To be clear, outpatient rehab is a drug or alcoholism treatment program where a person undergoes treatment during the day and in the evening goes home or to a nearby living facility that is sober. Even though most of these programs take place in a setting that is a lot like a hospital, some outpatient assistance is given at a treatment center.
The length of an outpatient rehab program varies according to the goals of the facility, as well as the individual needs of the person. However, in most cases those recovering from addiction spend at least three months at rehab, while other more serious cases may need to stay a year or longer.
Types of Addiction at Outpatient Rehab Clinics
It is important to note that there are various addictions that an outpatient rehab clinic handles such as: cocaine addiction, heroin addiction, crystal meth addiction, marijuana addiction, OxyContin addiction, gambling addiction and alcoholism. If a patient is addicted to more than one of the above conditions, treatment can be much more challenging.
Keep in mind; outpatient rehab is not for everyone. For those who have a history of relapse, who come from a stressful home environment or who pose a danger to others; they are better served in residential programs so that they can get the individual treatment that they need. In addition, outpatient rehab is less expensive but it does require more effort on the patient because the patient has to commit themselves to attending regular sessions.
Types of Counseling Available
At an outpatient rehab program there are various types of counseling available such as individual counseling, group counseling and family counseling. Each type of counseling is needed in order to give the patient the help and encouragement he or she needs to overcome the addiction. Individual counseling is when an addict meets in private with a therapist, where counseling is given on personal basis.
Group counseling is when a recovering addict meets with other recovering addicts so that they can share their experiences–good and bad–and where they can receive support from one another. Family counseling is an opportunity for the recovery addict to heal relationships with their family; relationships that have been broken and where they need to be mended. Family counseling is an opportunity where a more open dialogue can occur between the recovering addict and his or her family.
Benefits of Outpatient Rehab Programs
It is important to note that there are several helpful benefits of an outpatient rehab program. One benefit is the freedom to continue one’s work while rehabilitating from the addiction. In most cases, a person can still put in time at work, while still attending the rehab program. This can be especially helpful for those who operate and own a business. Another benefit is to be able take care of their responsibilities at home.
At the end of the day, after rehab, a person can go home and be with their family. This is especially helpful for many because they are able to go home and be with their loved ones. Keep in mind; besides several types of therapy that are offered, other services are also offered such as 12-Step work, alcohol and drug education, Men’s and Women’s groups, relapse prevention, life skills, mental health treatment, re-socialization skills, referrals to sober living houses and drug treatment.
Physical and Mental Benefits of Outpatient Rehab Programs
There are other benefits of this kind of therapy such as regaining one’s physical and mental strength. For some, aquatic therapy or some form of physical therapy, can be beneficial. For most patients, one of the main benefits that come from this kind of program is being in a caring and professional environment. Each patient is treated according to their own individual needs. Some may not know it but emotional needs are also considered during outpatient rehab.
Research has shown that because a patient has a certain place where he or she returns to every day, they are more motivated toward reaching their goals, goals that lead to recovery. Most patients look forward to their therapy sessions because it makes them feel less alone. They are not alone on their journey toward recovery and that is because they are getting the support they need.
To conclude, outpatient rehab can be a godsend to those who are seeking help and assistance from their addiction. With the many benefits and rehab centers available, it just makes sense to check them out. Find out more about outpatient rehab from your doctor or counselor and see for yourself how the assistance and help from these rehab centers can add value and goodness to your life! Outpatient rehab is an effective way to overcome addiction!
