Outpatient

Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Substance abuse is a complicated issue that impacts all the areas of an individual’s life, including family, work, health, and finances. A person in the grips of addiction often reaches out for help. Outpatient addiction rehab centers provide alcohol and drug treatment to those in need. Outpatient rehab centers offer many types of addiction rehab and assistance in recovery. During outpatient treatment, individuals at that level of care are required to visit the rehabilitation center regularly. Outpatient rehabilitation programs are usually suitable for people who do not require medically-supervised detoxification, intensive treatment, or around-the-clock supervision.

The outpatient program for substance use disorders at Boca Recovery Center provides a strong program of therapy and support to recovering individuals. The goal is to provide our clients with the tools and direction they need to achieve lasting sobriety. We specialize in the rehabilitation of many different substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, benzodiazepine, marijuana, and opioid (pain pill) addiction.

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop – Confucius

The severity of a person’s addiction determines the need for inpatient or outpatient care. If you are not sure whether you need residential or outpatient addiction rehab, we can help you find the best option. Call Boca Recovery Center today on (855) 637-1331 to find out more about our programs.

In this article, we introduce you to outpatient addiction treatment. You will learn about what to expect during outpatient rehab. We will discuss the structure of treatments offered at outpatient facilities. There is a comparison of inpatient/residential vs. outpatient rehab to help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of both. Finally, we answer some frequently asked questions.

What is outpatient rehab for drug and alcohol addiction?

A person struggling with alcohol or substance use disorder has several rehab options available to them. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. One option is to obtain addiction treatment at an outpatient rehabilitation center. This involves attending regular therapy sessions and group counseling a few times a week for a limited number of hours. The recovering individual continues to live independently during treatment. He or she is not required to stay overnight at a residential facility or in a community housing unit. Outpatient rehabs are an excellent option for people who need to continue working or attending school. They are also ideal for those who must stay home to care for their family.

Outpatient rehab centers provide the flexibility that many recovering addicts require. This type of addiction treatment works best for people who have abused drugs in small amounts or for a short time.

Types of Outpatient Treatment

The type and duration of an addiction rehab program depends upon the individual’s history of drug or alcohol abuse. Outpatient treatment is usually categorized into the following:

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Participants are required to attend treatment between 3-5 times a week for 2-4 hours at a time.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

These programs work best for individuals who are engaged in the goal of recovery, but require comprehensive ongoing treatment for their addiction. These individuals are able to living independently in a community housing component.

Standard Outpatient Programs

Therapy and counseling services are provided on an outpatient basis a few times a week, combined with other forms of treatment such as medication management, and 12 step program participation.

A typical outpatient program can consist of 90-minute sessions a couple of times a week. Or it may consist of a 90-minute group meeting, 30 minutes of family counseling, and a 30-minute individual therapy session every week. Some outpatient treatment centers also offer services like skills training, vocational rehabilitation, and social re-integration. During these sessions, individuals are taught practical tips to remain sober, for example, learning to say no when someone offers them a drink.

Benefits of Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Outpatient drug rehab programs have many advantages, some of which are listed below.

Less Disruptive

Recovering individuals can continue living at home and leading productive lives. They can spend time with their family and continue working or attending school. Family members and friends can see the effects of treatment on a day-to-day basis and assist the recovering addict in their recovery.

Flexible

The structure of an outpatient program allows for more flexibility. Participants do not need to commit several weeks or months at a stretch to addiction recovery. They can continue taking care of the family. They do not need to take an extended leave of absence from work. Students can keep up with academics while receiving treatment at rehab. Outpatient therapy sessions are often available in the evenings or on weekends to cause minimum disruption to the person’s life.

Affordable

Outpatient programs are considerably less expensive than inpatient or residential programs. Residential programs require the person to stay for several weeks to months on-site at an addiction treatment center. The high cost of lodging and food and around-the-clock care is unaffordable for many people. Outpatient care is more affordable and also more likely to be covered by health insurance.

Outpatient treatment is appropriate for recovering addicts who have a mild addiction, a stable home environment, and a willingness to participate in rehab treatments.

Challenges of Outpatient Addiction Treatment

Outpatient addiction rehab programs place a great deal of emphasis on a person’s involvement in their health and recovery. Not every individual in recovery is motivated to comply with several months of meetings and group activities. The duration of treatment also means that some people fall off the wagon and stop treatment midway through recovery.

Another disadvantage of outpatient rehab is that people in recovery continue to live at home and have access to drugs or alcohol. This means they are only one moment of weakness away from giving in to temptation and relapsing. For this reason, outpatient programs are especially less effective in people with an unstable home environment. For example, if a recovering individual lives with others who use drugs or drink, they are more likely to relapse during outpatient treatment. In such cases, residential or PHP addiction treatment works better because it removes the person from an unhealthy environment.

Finally, the structure of the outpatient rehab program is important to ensure long-term success. The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that some low-intensity outpatient drug rehab programs are nothing more than education. At Boca Recovery Center, our outpatient rehabilitation program is an in-depth comprehensive recovery module. It is designed to help addicts overcome the physical and emotional dependence on drugs or alcohol.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment

The main difference between inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs is the living arrangements. Residential (inpatient) treatment provides 24-hour care and around-the-clock supervision. Outpatient programs allow the person to live at home while receiving addiction treatment. For this reason, outpatient programs cause minimal disruption to the daily routine and also cost less. The best outpatient drug rehabs offer a structured program that utilizes evidence-based therapies.

However, outpatient drug and alcohol rehab does not work for everyone. For example, if someone has a severe, longstanding addiction, they may not benefit from outpatient treatment a few times a week. Such an individual will likely require inpatient drug rehab to overcome their addiction. On the other hand, if a friend or family member catches the warning signs of addiction early on in a loved one, outpatient treatment can be beneficial.

Outpatient addiction treatment is best for promoting recovery from mild drug abuse that has been going on for a short time.

How long does Outpatient Rehab last?

Addiction is a complex medical condition. Every individual responds to the drug of abuse differently. Therefore, treatment needs to be customized keeping in mind the severity of the addiction and the person’s unique medical and social circumstances.

The experienced team at Boca Recovery Center treats every recovering person as an individual. We develop a customized treatment plan depending on the drug of abuse, the pattern of addiction, the duration of abuse, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. On average, an outpatient rehab program lasts 8-10 weeks.

Does Outpatient Treatment include Detox?

During the period of early abstinence, an individual’s body has to adjust to the absence of drugs or alcohol. This can lead to uncomfortable, even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. A medically-supervised detox allows recovering addicts to safely come off alcohol or drugs.

Most outpatient programs primarily offer behavioral therapy and medication management. Detox is not typically included in an outpatient substance abuse recovery program. Outpatient rehabilitation centers are not equipped to handle emergencies that may arise during medical detox. However, some outpatient addiction treatment centers offer detox and withdrawal management.

What happens if I relapse during Outpatient Treatment?

Many people who receive outpatient rehab for drug or alcohol addiction suffer a relapse. This can be confusing and frustrating for the recovering individual as well as their family and friends. Sometimes relapse occurs because a person chooses the wrong type of treatment. Some people opt for outpatient rehab because they feel their addiction is not severe enough to warrant inpatient treatment. Overconfidence can backfire, leading to a relapse. Other reasons for relapse include exposure to triggers, stress and interpersonal problems, peer pressure, and lack of support.

There is a saying that relapse is a part of recovery. This slogan should not mean you have permission to relapse on the road to recovery. At the same time, relapse is not something to be ashamed of. Recovery is a process and setbacks should not discourage you.

The highly experienced team at Boca Recovery Center will assess your candidacy for the outpatient program. It will be offered to you only if you’re found to be a suitable candidate with a high chance of successful recovery.

The sooner you take steps to intervene after a relapse, the easier it will be to get back on track. Should you return to drug or alcohol use, the team at Boca Recovery Center will give you added support until you stop using it again. Sometimes, a relapse may demonstrate that an addict is not yet ready to benefit from outpatient therapy. In such instances, admission to an inpatient program may be recommended.

Paying for Outpatient drug and alcohol recovery

Lack of health insurance and the inability to afford addiction treatment is one of the biggest barriers to entering drug rehab. Outpatient therapy is one of the most affordable forms of addiction treatment. It is considerably less expensive than residential addiction treatment. If the cost of outpatient rehab is prohibitive, talk to us at Boca Recovery Center for sliding scale payment plans and financing options.

Choosing the best Outpatient program

It can be overwhelming to choose an outpatient treatment center for drug or alcohol abuse. What should you look for in the program? Find the answers to these questions to make the right choice.

• What specific substance use disorders does the outpatient rehab facility treat? Do they have a program for my addiction?
• Does the program include treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression or eating disorders?
• What are the different types of therapies offered?
• Are therapies provided in a group or individual setting or a mix of both?
• Is the outpatient rehab facility located near me? Can I commute to the addiction rehab center several times a week?

Outpatient rehab is not for everyone. However, if you or a loved one cannot commit the time and money required for inpatient treatment, an outpatient program can be very effective, especially if your addiction is not severe. Call Boca Recovery Center today at (800) 516-4357 to find out more about our outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. Let us guide you through the challenges and opportunities for recovery.