Understanding the Benefits of Outpatient Rehab

Just because you are struggling with drug and/or alcohol addiction does not mean you can leave your life behind for months at a time and attend an inpatient program. Even if you have attended an inpatient program, transitioning back to normal life may not be easy.

Outpatient rehab is a good option for people who need time to recover without hospitalization or inpatient care. For people in the early stages of recovery, it is an affordable and effective option, and for those coming out of inpatient care, outpatient rehab helps with support and supervision during their return to everyday life.

Usually, individuals spend around 9 hours per week in outpatient care and have access to education, treatment, and encouragement while they recover from substance use disorder.

WHAT IS THE CONTINUUM OF CARE?

All addiction treatment programs are designed to help people stop using drugs and alcohol, provide new skills and resources to the client, offer individual therapy and group support, and prevent relapse.

Most treatment centers achieve this by using the continuum of care. For addiction treatment, the continuum of care is determined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) levels of care. Outpatient care is one step down from residential/inpatient services and includes partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP), like outpatient rehab.

The ASAM levels of care include:

• Early intervention
• Outpatient services
• Intensive outpatient services
• Partial hospitalization services
• Residential/inpatient services
• Clinically managed inpatient services
• Medically managed inpatient services

When choosing a rehab, you should consider a treatment facility that will support you every step of the way. At Walden, we have treatment and support options along the continuum of care.

WHY OUTPATIENT REHAB?

Outpatient services are in the middle of the ASAM levels of care and are valuable for those in the middle stages of addiction recovery. They can also be helpful for those struggling with less severe addictions or those who need to maintain outside commitments.

If you are a student or a professional, for example, you can continue to study or work while getting help for your addiction. Similarly, parents can continue spending time with their children.

Other benefits of outpatient treatment include:

• Affordability – outpatient care is usually cheaper and covered by insurance
• Efficiency – for many clients, outpatient care works just as well as an inpatient program
• Support – with staff and peers, clients gain an invaluable support system
• Opportunities for outreach – contact with support groups and sober friends
• Psychiatric care
• Individual therapy
• Group counseling
• Normalcy – maintain your normal routine while receiving treatment

No matter what treatment option you choose, asking for help is a positive step on your journey toward recovery.

GET THE SUPPORT YOU NEED TODAY

With outpatient treatment, you can build a community that supports your recovery from addiction. In addition to family services, Walden will give you an opportunity to meet others who are recovering from substance use disorder and understand firsthand what you are going through.

The friendships you make in recovery can help you stay sober for years to come. Further, outpatient care will introduce you to resources like NA and AA meetings and support groups, helpful books and media, and counseling referrals.

Call Pyramid Healthcare at (301) 997-1300 to find out what program is best for you and get started today.