When deciding which type of addiction treatment is right for you, it’s important to know that there are benefits of both outpatient and inpatient rehab. While some people might participate in an outpatient program after completing residential treatment, others rely on outpatient treatment alone. In the end, it’s important to be informed about your treatment options and choose the one that will best help you meet your goals.
There are many benefits of outpatient rehab, ranging from the affordability of treatment and flexibility of therapy sessions to the ability to provide patients with ongoing support and local community resources in early recovery.
What is Outpatient Treatment?
There are two types of outpatient treatment: intensive outpatient programming (IOP) and outpatient programming (OP). Both levels of care are similar, but IOP consists of more hours of therapy a week than OP. People enrolled in IOP programs might attend treatment 5 days a week while OP may only hold sessions once or twice a week. Therapy consists of both individual and group counseling where participants learn to recognize their triggers, apply healthy coping mechanisms, and adjust to life in early sobriety.
Outpatient rehab is a good option for people who have completed an inpatient program because it helps ease the transition away from a structured and supervised environment. However, many people choose to go to outpatient programs because they can’t attend a residential program due to their work, family, or education. As a result, outpatient treatment is an asset to anyone who is looking to get sober and stay sober.
In addition to individual and group counseling, other services provided by outpatient programs may include:
- 12-Step facilitation
- Drug and alcohol education
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention
- Life skills
- Medication management
- Dual diagnosis/mental health treatment
- Sober living homes
Benefits of Outpatient Rehab
People who can benefit from outpatient rehab should be highly motivated to maintain their sobriety, actively participating in their therapy sessions, and have a supportive home environment. Alternatively, a quality addiction treatment center will offer a variety of services and programs that help meet the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of each and every client.
1. You can live at home, maintain your job, and receive treatment at the same time.
Since aftercare programs don’t require patients to live at the treatment facility, you can live at home, continue to go to work, and care for your family all while receiving the treatment you need to stay sober. Most outpatient treatment programs meet in the evenings a few times a week, so you can easily find a program that works around your personal schedule. Although inpatient treatment has better success rates for people with severe addictions, not everyone has the luxury of attending a residential program. As a result, IOP or OP programs are highly beneficial to those who are unable to go to inpatient rehab.
2. Outpatient rehab eases the transition out of residential drug and alcohol programs.
Inpatient programs consist of strict schedules and supervised daily activities. This structure and routine are important for people in recovery, but they are not always easy to maintain after finishing treatment. However, one benefit of outpatient rehab is that it helps ease the transition out of such an intensive program so that individuals have an easier time adjusting to life back in the real world. Not only that, but addiction is a chronic disease that typically requires long term treatment. If you try to rush the healing process, you may not get the results you want to see. Instead, take your recovery slowly and take advantage of the ongoing care that outpatient rehab has to offer. If you’re looking to take your sobriety seriously, outpatient is something to consider when you leave inpatient treatment.
3. Early recovery isn’t always easy, but ongoing therapy and support from your peers will help you stay sober and accountable.
Simply put, you never know what challenges you will face in early recovery. Some people struggle to find work or adjust to living at home while others battle incessant cravings and triggers that make them want to drink or get high. Regardless of what you’re struggling with, one of the benefits of outpatient rehab is that it offers ongoing support from mental health experts, addiction specialists, and peers who know what you’re going through. As a result, outpatient programs help provide people in recovery with extra counseling and accountability to make early sobriety a little bit easier. Overall, people who participate in IOP have lower rates of drug and alcohol use than those who don’t participate in these programs.
4. Outpatient programs provide you with community resources that will help support your recovery.
Having the support of a therapist and your peers is important, but it’s also crucial to get involved in your local recovery community. Many people in recovery attribute their sobriety to 12-Step fellowships or other recovery-based support groups. Addiction is a disease of isolation, so when it comes to recovery, staying social and connected is essential. One major function of outpatient programs is that they connect patients with local resources in the community that can benefit their recovery. This not only includes 12-Step facilitation, but it may also include job-seeking assistance, volunteer opportunities, or community organization events. From support groups to literature and counseling referrals, outpatient rehabs are familiar with all the resources you need to stay on the right path.
5. Outpatient rehab is more affordable than residential addiction treatment.
Outpatient drug and alcohol programs are typically more affordable than residential treatment programs. Since you’re not paying for a living space, food, transportation, or the around-the-clock care that inpatient provides, IOP and OP programs are great options for people who don’t have insurance or can’t afford a more intensive level of care. Most outpatient rehabs cost less than $10,000 and are covered by most insurance.
Finding Outpatient Services in Ohio for Yourself or a Loved One
There are many ways people can benefit from outpatient rehab, however, it isn’t for everyone. Before making the important decision of choosing the right rehab, be sure to speak with an addiction specialist and consider all of your options.
Whether you’re looking to start the journey to recovery or need additional support, our addiction specialists are here to discuss your options with you. Don’t wait any longer – contact us today to find the treatment you need.
