run longer. Most treatment facilities require 90 days of participation in order to ensure successful results. The length of your outpatient treatment care can be extended depending on the progress the individual makes, following further care recommendations and ongoing evaluations from an addiction treatment professional.

Just like the variations in care, there are variations in the cost of an outpatient drug rehabilitation program. Of the different types of outpatient care available, one of the most consistent features is the low cost in comparison to other forms of treatment. Additionally, due to being referred as less intensive, outpatient care tends to attract those who are intimidated by the recovery process.

Finally, there is a common misconception that outpatient treatment programs are the opposite of residential inpatient programs in regards to treatment intensity. When it comes to the intensity of outpatient care there is a large degree of variation. Some outpatient programs are designed with accessibility and flexibility in mind while others are a major commitment and would be difficult to complete while handling day-to-day responsibilities.

Why should I choose an Outpatient Treatment program?

Outpatient care is best for individuals who:

  • are in good physical health
  • have a safe and stable living environment
  • have a strong support network of family and friends

Still, when choosing to partake in a drug and or alcohol treatment program there are various factors, aside from the cost, that need to be considered when deciding whether inpatient or outpatient care is right for you.Here a few reasons why you may choose an Outpatient Treatment program:

  1. Your addiction is not severeIf you are still within the beginning phases of your drug addiction or your addiction is not severe (i.e. you require detox and inpatient care), then outpatient care may offer the right structure and level of care for your needs.
  2. Continuing careMany times outpatient care is viewed as continuing care and may be recommended as a “next step,” while you transition back into your daily routines.
  3. Consistently strong support systemOutpatient care is a great resource for regular therapeutic sessions and meetings outside of the support of family and friends to help you maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.
  4. Residential inpatient care is not an optionWhether it be because of cost or availability, sometimes inpatient care is unavailable. In cases like this PHP or IOP programs would be a great alternative.

Outpatient addiction treatment questions

Remember: Outpatient treatment programs can be extremely effective!Many who begin and continue through these programs stop using drugs and or drinking alcohol, and improve their occupational, social, personal, and psychological functioning.

Do you have questions about outpatient addiction treatment options and would like to know more before you make a final decision? You can feel free to post them in the comments section below and we will do our best to provide a personal and prompt response, or refer you to someone who can help.

About the author
Ocean Breeze Recovery is a full spectrum, luxury addiction and dual diagnosis treatment center located in South Florida. Our mission is To heal the broken mind, body, and spirit - one person at a time - through compassion, perseverance, and unconditional acceptance.
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