When you decide to check into a rehab facility, you will be faced with a number of decisions right from the start. One of the very first ones is whether to choose an inpatient or an outpatient rehab. There are a number of factors that may sway your decision towards an outpatient rehab. Read on to find out the answer to this question- what is outpatient rehab and how does it work?
Outpatient Rehab Programs
If you choose an outpatient rehab, you will travel back and forth to the center for treatment while you live at home. If your addiction is less severe and you have a lower risk of serious withdrawal symptoms, outpatient rehab may be more beneficial for your situation than inpatient. You will need to have reliable transportation to and from the rehab, as well as a strong support system when you come home.
Outpatient rehab will vary when it comes to how much time you will have to commit. Some patients only attend a few sessions a week, while others go for a few hours a day. A large part of the program will be dedicated to various therapy sessions.
Will I Receive Medical Care?
If you are a heavy drug or alcohol user and believe that your withdrawal symptoms will be very severe, you may benefit from an inpatient rehab stay, often referred to as partial hospitalization. However, you will still receive medical care for your symptoms while you utilize outpatient facilities. Many programs will be able to prescribe medication that will keep you comfortable during the worst of your withdrawals. It is important to find out what kind of support the outpatient clinic provides before you make your decision.
How Does it Work?
When you check into an inpatient facility, you will agree to follow the rules of the center while you are there. Inpatient rehab is 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for either a few weeks or a few months. Inpatient rehab also offers supervision and housing. For some people, this type of rehab is too restrictive due to family and work obligations. Outpatient rehab offers patients a schedule that is much more flexible than inpatient. You can typically find a program that can work around your busy schedule. You’ll find that outpatient rehabs in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, or residential rehab programs. Some outpatient programs offer daytime and nighttime hours, along with weekend hours for those who need them.
What is Included?
Outpatient rehab will consist of many forms of counseling. You may partake in the following:
Individual counseling- With individual counseling, you will have the chance to talk to a counselor or therapist privately about your condition. If you have a dual diagnosis, you will be given counseling for it during this time. A dual diagnosis consists of addiction and a mental health disorder.
Group therapy- Group therapy is a big part of any rehab, even outpatient. You’ll get together with other addicts in a safe setting to discuss your addiction and provide feedback to your peers.
Family counseling- If your counselor feels you are ready for it, you may be given family counseling sessions for yourself and close members of your family.
During therapy, you will be taught about substance abuse and the way that it can affect you. You’ll begin to develop skills in different areas as you learn how to cope without drugs and alcohol. These may include stress management, communication, anger management, and financial responsibilities. You may also be directed to other self-help groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.
Getting Started
Before you begin the program, a staff member will meet with you to develop your personalized treatment plan. Be completely honest at this time. They will ask you questions concerning your drug use, such as what drugs you have been using, when you first started, how much you use, and whether you have been in treatment before. They will also take a medical history and ask about any mental health problems you may have. You’ll also be asked about your living situation, family issues, and prescription medications you are taking. You’ll also discuss how you will be paying for treatment. Since every outpatient program is different, the rehab you choose will explain to you how your program will be structured.
Call Today
When you are ready to check into an outpatient facility, give us a call at 833-364-0736. We can get the process started today!