When it’s evident that you or someone you love needs vital addiction treatment, the best time to start is right now. However, you might face more than a few obstacles to entering inpatient rehabilitation care. Fortunately, intensive outpatient services can provide a thorough professional approach.
What Outpatient Services Offer
Each person needs a different type of customized attention for alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD). For example, a residential treatment program often lasts for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the level of treatment required. Individuals stay on campus completely during this time to allow for comprehensive assistance with the following:
- A full mental, emotional, and physical health assessment
- Medically supervised detoxification
- Various forms of therapy
- Wellness guidance
- Behavioral modification techniques
- Relapse prevention education
- Many people find that removing themselves completely from their usual environment and stressors provides the focused time to invest in their health without external distractions.
An intensive outpatient program offers many of the same components of residential rehabilitation. Board-certified addiction specialists assess health and create a continuum of care plan designed to accommodate an individual’s needs for therapeutic approaches, wellness, behavioral modifications, and relapse prevention. If there’s a need for medically managed withdrawal care, partial hospitalization might be recommended before the start of the program.
So while the services are quite similar, the primary difference is that you wouldn’t stay in the care facility 24/7: outpatient treatment is structured to accommodate daily work and family responsibilities. Programs are structured to meet 5–7 days a week, multiple times a day, to help people move forward.
Why Outpatient Treatment Might Be a Good Option
The top reason why outpatient addiction rehabilitation is a viable treatment choice is that it reduces barriers to quality, immediate care. People frequently start in outpatient programs for various reasons. Here are just a few.
They recognize they have a substance misuse problem
Forget the misconception that a person has to hit the proverbial “rock bottom” before seeking addiction treatment. That’s like saying someone has to have a stroke before they get professional help for type 2 diabetes. Addiction is a chronic brain disease, and, as with other chronic health conditions, early intervention and evidence-based care greatly affect the progressive management of the condition and its overall outcome.
It’s challenging to leave their jobs
To maintain a steady income and health insurance, most people are reluctant to take extensive time off work for addiction rehabilitation services. However, according to the U.S. Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, the American With Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act, individuals are protected under the law to pursue addiction treatment and retain employment. Now, each employer outlines different stipulations within these legal guidelines, which is why outpatient treatment might be the first step toward recovery, as many programs partner with employers to ensure an individual receives quality care while employed.
They’re unable to be away from family
Whether you’re a parent trying to balance many responsibilities or you’re the primary caregiver for an older relative, these obligations make it even more challenging to focus on the treatment you need. But the flexible structure of outpatient services provides a window of opportunity to dedicate time to your health, too, along with a network of support.
There isn’t a suitable residential facility near home
Outpatient programs might also be more convenient if someone lives in an area that doesn’t have a reputable inpatient care center nearby. Remember, the goal is to not put off treatment, so starting with outpatient services close to home provides therapeutic guidance right away.
Cost is prohibitive at this time
While many insurance policies cover full or partial addiction treatment, residential programs might still be too expensive initially. Outpatient services, while often available for the same duration of 30, 60, and 90 days, are traditionally less expensive because room and board aren’t part of the program.
They need more than 12-Step help
Without a doubt, 12-Step and other mutual aid support groups are beneficial to managing addiction recovery day-to-day. Many people also thrive within the structure of outpatient care—sometimes lasting six months or more after residential treatment—to solidify what they learn and how to use valuable behavioral modifications moving forward.
They’re moving back into recovery after relapsing
Sometimes it takes a little longer to understand all the risk factors for addiction and unfortunately, approximately 40–60 percent of people with AUD or SUD relapse. But a comprehensive outpatient treatment program can help an individual delve deeper into their behaviors, gain a better understanding of their specific triggers, and learn additional coping skills to strengthen their recovery for the future.
Ask About Fair Oaks’ Intensive Outpatient Programs
At our Sacramento-based addiction treatment center, we offer intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization/day programs, and residential care with detoxification to meet the needs of every individual ready to make a positive change. Talk with a member of our admissions team to learn what direction is best for your future health.
