Is Outpatient Treatment Your Best Option?


The two main types of drug or alcohol addiction rehabilitation programs are inpatient and outpatient. While inpatient treatment is recommended for people with severe addictions, outpatient treatments can be just as effective but a little less intense. Addiction rehabilitation centers offer outpatient treatment that allows the person to come to the center for treatment and go home at night. This is recommended for people who are at the beginning stages of addiction. You can find information on outpatient programs at portals such as Your First Step.

What Is Outpatient Therapy?

Outpatient programs are similar to impatient programs, but they allow the patient to maintain some of their responsibilities at home such as caring for children or parents. It may also be planned around your work or school schedule. Outpatient programs usually focus on techniques for overcoming addiction. In the beginning stages, addiction may not be obvious, but if it is accepted, an outpatient program may be all that is necessary for getting free from the addiction. People who benefit the most from outpatient programs are those who recognize that they have an addiction and are motivated to overcome it.

What Are the Treatments Involved?

Outpatient treatments are often multidisciplinary and take into account several approaches to recovery. Some of the treatments used are:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Community and social education
• Religious
• Family involvement
• Group therapy

While it may be necessary for long-term addicts to be isolated from their family and friends for a few days or weeks until they stabilize after withdrawal, outpatient treatments allow the addict to remain in their family environment and with other support groups. Outpatient therapy is also less expensive that inpatient programs, while still providing high-quality treatment.

Some of the topics covered in outpatient treatments in small group discussions are:

• How to manage urges and cravings
• How addiction is a disease
• How to prevent a relapse into addiction
• How to recognize the stages of change
• How to recognize co-occurring disorders

Some services include the family members in group therapy. This technique has been seen to help change any behavior in a family member that may be contributing to the patient’s addictive behavior. If required, an outpatient program may also include mental health professionals, and assistance with getting a job.

There are many types of rehabilitation programs for every budget and lifestyle. There is a good chance you can find a program that that will help you or your loved-one become drug or alcohol-free.


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