If you are looking to get sober and need some flexibility in your treatment schedule due to a busy lifestyle, an outpatient program may be perfect for you. Outpatient programs offer treatment for addiction and substance abuse that comprises attending several meetings each week at a recovery facility. This allows you to live at home and maintain your regular responsibilities while getting the help you need. 

Outpatient programs come in different levels of intensity and forms of treatment. You are still required to check in at a scheduled time for counseling or medication and are held accountable to professional staff on-site. Outpatient programs tend to focus on counseling, education, and providing a support network. Many facilities offer day programs, Intensive Outpatient plans, and continuing care services. 

The Different Types of Outpatient Programs

Day programs provide one of the higher levels of care and structure in an outpatient setting. Clients commit to meeting five to seven days a week at their treatment facility for a few hours each time. At these meetings, patients participate in therapy sessions, group sessions, and other forms of treatment. Outpatient programs will require a high level of commitment and can limit your availability at your workplace or school. While You are allowed to return home each night, outpatient programs can be just as intense as their inpatient counterparts. They have proven to be effective for people who are serious about getting sober.

If you want to establish a treatment plan with measurable milestones, consider an Intensive Outpatient Program. IOPs are reward-based programs that lighten your load as you meet your specific milestones. This type of program tends to help those who still need to maintain their daily responsibilities while getting treatment. IOPs may include group therapy, counseling sessions, and relapse prevention; some will also require you to take on additional forms of self-help like joining a 12-Step program.

If you want to solidify your commitment to sobriety, continuing care groups may suit your needs. Continuing care groups are sobriety programs or meetup groups that create accountability, community, and encouragement, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These are weekly, ongoing support resources facilitated by a therapist. There are numerous forms of continuing care available to you; some programs are gender- or age-specific, while others focus on a specific aspect of recovery.

The Benefits of Staying at Home

Outpatient treatment can be ideal if you’re dealing with a mild or moderate addition. These programs are a little more flexible than their inpatient counterparts. With an outpatient program, you avoid the cost of housing by living at home during your treatment, which is also useful for those who wish to maintain their everyday schedule. Although there are ways to be protected through measures like the Family and Medical Leave Act, not everyone has the option to simply leave their job for the duration of their treatment. Beyond the convenience, being at home each night allows you to receive consistent help and support from your family and friends. There are many treatment centers that operate in the evenings and on weekends, allowing patients to work their day jobs and still receive treatment. 

Detoxing Safely

Although detox is never a fun time, it’s a crucial component of treatment and recovery. Even people facing mild addiction can benefit from detoxification. Depending on the substances in question and their quantities in your body, detox can pose a wide range of negative mental and physical side effects. In some cases, detox can pose life-threatening risks if not managed properly, making it unsafe to go through detox alone.

This is where an outpatient facility becomes a useful resource. Detoxing at a facility that provides outpatient treatment is a safe and effective way to take this necessary step. Professional medical staff can provide you with medications to ease the side effects of detox and offer you encouragement. While detoxing in an outpatient facility, you attain the benefits of cleaning your system while also being able to maintain your connections with family and friends. This ensures that you aren’t completely isolated from your support system. 

Cost Analysis 

The price of getting help at any facility will inevitably vary depending on the type of treatment you receive and how long you receive it. When considering your options, factor in the types of treatments and medications offered amenities, location, and the center’s target demographic. Outpatient treatment is usually less expensive than inpatient. It’s entirely possible that your insurance will cover a large percentage of the cost of rehab. However, if you are paying out of pocket, then outpatient might be a more cost-effective option.

If you’re ready to get help for addiction or problems related to substance abuse, it’s crucial to find the best form of treatment to fit your needs. Outpatient treatment allows much more independence and flexibility than inpatient treatment. Choosing outpatient treatment will require you to practice discipline, as there’s a greater chance that you may encounter opportunities to use drugs or alcohol outside of the facility. Your success rests more on your shoulders than your professional support in this form of treatment, making it important for you to approach your recovery with motivation and commitment. Outpatient treatment generally costs less and has been proven to help overcome milder addictions. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, reach out to Kimberly Center in Fort Myers, Florida. We offer a range of effective programs, including inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment. To learn more about how we can help you get started on your journey of recovery, call us at (855) 452-3683.