What Is Outpatient Rehab?
Outpatient rehab is designed for those who do not need intensive care and have a relatively stable home environment during drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. There are several levels of outpatient rehab to fit the needs of anyone wanting to overcome addiction, such as regular interval therapy, intensive outpatient services, and partial hospitalization. It is very similar to inpatient rehab in that it can include psychotherapy, group therapy, 12-step programs, and several holistic treatments such as exercise and nutrition.
Outpatient rehab is almost the same as inpatient rehab, except that you do not stay at the facility 24/7. You will attend treatment at the facility but then go home in the evening, why it is essential to have a stable home life and reliable transportation. The amount of weekly time required to spend at rehab each week will depend on your program. Outpatient rehab allows for more flexibility and autonomy during recovery.
Outpatient rehab does not typically include detoxification, a vital part of the recovery process. While it is possible to perform outpatient detoxification, inpatient medical detoxification is better to ensure your safety and comfort and reduce the chances of relapse before the detoxification process is complete.
What Happens in Outpatient Rehab?
As mentioned before, the primary components of outpatient rehab are similar to inpatient addiction treatment, such as group, family, and individual therapy, mental health counseling, access to medical care, and medication-assisted treatment, such as suboxone and naltrexone.
Therapy
Therapy includes any combination of group, individual, and family therapy to help identify and treat any issues related to addiction.
Dual-Diagnosis
To help increase chances of long-term sobriety, treating co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety and depression is necessary to address addiction treatment. With therapy and medications, mental wellness can help treat the underlying cause of addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT is very useful to help reduce cravings and maintain recovery at all stages. It can help ensure safety and comfort during the detox process, especially with alcohol, nicotine, and opioid addictions.
Medical Care
Drugs and alcohol can wreak havoc on the body, so it is essential to allow patients to have appointments with medical professionals to assess their physical health during recovery. If any issues arise, the person can be referred to their primary care physician.
See how inpatient rehab works in our blog below:
Is Outpatient Rehab Effective?
Most people who are successful at maintaining long-term sobriety tend to attend outpatient rehab for a long time. Your outpatient treatment program will adjust and progress along with your own progress. You may start with spending 20 hours a week at outpatient rehab, and as you start getting better, you will need fewer treatments or therapy, which will reduce the hours spent at rehab.
Benefits of Outpatient Rehab
An appropriate level of care is important when considering drug and alcohol treatment. The advantages of one type of treatment program will be considered along with the patient’s needs, resources, and the likelihood of success. Some outpatient rehab benefits include:
- Flexibility with scheduling and treatment program design
- More autonomy
- Ability to maintain work, home, or family schedules
- Ability to live at home while committed to an intensive program
- Lower cost when compared to an inpatient rehab program
- Effectively treats mild to moderate substance use disorder
- The easy transition back to a home environment and everyday life
How Long Is Outpatient Rehab?
Whether you start an outpatient program directly after detox or after some time in inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab is where you will spend the majority of your recovery program. Outpatient rehab length depends on meeting the individual’s specific needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all. The best programs will monitor the effectiveness of their treatment throughout the individual’s program and adjust accordingly to get the best results.
Outpatient treatment is the most affordable and independent option and also have a spectrum of intensity which are:
Day Programs
These are the most intense form of outpatient treatment and will have patients engaged in treatment five to seven days a week for at least six hours a day. Patients can participate in individual, family, and group therapies and treatment for co-occurring and medical conditions. This is usually the next step after inpatient rehab but can also be a starting point for some programs.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
This type of program is similar to today, with the same treatment offerings and fewer hours. It can be a step down in intensity from inpatient or partial hospitalization settings. This is an excellent option for those who require intensive treatment and need to keep their work, school, or family obligations. Intensive outpatient programs offer treatment three to four days a week during the day or evening hours.
Continuing Care
The next step in intensity is continuing care, or aftercare, which consists of mutual support and counseling groups. The main goal of this program is to provide accountability, connectedness, and ongoing support. They are offered once per week through a licensed therapist.
Outpatient Treatment for Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
Treating coexisting mental health conditions with substance use disorders is critical for effective, long-term recovery. Also known as dual diagnosis, this treatment program may require more treatment than one that only treats addiction, and outpatient treatment is most effective for those with mild to moderate symptoms.
Who Can Benefit From Outpatient Rehab?
Once you decide to seek treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, the next step is deciding which level of care is most appropriate. A clinical team or other medical professionals can help you determine what level of treatment is best for you. You are a good candidate for outpatient treatment if:
- There is no need for intensive care for mental health concerns or addictions
- You are highly motivated towards your recovery
- Your home environment will not trigger cravings
- You have a stable environment or in a sober living house
- There is reasonable physical and emotional stability
Top-Rated Outpatient Addiction Treatment at Muse
At Muse Treatment Center, we help treat addiction for Santa Clarita residents. Our intensive outpatient rehab center is designed to treat drug and alcohol use disorders and mental health disorders through our three-pronged, interdisciplinary approach. These three primary components make up our treatment approach: therapy, twelve-step integration, and case management.
Our primary goal is to help patients thrive in the world outside of our treatment program. We know that recovery is possible because of our own experience and our alumni’s success. Our variety of programs ensures that every patient can learn about their interests and passions. Some of our educational groups include:
- Life skills
- Addiction awareness
- Anger management
- Reflective listening
- Stress reduction
- Relapse prevention
- Communication skills
These groups are therapeutically inclined and monitored while focusing on self-exploration. They are also led by industry experts in their fields. Our groups help eliminate treatment plateaus and show there is recovery without a ceiling.
All our programs at Muse Treatment can help treat co-occurring disorders. We know that mental illness often accompanies addiction and that treating both simultaneously is critical for long-term recovery. We help individuals recover from drug and alcohol addiction through a multidimensional approach, evidence-based treatments, and holistic treatments.
We recommend starting with our detox program, and we will help you decide whether you need inpatient or outpatient care. We also know how vital finding work is for those in recovery. Our case management services, including practice-based techniques such as interviewing, help you secure a job when you are done with your program.
Overcoming addiction is not easy and getting through every stage of addiction is difficult. Most individuals relapse after only a few days of quitting when they do it alone. Recovering from addiction requires motivation, physical and mental strength, and a sober support network.
Our outpatient program is excellent for those with milder to moderate addiction and mental health disorders. Even though an inpatient program is the most effective form of treatment when starting recovery, we know for some that may not be the option. It can be more cost-effective or allow you to continue with your daily life obligations. If you decide to do some time with an inpatient program, this would be your next step. Recovery takes time, and we will always be there to help you through every step.
If you or someone you love is a Santa Clarita resident and is struggling with addiction, Muse Treatment Center can help you navigate the difficult road to recovery. If you are interested in participating in an outpatient recovery program, our staff will be happy to answer your questions you may have, or you can talk to our clinical team to decide if this is the best option for you or your loved one. Recovery is possible. Please give us a call at (800) 426-1818 today.
