Are you thinking about going to rehab for alcohol or drug addiction, but aren’t sure what sort of rehab center to choose?

When it comes to choosing a rehab center, you have two main options: inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab. While both inpatient and outpatient rehab offer their own unique benefits, many people opt for outpatient rehab because it offers more flexibility.

But, what is outpatient rehab? And, how can it help you on the road to recovery?

Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about outpatient drug rehab.

What Is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient drug rehab is an alcohol and drug recovery program that allows you to stay and live at home while working on your addiction issues. This differs from inpatient rehab, in which you stay onsite 24/7, usually for a period of 28 days or more.

Some outpatient rehab programs have a set schedule in which you’re required to show up on certain days of the week at certain times for group and individual therapy. Other programs are appointment-based, so you get to pick and choose your own times.

While inpatient rehab is intensive and very effective, many people opt for outpatient rehab because it’s more convenient. With outpatient rehab, you don’t need to move out of your home or abandon your day to day responsibilities.

If you have a family, an important job, or other responsibilities that you can’t or don’t want to put on hold for a month or more, then outpatient rehab may be the best choice for you.

Many people also opt for outpatient rehab because it’s more affordable than inpatient rehab, as you won’t be paying room and board fees. Additionally, with outpatient rehab, the adjustment back into normal life is often easier.

With inpatient rehab, you’re completely sheltered from the outside world for your entire stay. While this can help you put 100% of your focus into your recovery, many people find that at the end of their treatment, readjusting to the outside world is harder.

With outpatient rehab, you still have to carry on with your day to day responsibilities, and the temptation to relapse is still very much present. While this can be challenging, for many people, it makes the recovery process easier.

Who is Outpatient Rehab For?

Outpatient programs do not offer round-the-clock supervision, and there are no medical professionals available if you have a crisis in the middle of the night. Because of this, outpatient treatment is not for everyone.

But it is for those who:

• Have been through inpatient care and need a touchup on their treatment
• Live with or have close sober partners or family members who can be there for them in a crisis
• Have stable mental health, aside from their addiction

While your addiction isn’t any less serious if you seek outpatient treatment, many times, outpatient treatment is best for those who don’t need round-the-clock help or supervision.

What Does Outpatient Rehab Offer?

Just like inpatient rehab programs, outpatient programs offer a blend of group and individual counseling. However, it’s important to keep in mind that many inpatient programs offer certain amenities that outpatient programs do not.

These amenities may include:

• Exercise gyms/programs
• Yoga
• Acupuncture or acupressure
• Nutritional support
• Parenting classes
• Motivational speakers
• Medication management
• Job support

However, those who enroll in outpatient programs are often given a list of community resources that could provide some of the additional amenities listed above. But, these amenities typically won’t be included in your outpatient treatment program.

Types of Outpatient Rehab Centers

When searching for an outpatient rehab center, it’s important to understand that there are different types of centers to choose from. These include:

Day Programs

With a day program, you commit to visiting the facility five to seven days per week for at least a few hours each day. During this time, you’ll participate in group counseling, individual therapy, and other forms of therapy.

At the end of the day, you’ll be able to go home and sleep in your own bed. To make it easier to commit to a sober lifestyle, many patients join sober living homes.

Intensive Outpatient Program

With this type of outpatient program, there is no definitive end period. Instead, you work with the medical staff to set create a treatment program that involves measurable, defined milestones to indicate your progress.

As you meet each milestone, the time you need to commit to rehab each week decreases. Intensive outpatient rehab is a great option for those who have to work and have other daily responsibilities they can’t give up.

Continuing Care

After completing an outpatient rehab program, many people choose to engage in some form of continuing care to help them stay sober. This might involve individual or group therapy, joining Alcoholic or Narcotics Anonymous, or working with a sponsor.

Many people choose to engage in continuing care for the rest of their lives.

How Do You Choose an Outpatient Rehab Center?

So, how do you know which outpatient rehab center is right for you? Here are some things to consider:

• Look for a center that is near to your home
• Make sure the center can work around your schedule
• Make sure the center you choose is focused on evidence-based care
• Visit the center in-person to learn more about their treatment program, interact with the staff, and ask any questions you may have
• Ask for quotes from each treatment center you visit so you can compare costs

Also, keep in mind that many insurance companies will cover some or all of your treatment costs. For this reason, it’s very important to choose an outpatient rehab center that partners with your insurance company.

Outpatient Rehab: The Road to Recovery Starts Now

Now that you know more about outpatient rehab, it’s time to embark on your road to recovery. If you’ve decided that outpatient rehab is for you, then it’s time to start researching centers in your area.

And, be sure to check back in with our blog for more sober living tips.