Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition. People living with SUD require comprehensive treatment options to address the physical, emotional, and behavioral roots of their substance abuse. Programs must also focus on developing long-term relapse prevention strategies.
There are several levels of drug and alcohol addiction treatment. People may receive treatment in an inpatient or outpatient treatment center. Outpatient drug treatment programs allow people to live at home while participating in treatment and therapy sessions at a therapy center. People in outpatient programs follow an individualized treatment plan and receive continuing care throughout their recovery.
This article will explore the benefits of outpatient alcohol and drug treatment programs. You will learn:
- Different levels of outpatient therapy
- What to expect during outpatient treatment
- Five benefits of outpatient treatment
- Who may benefit from outpatient programs
- Where to find outpatient treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Blue Star Recovery offers comprehensive, effective addiction treatment programs. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What to Expect From Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs provide high-quality support and treatment for people with SUD. Treatment facilities may offer several levels of care, including:
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Outpatient treatment
- Outpatient mental health support and therapy
- Recovery support programs
People may attend outpatient treatment after completing inpatient care or independently.
Generally, outpatient addiction treatment programs involve:
- Individual and group therapy
- Education and counseling for family members
- Coping skills
- Relapse prevention education
- Support groups
- Holistic therapies, such as exercise, nutrition counseling, and mindfulness
- Aftercare planning
Outpatient treatment programs vary in length and intensity. Some meet once a week, and others provide intensive treatment several hours a day, every day. Before starting outpatient, a medical or addiction specialist assesses a person’s needs and recommends the appropriate level of care.
Five Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment?
Outpatient addiction treatment programs provide valuable treatment, support, and accountability to people in addiction recovery. Here are five of the most significant benefits of outpatient programs.
1. Personalized treatment
Outpatient therapy programs provide tailored treatment. Medical and mental health professionals get to know each person individually. This allows them to create effective treatment programs that include targeted therapies, mental health care, and more.
2. Holistic care
Addiction is a complex condition that involves a person’s mind, body, relationships, and more. Outpatient programs use a holistic approach to treating addiction. They offer mental health care, holistic therapies to improve overall health, counseling, education, and other therapies to address the roots of addiction.
3. Cost-Effective Treatment
Outpatient programs may cost less than inpatient programs. Because people live at home while receiving treatment, outpatient care costs are typically lower than residential services.
4. Privacy
Attending outpatient programs may allow people to maintain their privacy while receiving addiction treatment. Flexible programming options may let people attend treatment sessions in the evening, allowing them to continue going to work or school or taking care of other responsibilities.
5. Focus on aftercare
It isn’t possible to “cure” an addiction. Instead, people with SUD must learn to manage it for life. During an outpatient treatment program, people develop an aftercare plan that can help them stay focused on recovery after finishing treatment. This may include local recovery support groups, regular mental health and medical care, sober living, and more.
Attending an outpatient treatment program has many benefits. Contact the specialists at Blue Star Recovery to explore this treatment option or to schedule an intake appointment.
Is Outpatient Therapy Right For Me?
Outpatient treatment may not be appropriate for everyone. People with severe or prolonged addictions, those with significant medical or mental health needs, and those who lack secure housing may require inpatient treatment. Typically, outpatient treatment programs are best for people who have completed a more intensive level of treatment, such as inpatient or residential treatment.
Outpatient treatment may be best for people who:
- Have safe, stable housing
- Do not experience intense cravings
- Have reliable transportation to and from treatment sessions
- Have adequate motivation to attend outpatient treatment sessions
- Do not have mental health or medical conditions requiring round-the-clock care
- Have completed a medically-supported detox program
Before starting treatment, a medical professional or addiction specialist will assess a person’s needs. This assessment may include information about a person’s substance use, treatment history, mental and physical health, and more.
The information in the assessment will allow a person’s treatment team to recommend the appropriate level of care. In some cases, people may require inpatient treatment for safe detoxification and stabilization. In some, people may be able to begin recovery in an outpatient treatment program.
Find Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find comprehensive, compassionate treatment at Blue Star Recovery. Our intake team can give you information about our programs or help you schedule an intake appointment. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting us today.
