Confessing or admitting that you need help for substance abuse is the most important part of the improvement process. It’s not easy, and it can make you feel ashamed or embarrassed to have to reveal this problem. But if you or a close loved one has taken this first step, you should be proud.
You’ve probably considered visiting an outpatient treatment center if you’re exploring treatment options. But, what exactly is outpatient treatment, and what are its benefits? We’ve put together a guide revealing everything you should know.
What is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment is when an alcoholic or drug addict seeks help at a facility during the day but returns home afterward. Unlike inpatient treatment programs that involve living at the rehabilitation center, outpatient treatments offer the chance to continue residing in their homes while receiving treatment.
Depending on the level of help a patient needs, outpatient treatments can take place every day for 5 days a week or 2-3 days a week. Outpatient treatment programs offer different types of therapy, such as group counseling. Contact an outpatient rehab near you to see what kinds of programs they offer.
Group therapy is effective since it helps patients find comfort in knowing they are not the only ones facing this problem. As a group, they identify triggers. Plus, they find helpful coping mechanisms that prevent them from isolating themselves.
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
Many people prefer to choose outpatient treatment over inpatient. Outpatient treatment offers a variety of benefits, which are listed below.
Helps You Keep Your Job
The FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) protects your job position whenever you seek help for an addiction. However, some patients may not want to leave their jobs for various reasons, making outpatient treatment a good choice for them.
Some outpatient treatment centers offer therapy after work hours or in the late evening. This makes it accessible for those who need to maintain their job. They can keep living their everyday lives and attend therapy before or after work.
Outpatient Detoxification
Discontinuing any type of substance, no matter how mild the addiction may be, is a very uncomfortable experience. People can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can push people to relapse again.
Detox signs include flu-like symptoms, nausea, dizziness, shakiness, anxiety, body aches, and depression.
Detoxing on your own can be dangerous or deadly in severe cases. Patients should never try to detox alone without supervision.
Outpatient facilities can help the patient detox safely before undergoing treatment. Healthcare professionals provide ways to help the patients cope with withdrawal symptoms.
Plus, patients who are detoxing will need the support of their loved ones, especially during the early stages of withdrawal. Outpatient treatments will allow the patient to keep in contact with their support system.
Outpatient Treatment is Affordable
The costs of each rehabilitation center depend on several factors. For example:
- location
- type of facility
- programs it offers
- medications they use
Yet, outpatient treatments tend to be cheaper than inpatient programs. On average, outpatient treatments cost around $5,000. Your insurance can mostly cover it. However, it’s also a better economic choice if paying out of your pocket.
Family Focus
As mentioned earlier in this article, outpatient programs give the patient a chance to stay in touch with their support system. The biggest support system a patient has is their family, and outpatient treatments allow the patient to stay family-focused.
Also, some outpatient treatment centers offer family therapy. Family therapy is when information is provided It helps them understand their loved one more.
It also helps them learn how to give support in the best way possible. Family therapy helps identify weaknesses within the family. That way, they can provide guidance on assessing them.
It’s also helpful for the patient that the family is fully educated on substance abuse. Making the patient’s support system fully grasp the concept of addiction and its consequences are will help them sympathize more with their loved one and give them proper support.
Offers Long-Term Solution
People who enroll in outpatient programs live in different circumstances than those in inpatient programs. Inpatient programs focus on the initial phases of detox and sobriety. Treatment methods include:
- constant supervision
- identifying potential triggers
- learning how to control them
- learning about the underlying cause of their addiction
With outpatient treatment, their focus is on progressive personal growth and improvement. They receive professional help that aids with their sobriety long-term.
Personalized Treatment
One of the great benefits of enrolling in an outpatient addiction treatment center is that they personalize programs according to each patient’s situation. The outpatient center does everything possible to understand the patient and what help they need in order to improve. With that information, they tailor a program that makes it accessible to the patient.
They also specify what types of treatments will be most useful. Some patients might find it more helpful to assist in group counseling, while others may need individual sessions.
Keep Living a Normal Life
Regular day-to-day activities can be a huge aid for someone seeking help for their substance abuse. School or work can be a healthy distraction for the patient. Outpatient treatment programs help the patients maintain their ordinary everyday routines while receiving professional help.
Contact Your Nearest Outpatient Treatment Center
As you can see, enrolling in an outpatient treatment center brings many benefits. However, it’s not for everyone.
An outpatient mental health treatment center gives the patient freedom and independence. In some cases, people may continue accessing harmful substances while receiving treatment. Evaluate your personal situation and make a decision based on your circumstances.
If you decide to receive help for your or your loved one’s problem at an outpatient treatment center, you’ll undoubtedly reap the benefits. On our website, you’ll find tons of informative articles like this one under the health tab. Be sure to check them out.
