If you want to get sober, but your schedule doesn’t permit a stay in an inpatient facility, outpatient addiction treatment may be the right choice for you. This type of treatment provides a more affordable option and allows you to stay connected to your family while getting the care you need.
Benefits
Outpatient addiction treatment is a more accessible form of care. The program doesn’t require 24-hour medical supervision and can be tailored to fit your schedule, which is often important if you have children or other responsibilities that can’t be put on hold.
The treatment includes several types of therapy to help individuals learn new coping skills and strategies for dealing with stress. These therapies can include motivational enhancement therapy, contingency management and family therapy.
In addition, people can participate in 12-Step meetings and peer support groups. These environments are especially helpful for nurturing motivation and accountability to stay sober.
Outpatient treatment is also less expensive than inpatient treatment, which can be more costly without health insurance or if you lose your job during your recovery. This can be especially important if you have a lower income.
Costs
Addiction can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life. In addition to health problems, it can also affect relationships with friends and family.
The cost of addiction treatment varies widely and depends on the type of service and level of care needed. Some people need a costly inpatient treatment program, while others do well in less expensive outpatient programs.
Individuals who have severe and chronic substance use disorders may require extended and more intensive treatment. This is often called residential treatment, and it involves staying at a rehab facility for several weeks or months.
Inpatient drug rehab centers provide housing, food, medical attention, and round-the-clock supervision. They also offer therapy, medication management, relapse prevention planning, and life skills training.
Requirements
Outpatient treatment is an important level of care for people who want to focus on recovery while maintaining their regular life. It allows patients to continue working, attending school and spending time with their family.
Individuals in this treatment level meet regularly with a medical professional to receive counseling, access various clinical services and receive medications. Depending on the level of care, patients can participate in outpatient therapy sessions for one week, several months or years.
Partial hospitalization programming (PHP) is an intensive type of outpatient program that can be beneficial for those who have a severe substance use disorder and other co-occurring disorders. PHP programs offer around-the-clock supervision and are usually conducted during the day.
This level of care is most suitable for patients who have a supportive home and can afford the time and resources necessary to attend treatment. It is also beneficial for those who need more intense care but prefer a less expensive option than residential treatment.
Options
Outpatient addiction treatment is a good choice for many people who want to start recovery but have other commitments that prevent them from attending an inpatient program. These programs may also be useful for a step-down in care after an inpatient program.
The types of services offered in an outpatient addiction treatment program vary. Some offer group support, skills development related to independent living and other specialized services.
Therapy and counseling are a major focus in addiction treatment, as they can help patients identify the underlying reasons for their drug use, repair relationships and learn healthier coping strategies. They can also help patients deal with issues related to their addictions, such as family conflict and stress.
Outpatient treatment is usually less expensive than inpatient drug rehab and can be more convenient for families or individuals with a full-time job. It can also allow someone to live at home while they receive care, as well as connect them with community resources.
