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Seeking Addiction Treatment: What Is Outpatient Rehab?

What is outpatient treatment? When people think about addiction rehab, they often envision inpatient treatment centers where those seeking help with their addiction spend time away from home while healing. This type of treatment setting is not for everyone, and many seek alternate treatment program options that do not involve a residential component. There are situations where outpatient treatment programs can provide a successful treatment and recovery option for those struggling with a variety of addictions. 

Defining Outpatient Rehab

Unlike an inpatient program, which requires people to move into a facility for a specific period of time (typically 30 to 90 days), an outpatient program allows people to stay home and, in their communities, while they work on their addiction challenges. Some outpatient programs have a set schedule, in which people who enroll are expected to appear in groups with other members of the program. These times cannot be varied or changed, which promotes accountability by participants. Other programs may have appointment-based systems that could accommodate issues such as work or childcare. 

Outpatient programs are often considered a less intense form of addiction care. There is no around the clock supervision involved with these programs, and often no clinicians available when a crisis hits off hours. As a result, these programs are usually recommended for new addiction cases and those in good mental health.

Benefits of Outpatient Rehab

Some of the most significant benefits to outpatient rehab revolve around being able to remain at home. Outpatient programs provide you with the flexibility to maintain your household, school, and work responsibilities while going through the stages of treatment and recovery. Also, remaining close to home allows you to lean on family and friends, helping to reduce the isolation so often experienced when attempting to overcome addiction. Outpatient rehab programs are also less costly than inpatient rehab programs, which may be one of the primary reasons people choose them.

Outpatient Rehab vs. Inpatient: What’s the Difference?

Addiction treatment programs typically fall into two categories: inpatient or outpatient treatment. But how are they different? While each has its benefits, the decision about which treatment is needed should be based on the patient’s individual needs at that time. 

Inpatient Rehab

For most people struggling with addiction, detox at an inpatient rehab provides an excellent start to achieving sobriety and recovery. Inpatient rehab, also called residential treatment or residential rehab, requires the person remain on-site at the treatment facility for the duration of their program. This arrangement gives a person complete focus on their treatment. It also provides the opportunity for medically assisted withdrawal from drugs and alcohol if needed. 

At an inpatient rehab program, clients are provided with a structured environment designed to keep everyone focused on recovery. Immersive, evidence-based care concentrates on individual, group, and family therapies; all focused on promoting healing.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient is an excellent choice for people with substance abuse challenges that are milder, where they have not become physically dependent on substances, but realize they have a growing problem. Outpatient treatment is also an effective means for continuing treatment progress when transitioning from an inpatient facility. Most notably, outpatient treatment offers convenience and flexibility not available in inpatient settings.

Outpatient programs include a wide variety of options, including detox, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and opportunities for alternative and holistic treatment options.

Sobriety Is Possible at Relevance Recovery

If you are ready to seek addiction treatment but aren’t sure which type of program is right for you, contact Relevance Recovery to learn more about how our outpatient treatment programs can help you achieve sobriety and lasting recovery!