How Does Outpatient Rehab Work?

Outpatient rehab is a viable option for those seeking help overcoming their drug or alcohol addictions. While the treatment offers some of the same kind of motivation and support as traditional inpatient rehab does, it doesn’t include the same kind of restrictions. How does outpatient rehab work? Most commonly, outpatient rehab will supersede inpatient rehab in an attempt to acclimate newly sober individuals into their new lives and ensure that treatment is successful. When recovering from an addiction, it’s best to continue seeking support after your initial inpatient treatment to stay on the path to recovery. However, those with a mild to moderate addiction that have not attended inpatient rehab can still benefit from outpatient treatment.

This type of rehab offers enough flexibility for patients to continue on with their daily lives. At the same time, it provides therapy, support groups, and medical plans that aid the individual in breaking their addiction. So, how does outpatient rehab work? Stay tuned and we will explore what an outpatient rehab program is and help you decide if this kind of rehab is right for you or your loved one.

What is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient rehab is a type of rehabilitation treatment that helps individuals recover from substance abuse addictions without requiring them to stay overnight in a facility. While there are different degrees of outpatient treatment, which we will go over shortly, the main difference between outpatient and inpatient rehab is the flexibility that the former offers.

There are many similarities to the two, but outpatient rehab allows participants to come and go from the facility as they please. This type of rehab can work wonders for people who are willing to do the work to take their lives back from their addictions. Outpatient rehabilitation combines professional psychotherapy with peer support and coping skills designed to help the patient overcome their addiction and begin a path toward healing. 

Understanding Outpatient Rehab

An outpatient rehab program helps equip patients with the knowledge and skills they need to commit to sobriety and overcome their addictions. While the patient is required to attend regularly scheduled therapy sessions several days a week, they are able to continue living in their home and carrying on with their jobs, families, and other obligations. The duration of outpatient programs vary, but typically these treatments will last up to six months. Like the rehab programs listed above, outpatient treatment provides a combination of one-on-one and group therapy sessions to help support the patient’s quest for sobriety.

The main difference between outpatient rehab and intensive outpatient rehab is that the latter demands a higher time commitment, making it difficult for the patient to continue with work, school, or other duties. This is why outpatient rehab is generally recommended to those that are able to carry on with their daily lives but struggle with a substance abuse problem.

Outpatient Treatment Therapies

Most outpatient rehab programs will offer a similar set of therapy sessions that are proven to be successful in helping people overcome addiction. A medical professional will assess the patient’s needs and assign a treatment plan that will give he or she the tools to take control of their addiction. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of treatments outpatient rehab programs feature. Typically, each patient will participate in multiple types of therapy sessions over the weeks or months of treatment.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps patients identify unhelpful thinking and learn how to modify destructive patterns and behaviors. This form of psychotherapy has proven successful in treating a variety of mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and drug or alcohol use disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is seen as one of the most effective forms of treatment and is a long-term solution.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is used to inspire patients to find the strength and motivation within themselves to get past difficult times in their lives. This therapy helps patients cope with big life changes. Also, it helps people take control of health problems like diabetes, heart disease, or addiction. The goal is to help people become motivated to make changes in their lives and start a path to a healthier lifestyle.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy helps patients learn how to cope with painful emotions and navigate difficult relationships. This type of talk therapy is primarily focused on psychosocial feelings and relationships. While DBT was developed to treat borderline personality disorder, it has been found to be effective for a variety of mental illnesses, including drug or alcohol use disorder. DBT treatment usually employs both individual and group sessions.

 Is Outpatient Rehab Right for You?

Outpatient rehab is an excellent treatment program for the right candidate. However, how do you know if it’s the right fit for you or a loved one? Firstly, the patient should not be an immediate threat to themselves or others. Patients who experience severe withdrawal symptoms would benefit from inpatient rehabilitation before moving on to an outpatient program.

If you are able to fulfill daily obligations, go to work, and engage in your personal life, then outpatient rehab can be the perfect treatment to help you overcome your addiction. Therapy sessions and classes are held at times that allow you to continue on with your normal life. They also provide support and structure to guide you through the addiction recovery process. Since participants are able to return to their own homes during the treatment, it’s important that you have a healthy, stable environment that doesn’t trigger addictive tendencies. Benefits of outpatient therapy include:

• Flexibility – Schedule classes so that you can still go to work, attend school, or spend time with your family.
• Affordability – Outpatient treatments are less expensive than traditional inpatient rehab programs.
• Maintain normalcy – You will be able to maintain much of your normal routine while attending outpatient rehab.
• Support – Between individual therapy sessions and group classes, you will receive constant support throughout your recovery.
• Coping skills – Therapy will teach you coping skills that you will be able to use for the rest of your life.

Get the Help You Need From Apex Recovery San Diego

Patients with mild to moderate addictions or individuals who have already completed an inpatient program are ideal candidates for outpatient rehab. Dedication to change and a willingness to learn are needed to fully reap the benefits of this type of treatment. Don’t wait to start on your journey to a healthier, happier life. If you have any more questions about outpatient rehab and how it works, please call us at 619.458.3435 or reach out using our online form.