According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an estimated 23 million people in the U.S. have a substance use disorder. As a result, many have suffered numerous otherwise avoidable consequences, such as job loss, hospitalization, legal problems, broken relationships, and even being physically assaulted. Studies show that these unfortunate life events tend to impact people in one of two ways; they either push them toward abusing drugs and alcohol even more or wills them to get the help necessary to turn their lives around. According to the same NIH study, a little over 11% have, so far, chosen the latter. Of that 11% or so of people who turned to a licensed rehab for help overcoming an addiction, many opted to go with an outpatient addiction recovery program to help them achieve sobriety.
Benefits of Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab
First and foremost, an outpatient addiction recovery program at a licensed rehab facility might not work for those trying to overcome a severe addiction to opioids, cocaine, methamphetamines, or benzodiazepines. Likewise, they may not be a good fit for someone with a full-on alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, they can work for someone with a binge drinking problem. Severe addictions can trigger equally severe withdrawal symptoms when individuals go through detox and, therefore, requires round-the-clock monitoring by a licensed physician or nurse in an inpatient program.
Comparatively, less severe addiction problems often do not require such monitoring and, therefore, can be treated in an outpatient program. That said, several benefits come with going this route, the most notable of which is the freedom to fulfill work or family obligations in-between treatments, an option not available in traditional inpatient programs where individuals must remain at a treatment facility for weeks or even months at a time. Along with that greater flexibility, outpatient programs also offer the following in the way of benefits:
- Lower treatment costs
- Medication management
- Treatment for co-occurring and stand-alone mental illnesses
- One-on-one and group sessions with a licensed therapist
- Relapse prevention
The Different Types of Outpatient Treatment Programs Available
When it comes to addiction recovery, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. And outpatient addiction recovery treatments are no exception. For those unaware, most rehab facilities in the U.S. offer three outpatient programs to individuals ready to break the cycle of addiction. They include the following:
Intensive outpatient programs – An intensive outpatient program is ideal for individuals who need help overcoming a substance abuse problem coupled with a mental health disorder. They can also benefit those suffering from a stand-alone mental health disorder. Most of these programs offer various forms of psychotherapy and courses that teach individuals coping and relaxation skills, which helps keep their mental illness from taking over their life.
Daytime outpatient programs – These programs are ideal for those who struggle with less severe forms of addiction, such as heavy marijuana use or binge drinking, and do not require round-the-clock monitoring by healthcare staff. Daytime outpatient programs are the most popular of the three outpatient programs that most rehab facilities in the U.S. make available to individuals in their care. In these programs, individuals participate in part-time treatment sessions during the day, which can last for several weeks and take several hours each day. However, they are free to tend to work, family, and other obligations before and after those sessions.
Continuing care groups – This type of outpatient care is available to those who have already completed an addiction recovery program but still need help maintaining long-term sobriety. For those not in the know, continuing care groups are 12-step or support group meetings, which are held once a week and sometimes last for years. This unique approach to outpatient care enables individuals to speak with others on a similar path to long-term sobriety. And this allows them to discover even more ways to cope with temptation, cravings, and other things that could quickly lead to them suffering a relapse. Like daytime outpatient programs, individuals can participate in continuing care groups before or after fulfilling other obligations in their life.
Bottom Line
While they are not for everyone and certainly won’t work for every kind of addiction, several benefits come from taking advantage of addiction recovery services in an outpatient treatment program. To learn more or to get help finding a rehab facility in your area that offers outpatient treatments, consider speaking with one of our associates today at 833.970.2054.
