How Outpatient Treatment Can Keep You Sober

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.

How To Find the Right Treatment Program for Yourself

Addiction is a disease that tears through the lives of countless people in the United States every year. In prior decades, people who suffered from addiction and mental health issues might not have had any place to go for help. Now, that has all changed. There are plenty of addiction treatment options out there for people who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and more. With so many choices, it may be difficult to decide where to turn for help. At SOBA Recovery, we want to help you find the best addiction treatment for you.

What is Addiction Treatment?

Addiction treatment is a rehabilitation program that helps people addicted to drugs or alcohol stop using substances. Because addiction is nuanced, there are many different kinds of treatment available. Although treatment styles and programs can vary, the overall goal is the same across the board: getting someone and helping them stay sober. Addiction treatment includes the following programs:

  • Inpatient programs: This is an addiction treatment program where you spend 30 days focusing entirely on helping you achieve sobriety. You will attend individual therapy, group therapy, and engage in wellness activities. Then, you will learn coping skills to help you stay on track with your sobriety
  • Transition programs: Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP) help you transition from inpatient rehab to outpatient. If you’re unable to complete inpatient treatment you can skip to PHP. During both kinds of treatment, you will continue participating in various therapy programs.
  • Outpatient programs: Outpatient programs are a step down from PHP and IOP. You will only spend a few hours at a time at the facility and sleep at home. Outpatient treatment is a good option for sole caregivers or working professionals who can’t take off of work for inpatient treatment.
  • Sober living: This is considered to be an aftercare option. You don’t attend therapy at a sober living home but you live there and are held accountable for your actions. Sober living provides recovering addicts with a safe place to live while finding and securing a job and integrating back into the community.

How to Find the Right Recovery Program for You

There is a program out there for everyone. If you’re currently struggling, don’t wait to seek treatment.

  • Consider your needs: First, think about what your needs are. For example, some programs specialize in helping men while others focus on women. Some programs focus on drugs of abuse while others might focus on alcohol. Make sure that the program is going to meet your needs.
  • Location: Think about where you want to go for recovery. Sometimes, it is helpful to leave the local area to get away from the stresses of home. When you distance yourself from an addictive environment, you will have an easier time focusing on your recovery.
  • Ask Questions: Make sure that you ask questions about the recovery programs you are considering. Ask about the amenities of the program. Think about sleeping arrangements. Ask questions about the average length of stay. These are all questions that are going to be pertinent to any experience you might have at the program.
  • Think About Your Goals: Finally, think about what your goals are. If your goal is to detox your body and remove yourself from a harmful environment, then you need to think about an inpatient program. If you are the sole caregiver for a child and don’t have access to long term child care, an outpatient program may be the best option for you.

Regardless of your situation, there is a treatment plan out there that can help you.

Let Us Help You!

At Soba Recovery, we are one of the top drug and alcohol treatment programs in the southwest. We have centers located both in Mesa, AZ and San Antonio, TX. Our detox and inpatient treatment professionals help our clients conquer addiction and stay sober. We offer a unique luxury addiction treatment program that takes advantage of proven, traditional treatment methods and blends them with innovative therapies. Our top priority is to help our participants overcome substance abuse and stay sober. If you are interested in learning more about our addiction treatment services, please contact us today!