What Is Outpatient Treatment And What Else You Should Know

It’s a known fact that one of the only constant things in the world is change. Society, specifically, alters, modifies, and develops itself constantly. And as it shifts, so should the mental health industry.

The mental health industry is arguably among the most vital elements in society today as it aids people in living healthy lives. So, it has to adapt to effectively guide people in living their everyday lives and save them when things get too difficult.

Addiction treatment, particularly, must continue to evolve and develop as it is still a growing problem today. Fortunately, it has come a long way.

One method people often choose is outpatient treatment. But exactly what is the outpatient treatment?

What is Outpatient Treatment?

 

An outpatient treatment program is a therapy-based treatment that targets alcohol and drug addiction where patients don’t have to stay in the rehab facility 24/7. You’ll get your treatment during the day– attend therapy sessions, participate in the activities, etc.– and go home when the day ends.

This form of treatment is ideal for patients whose substance use disorder is not severe and doesn’t require round-the-clock supervision.

What is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Programs?

 

The main difference between inpatient and outpatient treatment is where you stay for its duration. As said, outpatient programs allow you to go home at the end of the day, whereas inpatient programs require you to live in the facility while you’re getting treatment.

Inpatient treatment is best for people who can benefit from 24-hour medical and emotional care, support, and supervision, usually those with severe addiction.

While each form has its pros and cons, research has shown that inpatient treatment is more effective because of its more intensive nature. Plus, patients are removed from triggers and are placed in a controlled, safe environment.

What is the Difference Between PHPs and Outpatient Programs?

 

Outpatient programs are similar to partial hospitalization programs, or PHP. Both treat mental and behavioral health conditions without having you stay the night, like outpatient depression treatment.

The most notable difference is that PHP is more intensive. In PHP, you get the acute and structured setting of inpatient programs and the autonomy of outpatient treatment.

What Are Outpatient Treatment Programs?

 

1. Day Programs

In outpatient day programs, you will visit the treatment facility five to seven days a week for a few hours a day. While you’re there, you’re going to participate in therapeutic activities such as:

• Psychotherapy
• Group counseling
• Biofeedback
• Holistic therapies like art and music therapy.

Although treatment only happens during the day, it’s still a substantial time commitment. Your ability to live normally may be limited while under an outpatient program.

2. Intensive Outpatient Programs

An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is a more intensive and structured version of simple outpatient programs. Here, you’ll have a treatment plan with measurable and defined milestones that help you track your progress.

Like day programs, you’ll have to attend multiple weekly sessions for several hours. During these times, you’ll go to group therapy and counseling sessions, participate in a recovery support group and receive education on recovery and relapse prevention.

3. Continuing Care

Continuing care is a great part of outpatient addiction treatment. These are sources of support that provide recovering individuals with solidarity and aid them in committing to sobriety.

Continuing care groups typically meet once a week, and a licensed therapist facilitates these meetings.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are examples of continuing care groups.

What Should you Expect in Outpatient Treatment?

 

Outpatient programs are not as restrictive as inpatient ones. Even though you’re allowed to go home after the day’s activities, you’ll still have to spend 10 to 12 hours a week in the treatment facility. But you can’t just walk in when you want to. There are allotted times and schedules.

These programs are not set in stone. Your treatment plan will heavily depend on the intensity of your condition and your current situation. But these programs generally focus on providing:

• Drug abuse and recovery education
• Individual and group therapy and counseling
• Ways to identify and recognize triggers
• Coping techniques
• Support

Sometimes, like in outpatient alcohol treatment, you may have to undergo medical detox to get the substance out of your system. But this is more often done in inpatient programs.

Outpatient programs can last anywhere between three to six months or even more than a year. Again, this will depend on your situation and what you need.

For people with a mild addiction, this kind of program can be a standalone treatment. For others, it can be part of a long-term treatment program.

Outpatient Recovery Today

 

The constant changes in society are both a good and a bad thing. On the one hand, developments make you better. On the other hand, they can push you around and stress you out. That’s why it’s vital for the mental health industry to adapt.

Part of that industry is addiction treatment. It should evolve to help guide and save lives from spiraling out of control.

Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is outpatient rehab?” We can understand how far we’ve come in terms of treating addiction. But we should also remember that we still have a long way to go.

There is always a way to recover from addiction. Choose Roots Through Recovery. You can schedule an appointment and visit us at 3939 Atlantic Ave Suite 102, Long Beach, CA 90807, United States. You may also contact us at 562-352-2035, email us through info@roots-recovery.com, or go to our website.