The Top Benefits of Outpatient Rehab for Addiction

Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on July 25, 2022.

Choosing to end your relationship with substances is a courageous and essential step toward recovery. And when you decide to enter outpatient rehabilitation, you'll have a team of professionals eager to support you through the process.

Outpatient addiction programs are beneficial for many reasons. You'll benefit from privacy and affordability while receiving addiction treatment during the day and returning home at night to be with friends and family. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, learn how outpatient addiction treatment can help.

What Is Outpatient Rehab?

More than 21 million Americans struggle with substance use disorder, though not everyone will reach out for help. Depending on your lifestyle, the recovery process can present unique and unexpected challenges. For instance, you might be unable to pursue addiction treatment due to work, your home life or other circumstances. Or you may wish to continue receiving care after completing residential treatment. Either way, outpatient services can help support you through the road to recovery so you can start feeling better.

Outpatient drug treatment involves:

  • Daily treatment at a facility: Outpatient care involves a structured daily treatment plan that may include individual therapy, medical detox or group counseling, depending on your needs.
  • Living at home while in recovery: Outpatient care allows those who attend therapy to return home after their daily treatment. You'll have the opportunity to customize your schedule to meet your home or work needs while recovering.
  • Step-down approach: Addiction outpatient treatment generally takes a step-down approach, which means your therapy sessions will become less frequent and intensive as you progress through your program. Health professionals will monitor your growth and adjust your plan as needed.

How Does Outpatient Rehab Work?

For clients seeking flexibility and privacy, outpatient drug treatment programs might be ideal. If you're unfamiliar with this type of addiction program, you may wonder what outpatient rehab is like.

The following are a few steps involved in outpatient rehabilitation:

  1. Professional assessment: Addiction specialists will ask you questions to evaluate your substance use disorder and determine the types of treatments you need.
  2. Creating a treatment plan: After your assessment, you'll work with physicians to determine a proper outpatient drug treatment plan. If your evaluation determines you have an underlying mental health condition, you'll receive a dual diagnosis of these co-occurring disorders and undergo treatment for both conditions.
  3. Detox and therapy: Next, if you're experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms, an outpatient detox program might be your best option. This program uses medicines to comfortably and safely taper substances from your body. While detoxing, you might receive cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed therapy or art therapy to help you recover from addiction.

Some clients will attend these sessions on the weekends or evenings during the week. Others may attend sessions during the day and return home in the evening. The amount of care you receive will depend entirely on your needs and whether you have underlying conditions that also need to be addressed.

The Top Benefits of Outpatient Rehab for Addiction

Outpatient rehab is effective for treating all types of substance use disorders. These care programs provide high-quality, flexible care to help you overcome your addiction. Appreciate the following benefits of outpatient drug rehab:

It Fits Within Your Schedule and Lifestyle

The most significant advantage of addiction outpatient treatment is that it fits almost any schedule and lifestyle. Because outpatient services operate for just a few hours a day, multiple times a week, you can easily fit these services into your schedule and work out a plan for the days you'll attend therapy. If you have home, school or work obligations, you can tend to them while receiving treatment. You also get to sleep in your own bed and be supported by friends and family through recovery.

It's More Private

Outpatient drug treatment tends to be more private and offers more freedom than inpatient care and other forms of treatment. Inpatient care requires clients to reside in the facility with peers for the duration of their treatment, while outpatient programs allow clients to come and go as needed. This way, you'll maintain your privacy and only interact with the people who provide your addiction services. You'll generally have access to private doctors and therapists so you won't need to meet with anyone outside of these services.

It's Tailored to Meet Your Needs

The intensity of addiction outpatient treatment will depend on the level of care you need. With different levels of treatment, you can appreciate a specially-tailored program to help you beat addiction and get your life back on track. Types of programs offered in outpatient care include:

  • Partial hospitalization: A partial hospitalization program allows you to receive intensive treatment without overnight stays. Clients will undergo medical monitoring throughout the day for a few weeks while attending behavioral therapy sessions, support groups and fitness and nutrition programs.
  • Intensive outpatient care: With intensive outpatient services, clients will participate in several therapy sessions a few times a week during the day. Clients can expect one-on-one sessions with nurse practitioners, therapists and counselors and have the opportunity to return home at night. Intensive outpatient services offer support for clients while allowing them to maintain their independence.
  • Outpatient detox: For those who can manage their detox independently but require extra support, outpatient detox is ideal. Physicians can administer medications and supervise symptoms as you withdraw from substances.

It Provides a Smooth Transition to Long-Term Recovery

Substance use disorder is a chronic condition that often requires long-term care. As a result, many people opt for outpatient services at the conclusion of their residential programs. This way, they receive ongoing treatment and support to stay sober and learn the necessary skills to continue their newfound healthier lifestyle.

It's More Affordable

While the cost of treatment facilities varies, outpatient care is generally more affordable than inpatient treatment. Since you won't pay for housing or food costs, outpatient care allows you to work on your sobriety while meeting your budgetary needs. Ultimately, the price of care will depend on how often you visit the care center and for how long.

Is Outpatient Rehab Right for You?

Outpatient care might be better suited for some individuals than others. This will come down to the client's lifestyle and the level of care they require. With outpatient programs, you'll appreciate a flexible schedule to get the most out of your treatment.

Outpatient rehab programs tend to work best for people who:

  • Are self-motivated.
  • Want to accommodate their work or school schedule.
  • Have a strong support network.
  • Have children or families who need supervision.
  • Have undergone previous treatment.

Find the Benefits of Outpatient Treatment at Diamond House Detox

While addiction recovery presents unique challenges, you never have to go at it alone. If you or someone you know is suffering from substance use disorder, Diamond House Detox can help you overcome the cycle of addiction and improve your overall health and wellness. Our outpatient care services are client-focused to provide individualized care and promote a sober, healthier lifestyle. When you choose our services, you'll have access to a highly-trained team of addiction specialists eager to work with you.

To learn more about our outpatient care programs, get in touch with us today.

Linked Sources:

  1. https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/21-million-americans-suffer-addiction-just-3000-physicians-are-specially-trained-treat-them
  2. https://diamondhousedetox.com/what-to-know-about-outpatient-rehab/
  3. https://diamondhousedetox.com/outpatient-treatment/
  4. https://diamondhousedetox.com/about-us/
  5. https://diamondhousedetox.com/contact-us/
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Diamond House Detox
Vicky is a board certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She began her nursing career in healthcare by working in the intensive care unit, and then an inpatient psychiatric hospital. After realizing the mental health needs of both the patients and the families she served, she became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Throughout her experience working with clients, she has developed a passion for those with dual diagnoses and specializes in helping individuals recognize the issues driving their substance use. This recognition has been crucial to the individual’s success in treatment. Vicky opened Diamond House Detox so that she can address these issues early on in a therapeutic environment to allow clients to transition to the next level in their recovery.
Vicky Magobet
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