outpatient

If you or someone you love is living with an addiction to alcohol or drugs, help is attainable. However, choosing the best option for your needs can be challenging. Many people consider outpatient rehabilitation for its flexibility and ease of access. An outpatient addiction treatment center in Massachusetts can be beneficial for individuals with short-term or moderate addictions, but is not right for everyone. Individuals struggling with intense and long-lasting addiction may find more success in an inpatient rehabilitation program, also known as residential treatment. In this format, clients are required to relocate to a treatment center for a brief period of time that typically lasts around 90 to 180 days. However, certain circumstances can increase the effectiveness of outpatient care if this is not a good option for you.

How Outpatient Treatment Works

Outpatient treatment is the least invasive form of treatment. As a result, it is associated with a lower success rate than more intensive and long-term care options. However, it can be a good match for many people. During outpatient treatment, participants attend treatment according to a set schedule. Each session typically lasts for a few hours after which you are able to return home.

Outpatient care is extremely flexible and easy to work into any schedule which makes it appealing to many people new to recovery. During it, various types of therapies are incorporated to aid the treatment process as well as one on one meetings with an addiction specialist. Detoxification may be required prior to admission into an outpatient program and aftercare services may follow upon completion of the treatment phase.

Who Can Benefit

Certain individuals can thrive in an outpatient format alone. Ideal candidates typically have short-term or relatively mild addictions and do not struggle with multiple substances. In addition to this, they have a strong support system in place at home and within the community with whom they can rely on at any time. Individuals with responsibilities at home or who work often are drawn to outpatient treatment because it fits into their schedule. However, if you struggle with a challenging home environment or live with other addicts, outpatient care may not be the best fit for your needs as it does not provide a complete change of environment like residential rehabilitation.

Outpatient rehabilitation can be an effective treatment option on its own, but may also be used in conjunction with inpatient care. Some individuals who complete this type of residential rehabilitation may choose to transition into an outpatient basis afterwards as a type of aftercare plan to prevent relapse.

Components of Outpatient Rehabilitation

A typical outpatient program consists of various types of therapy designed to address the emotional and behavioral factors that contribute to addiction. Some of the most popular options include the following:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Individual counseling
• Group therapy
• Art or music therapy

In addition to this, participants can look forward to one on one interactions with specialists as well as group based activities that increase socialization and encourage support among those in recovery. Detoxification is the first step towards successful treatment for individuals attempting to begin treatment while still under the influence of a harmful substance. During detox, medical staff supervise clients while they safely eliminate substances from their system. Doctors and nurses are available to keep withdrawal symptoms to a minimum and help you feel as comfortable as possible. Detox typically lasts three days to a week but may take longer in some cases.

Once you complete detox and treatment in an outpatient facility, developing an aftercare plan is the next step. For some people, continuing to participate in outpatient services on a less frequent basis is a good starting point. Others may find more success in community based programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Regardless of which route you choose, it is critical to stay active in your recovery to effectively prevent relapse.

Outpatient treatment is a valuable type of rehabilitation that can serve as the turning point in your recovery journey. Carefully compare each treatment option in order to make the best decision for you or loved one. For assistance or help getting started, reach out to our counselors who are available 24 hours a day for your convenience.

Do you know you need help beating an addiction to drugs but feel “life” is getting in your way? The answer for you may be an outpatient drug rehab center, where you can focus on treating your drug addiction, while continuing to work, go to school, or care for your family.

 

Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment Facilities

Understanding the pros and cons of inpatient versus outpatient treatment facilities will make it easier for you to choose the correct rehab program for you. While some parts of the country offer many inpatient facilities, other parts, like the Eastern US, offer an array of outpatient programs suitable to fit your needs.

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient residential rehab is a treatment center where you reside during treatment. Length of stay on average is 30 days, but many programs can be 90 days or longer. For those who need intense intervention, an inpatient facility allows for 24/7 supervision and treatment.

It is typical for those who participate in an inpatient drug rehab program to transition to an outpatient program to maintain long-term results.

The problem with inpatient treatment facilities is that most people cannot put their life on hold for weeks or months at a time, without creating further complications.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient drug rehab is the most common form of treatment due to the flexibility in time commitments, such as working around a job or schooling, as well as the array of options for programs. You can find programs such as:

• Men’s or Women’s group therapy
• Relapse prevention
• Co-ed programs
• Individual treatment
• Life skills
• 12-step programs
• Socialization skills
• Drug and alcohol education

Outpatient centers are especially useful for those dealing with the early stages of addition, as well as for relapse prevention. Outpatient centers focus on techniques to use in everyday life to combat urges to abuse drugs or alcohol.

For those who are motivated to correcting destructive behaviors, outpatient therapy offers a stable foundation to do so. When sobriety is achieved but urges linger, outpatient facilities provide programs specific to combat this issue.

Outpatient Drug Rehab Benefits

Treatment for any illness needs to fit into the normal demands of daily life. Outpatient rehab is ideal for those who cannot afford or have time available for inpatient treatment.

Work and School Flexibility

Outpatient treatment can be set around work hours, allowing you to maintain a job and provide for yourself and others. The ability to work is a huge benefit for those who have to support a family, or who hold a job that other co-workers rely on to keep a business running.

Being able to stay on track to achieve scholastic goals is another benefit of outpatient treatment. An inpatient program halts school attendance and results in falling behind in classes as well as loss of tuition costs. A patient can schedule outpatient programs around school demands.

Patients with family duties need to maintain treatment, yet handle family demands like childcare, cooking, cleaning, and other daily tasks. Outpatient facilities work to accommodate these needs to keep a patient’s life running as smoothly as possible. Recovery from addiction entails not just personal fortitude, but outside support of friends and family. Outpatient treatment allows patients to stay in contact with their support system, bolstering their chance for a successful outcome.

Cost

The cost of inpatient programs can be prohibitive for many who need drug rehab, especially those with little or no insurance. Outpatient programs provide high-quality treatment at a reasonable cost. Being able to afford drug rehab reduces overall stress, which enables patients to focus on treatment. Some programs offer sliding-scale payment based on income, while others have flat-fees or accept insurance.

Why an Outpatient Drug Rehab is Right for You

Reputable outpatient drug rehab centers know that to achieve and maintain sobriety it takes more than treating just the physical addiction to drugs or alcohol. When a patient learns the factors that trigger an urge to abuse drugs and has practices in place to overcome them, they can be successful in their recovery.

Outpatient centers work hard to keep patients functioning in daily life and continue access to school, work, family support, as well as provide emotional, psychological, and spiritual guidance for their patients.

If you or anyone you know needs help with drug addiction, we can help.