Addiction is a very complex disease. Because it is such a severe and complex condition, it is extremely difficult to overcome without expert help. It can be successfully treated, though, and evidence-based treatment programmes commonly known as ‘rehab’ have been shown to be very effective.
There are a number of different approaches when it comes to drug rehabilitation, but the main choice is between an inpatient and outpatient rehab programme.
What is Outpatient Drug Rehab?
When most people think of ‘rehab’, they probably think of inpatient or residential rehab – where you stay on the premises for the duration of the treatment.
This is the most effective way to treat serious drug addiction problems, but it is not suitable for everyone. Outpatient drug rehab can be a good alternative for many people. It still involves a structured treatment programme and a certain level of supervision, but you do not ‘live in’ at the rehab centre or other facility.
Instead, you will attend scheduled treatment and therapy sessions. There may also be additional ‘out of hours’ support available, but you will also typically have to rely on self-help techniques, which are generally learned as part of the programme.
Types of Outpatient Drug Rehab Programmes
While outpatient rehab tends to be less intensive than residential programmes, there are still some quite intensive types of outpatient drug rehab available. The details can vary depending on the provider, the drug involved and other factors, but some typical types of outpatient rehab can include:
- Day programmes
These tend to be the most intensive types of outpatient programmes, with treatment sessions and meetings scheduled most days of the week.
- Intensive outpatient programmes
These offer more flexibility than day programmes but will still involve multiple sessions per week.
- Continuing care
This could involve regular meetings or catch-ups with programme leaders, as well as mutual support groups. It may be used as an aftercare programme following a more intensive period of rehab.
How Outpatient Drug Rehab Works: Treatment Structure and Components
The exact structure of any outpatient drug rehab programme can vary quite widely. Depending on the type of drug and level of addiction, there may be a period of detox involving medical check-ups to monitor your health and any withdrawal symptoms you might be experiencing.
Some drug rehab programmes – especially those involving opioids such as heroin – might also use replacement or maintenance therapy. This is where you switch from heroin to a less dangerous substitute, such as methadone or buprenorphine, and then gradually reduce the amount of the substitute you take.
Getting clean or sobering up is only part of the battle, however. In any comprehensive rehab programme, you will also learn how to avoid relapse and address the root causes of your substance misuse. This is generally done through workshops and therapy sessions that could involve group therapy, one-to-one counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy and other techniques.
Who is Suitable for Outpatient Drug Rehab?
Outpatient rehab is generally more suited to people with less severe substance misuse problems and those who are not living what is often termed a ‘chaotic lifestyle’. The people most likely to benefit from outpatient treatment will also be able to use self-help techniques and will have a stable home environment and support system in place.
Benefits of Outpatient Drug Rehab
Outpatient programmes can also benefit those who feel that they can’t completely take time out from their lives because of family, work or other commitments. While outpatient rehab programmes tend to last longer than inpatient programmes as they are less intensive, many people see the fact that you complete them from home as a benefit.
It is also the case that outpatient rehab is generally more affordable than comparable inpatient programmes. NHS-affiliated outpatient programmes delivered through charitable partners may be available for free, although the treatment programmes offered through drug and alcohol services can vary widely depending on your location.
Challenges of Outpatient Rehab and How to Overcome Them
While outpatient rehab can have benefits for some people, it also has some drawbacks. If you have to go through a period of detox and withdrawal symptoms, for example, you may have to do so with limited supervision. At a dedicated detox clinic or residential rehab, you can undergo medically supervised detox, making this difficult process easier and safer.
With outpatient rehab, you are also more likely to be surrounded by all the triggers, temptations, stresses, people and places associated with your drug use. This can make it more difficult to stay on the straight and narrow, increasing your chance of relapse.
Because outpatient rehab tends to be less intensive than inpatient programmes, they may also last a lot longer or be less thorough than residential rehab.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient Rehab: Which is Right for You?
There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to addiction recovery. The right approach will depend on your unique circumstances and personal choice. In general terms, inpatient rehab is the most effective way of dealing with severe addiction issues. In contrast, outpatient rehab is more flexible and affordable and allows you to continue to work and meet other commitments.
What to Expect After Completing Outpatient Rehab
Addiction recovery is an ongoing process and does not end when the central part of a rehab programme finishes. There will still be challenges ahead, but support is available.
Some rehab programmes – whether inpatient or outpatient in nature – will have structured aftercare packages, while support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and other local alternatives can also be extremely valuable. You will also usually learn coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques during a drug rehabilitation programme.
How to Choose the Right Outpatient Drug Rehab Programme
It is essential to get the right help for your circumstances and situation. Outpatient rehab can vary widely by location, and for some people, more intensive inpatient or residential rehab may be a better choice.
If you need advice or want to weigh your options, get in touch today to find out how we can help.
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