What is Outpatient Substance Use Treatment
Outpatient drug and alcohol rehabs provide rehabilitation services daily or weekly. In an outpatient setting, individuals do not live on-site. Clients visit the center and receive treatment at times that are convenient for them. Services typically include counseling and various forms of therapy, and aftercare. It is important to note that the client must remain sober during treatment; random drug testing is done.
Tips for Finding Outpatient Treatment
- Consult our directory and search through information detailing the various outpatient programs in the state of your choice.
- Contact your local Medicaid office or health insurance provider; find out what outpatient services are covered. Generally, outpatient substance use treatment is covered by most health insurance providers.
- Contact more than one outpatient program. Generally, there are never waitlists because clients are not living at the facility. Ask about the admission process, payment options, and the accepted health insurances.
- Ask about standard outpatient treatment or intensive outpatient programs (IOP); both have pros and cons.
- Outpatient programs are common in larger metropolitan areas, yet some operate in smaller communities. Ideally, it’s a good idea to consider programs in different communities, yet commuting can make it challenging.
- List the top three choices for outpatient treatment. Ensure the program fits your finances and treatment needs.
- Begin the admission process as soon as possible.
Questions to Ask When Looking for Outpatient Treatment
For every outpatient program you contact within your state, consider some of the following questions before admission:
- What is the required length of time needed? How many days a week, and how many hours each day?
- What therapy and counseling options are offered? Does it include any other services or aftercare support options?
- Is access to detox part of the outpatient program?
- What is the total cost for the set length of time required, and are there additional costs?
- What happens if there is a relapse during treatment?
Benefits of Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab
- These programs are beneficial for someone that is still working and who has family responsibilities.
- Outpatient programs are less expensive and more accessible for most families.
- Outpatient treatment allows less disruption in a person’s life if they maintain their commitment to treatment.
- Random drug and alcohol testing is done to ensure the client remains sober.
Ask a Professional
What is outpatient drug rehab?
Outpatient drug rehab is a type of substance abuse treatment where the patient continues to live and stay at home, attending treatment remotely or in person by traveling to a facility regularly. Outpatient treatment programs are usually set within larger inpatient facilities since the two levels of care are meant to work together. After inpatient treatment, outpatient services are usually recommended.
What does outpatient drug rehab consist of?
The patients usually meet at a scheduled time for a group counseling session and may also have individual sessions weekly. They may also be screened for substance use and given assignments to perform while at home to further their recovery. Most group sessions include patients discussing and sharing their experiences around a specific recovery topic and may include support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous.
Are there different types of outpatient treatment?
There are many different types of outpatient treatment. “Outpatient” only describes the fact that the patient doesn’t live at the facility where treatment is rendered. So, many different types of rehabilitation have outpatient services. But outpatient drug and alcohol treatment is usually found wherever inpatient programs exist.
When is outpatient treatment appropriate?
Outpatient treatment is best utilized as the next step after inpatient treatment is completed. As a supplement to a complete rehabilitation program, outpatient rehab doesn’t provide a person who is actively using substances with the tools or support to stop. Although it may seem attractive to the prospective patient only to attend an outpatient program to treat their addiction, taking such a shortcut isn’t advised. The recommended course is detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient rehab. After completing outpatient treatment, the hope is that no further rehabilitation will be needed.
Want to know more?
The questions from Addicted.org’s “Learn from our Experts” are answered by Michael Leach, CCMA. If you need further clarification on any of the questions above or have any other questions you can contact him directly at mike@addicted.org.
