When you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it’s easy to feel like nobody around you understands. But it’s important to realize that you’re not alone, and you do have real options for addiction treatment that go far beyond just attending a weekly support group. Addiction is actually an all-too-common problem in America, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that around 10 percent of adults suffer from addiction during their lifetime.
For all too many people, substance abuse and addiction means a higher risk of serious health problems, strained relationships, suffering careers, and dreams that are no more. But for those who receive the right addiction treatment, there is hope for a fresh start.
Outpatient treatment is effective for thousands of people each year, and it may be the care you need to finally regain control of your life and break free from addiction. Read on to learn more about outpatient treatment and whether or not it may be the right choice for you.
What Is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment is a relatively newer form of addiction care, but it is gaining in popularity because of the flexibility and long-term focus it offers. Whereas traditional addiction treatment involves patients actually being admitted to a medical facility under 24/7 supervision while they detox, outpatient treatment allows patients to return to the comfort of their homes after receiving care during the day.
Outpatient care also goes far beyond just detox and is highly focused on patients reaching long-term addiction recovery. Many recovering addicts go straight into outpatient treatment for the duration of their time tackling addiction, while those with more severe drug dependencies use it as a step-down (continuing) program after completing detox and initial addiction treatment.
While exact care plans tend to vary based on the person’s needs, there are three main types of outpatient treatment:
- Partial Hospitalization Treatment – This is often a highly-effective alternative to inpatient detox and rehab. Allowing for more flexibility in the patient’s schedule, partial hospitalization involves checking into a medical facility for a portion of the day for intensive care. Afterward, patients are able to return home and continue their treatment solo there.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment – Patients are able to attend counseling and other programs during the day, which may or may not involve a medical aspect. Patients are able to work in treatment around their daily obligations (and often work schedules) while being able to spend each night at home.
- Outpatient Treatment – This form of continuing care is best for patients who have already been through an intensive outpatient program or higher. It involves regularly coming in for counseling and staying invested in building a successful life in recovery.
How Outpatient Treatment Keeps You Sober Long Term
In addition to providing greater scheduling flexibility, many people choose outpatient care because of the long-term sobriety potential. Through daytime counseling, recovering addicts are able to learn coping skills and explore the root causes of why they ventured down the path of substance abuse in the first place.
Still, one of the greatest benefits of outpatient treatment programs is that patients are able to take what they learn during counseling and actively make changes in their everyday lives. This is important because those who strictly go through inpatient treatment programs then have to go through a “real-world shock” when they finally leave rehab and return home. Many inpatient programs are also shorter in duration than outpatient care, meaning their effects may not have the same kind of lasting potential.
Because outpatient treatment patients have their care seamlessly worked into their daily schedules, they are able to avoid any real-world shock by making steady, gradual adjustments on a daily basis. Patients are also able to build up their support system of family and friends while still in treatment, instead of having to wait to return home. Naturally, this all means greater potential for long-term sobriety.
Ready to Make a Change? We’re Here for You
When you’re suffering from addiction, life can feel frustrating, and you may not know where to turn. But rest assured, our team at Soba Recovery is here to help. Combining time-tested traditional care with advanced modern techniques, we offer intensive outpatient, sober living options, and more at our facilities in Mesa, AZ, or San Antonio, TX. We believe that with the right care, people from all walks of life can land on the path of recovery.
To learn more about your outpatient treatment options, reach out to our staff at Soba Recovery today. If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to get the help you need and achieve the healthy life you deserve.