Why Trust Recovery Guide When thinking about substance use disorder treatment, many people picture inpatient treatment facilities, where participants stay for the duration of their care.
While inpatient treatment centers are the best choice for some people, others may see more benefits from outpatient care.
Outpatient rehab centers offer the same types of drug addiction treatment as inpatient programs. However, participants do not remain on the premises overnight.
Levels Of Care In Outpatient Rehab Programs
Outpatient treatment programs offer varying levels of care. The most intensive levels provide the most structure and require the biggest time commitment.
Some people begin with more intensive forms of care and gradually step down to less intensive therapies. Others may only choose one type of outpatient treatment.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) provide the most intensive form of outpatient drug and alcohol treatment.
PHP treatment offers at least 20 hours of care per week, and participants may attend these programs for five to seven days throughout the week.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) provide more than nine hours but fewer than 20 hours of care throughout the week.
A person might attend this type of program for three to five days out of every seven, though schedules vary by facility.
Standard Outpatient Programs
Standard outpatient programs (OP) are often simply called outpatient programs, and they provide fewer than nine hours of treatment per week.
Outpatient treatment often works well for people with less severe addictions, as well as people who have recently attended a more intensive form of treatment.
Why Consider An Outpatient Rehab Facility?
When dealing with substance abuse, people may choose outpatient behavioral health services for several reasons.
Here you’ll find some of the most common reasons for selecting outpatient treatment providers.
Opioid Addiction
Outpatient mental health services are commonly used to treat opioid addiction.
Research shows that the most effective treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) is medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which can be administered on an outpatient level.
Flexibility
While inpatient care offers a high level of structure, it does not provide much flexibility.
For many people, especially people dealing with an unstable home environment, this structure may outweigh the need for flexibility.
For others, however, a more flexible treatment schedule works best, and outpatient care offers this type of schedule.
People with less severe addictions or those who cannot take time away from their jobs, school, or families may benefit most from outpatient flexibility.
Strong Support Network
Outpatient addiction treatment is appropriate for people who have strong support systems.
For people who do not have a lot of social support, the structure and group dynamics of inpatient care may provide the best choice.
However, people who do have a strong network of friends and family members may prefer outpatient services, as these services give them better access to that network.
Step-Down Addiction Care
People often attend outpatient programs as a form of step-down addiction care.
For example, after participating in an inpatient program, clients may seek outpatient services as a form of aftercare and relapse prevention.
Continued therapy sessions, support groups, and other forms of care can help people maintain sobriety after their initial treatment program ends.
Cost-Effective Treatment Services
Outpatient addiction programs often cost less money than inpatient services.
The cost of addiction care can become a major barrier for people who want to begin recovery, especially when substance abuse creates financial difficulties.
For many, outpatient services reduce this barrier, providing a more accessible care option.
Telehealth And Virtual Options
Many outpatient programs now offer virtual treatment options through telehealth platforms.
Virtual outpatient care provides the same evidence-based therapy and support as in-person programs while eliminating transportation barriers and allowing greater scheduling flexibility.
Types Of Addiction Treatment Offered In Outpatient Programs
Outpatient addiction treatment offers several types of therapy. Programs often tailor services to meet the unique needs of their clients.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
In medication-assisted treatment (MAT), doctors prescribe medications that reduce cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.
This form of medical care is especially common within opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, and it has also become more common among people receiving treatment for alcohol abuse.
Evidence-Based Therapy
Evidence-based therapy is therapy that has been researched and proven effective. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), for example, is an evidence-based therapy.
Other evidence-based practices are often used during group therapy and individual therapy sessions.
For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven helpful for people dealing with substance abuse and other mental health conditions.
Holistic Treatment
Some outpatient treatment centers take a holistic approach to addiction care.
“Holistic” sometimes refers to a whole-person approach to care, an approach that may combine evidence-based practices with alternative practices such as meditation.
Some holistic programs only offer non-pharmaceutical approaches.
Aftercare
Outpatient addiction treatment may also include aftercare, helping clients continue their recovery after a more intensive treatment.
Aftercare may include alumni programs, weekly therapy sessions, and contingency management programs.
FAQs For Outpatient Treatment
Read through our answers to the commonly asked questions below to learn more about what you can expect from an outpatient treatment program.
How Long Does Outpatient Treatment Typically Last?
Outpatient treatment length varies based on individual needs and program intensity.
Standard outpatient programs may last 3-6 months, while intensive outpatient programs typically run 6-12 weeks before stepping down to standard outpatient care. Partial hospitalization programs usually last 2-4 weeks.
Many people continue with less intensive outpatient services for a year or more as part of their long-term recovery plan.
Will I Be Drug Tested During Outpatient Treatment?
Yes, most outpatient programs include regular drug and alcohol testing as part of treatment.
Testing helps monitor your progress, ensures accountability, and allows your treatment team to adjust your care plan if needed.
Tests are typically conducted randomly or at scheduled intervals, using urine, saliva, or breathalyzer tests.
Can I Attend Outpatient Treatment In A Different State?
Yes, many programs now offer virtual outpatient treatment, making it easier to attend programs in different states. There are several considerations to take into account when doing this, though.
If you need medication-assisted treatment (MAT), you’ll need to ensure the prescribing provider is licensed in your state. Insurance coverage may also be affected by out-of-state treatment.
Find Treatment For Substance Abuse
Addiction is complicated and creates significant healthcare needs. However, it is a treatable condition.
If you or a loved one is experiencing substance abuse, contact Detox Rehabs to discover available treatment services.
Article Sources- Journal Of The American Medical Association
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2760032 - Medicaid.gov
https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/innovation-accelerator-program/iap-downloads/reducing-substance-use-disorders/asam-resource-guide.pdf