Drug rehab facilities and programs are something that can be quite scary and intimidating to those not familiar with how they work. For people considering entering into a program knowing what you are signing up for is essential in helping them to feel comfortable in taking that big step forward. (source: Reco Intensive)
As you come across various facilities and programs, one thing you may notice is the words, inpatient and outpatient. These are two very different forms of treatment and are therefore meant for different types of people, with different expectations and needs. In general, an outpatient program tends to be more flexible in how it works, which can make it a more accessible program. Let’s take a closer look at how outpatient drug rehab works.
What Is an Outpatient Program?
An outpatient program simply means the person getting help and attending the program does not need to stay overnight in the facility. They will be able to return to their own home at the end of the day. Instead of living in the facility, they will be expected to follow a schedule wherein they show up on specific days and times.
Where Are These Facilities Found?
Outpatient rehab programs can be found in several different locations and facilities. It will come down to what specific services and assistance you need and how close you want to be to the treatment center.
Typical locations include a local mental health clinic, hospital, private behavioral counselor, or treatment center/facility. Even when the program isn’t located within a hospital, they tend to be affiliated with one.
Who Is an Outpatient Program Meant For?
While any person can look into this type of program, outpatient drug rehab tends to be the best option for those with a mild addiction. These types of programs tend to have a lower success rate than inpatient programs, simply because they are less intensive.
It should also be noted that they take longer to complete, as they could last up to a year. An inpatient program, on the other hand, typically takes 28 days to six months. With outpatient programs, you need to be willing to accept this will be a big part of your life potentially for the next year.
What Are the Benefits of an Outpatient Rehab Program?
You may also be wondering what the main benefits are in choosing an outpatient program vs an inpatient one. Outpatient programs tend to be less intensive, but that doesn’t mean it is a bad thing.
A big benefit with these programs is that it allows people to still work or go to school while seeking help. They don’t have to uproot their entire life while seeking assistance. And because the hours can be so flexible, it means you can attend the programs on weekends and even weeknights, ensuring you have a healthy balance in your life.
Some other benefits include the fact they tend to be more affordable, you generally will only need to put in 10-12 hours per week, and it can help you to build a support circle.
What Happens In the Program?
Curious as to what goes on in the program? An outpatient drug rehab program focuses on helping people to learn how to cope without their substance of choice, in this case, drugs. There is usually a mix of group and individual counseling with a focus on education (drug abuse) and coping skills. Other aspects of the rehab program can include:
- family counseling
- recreational therapy
- occupational therapy
- medication-assisted treatment plans
- psychotherapy
- support services
- therapeutic interventions
Some people choose to stick with an outpatient program as a long-term solution, rather than finishing in a set amount of time.
Be Aware of the Different Level of Outpatient Rehab
It should also be noted that outpatient rehab is an umbrella term and when you take a closer look you’ll find there are different levels of treatment available. The standard outpatient programs (OPs) are the ones people tend to be the most familiar with. There are very few medical services that will be needed in this treatment, and it will only require the least amount of hours a week.
If you need a level up in terms of treatment, then intensive outpatient (IOPs) could be a better option. This can require up to 20 hours a week worth of treatment, and there tend to be more providers involved in your care.
Finally, there is the partial hospitalization program (PHPs), which is still outpatient but is coined “day treatment” since it requires you to spend a full day at a time in the treatment program. This program provides the highest level of intervention, care, services, and support staff and certainly, isn’t needed by everyone.
Being Informed Helps to Dispel the Fear
The great thing is that the more you know about these outpatient drug rehab programs, the less scary and intimidating they can seem.