Whether you are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, you are making an important choice for your own health and wellbeing by being an engaged participant in a recovery program. For some people, traditional programs are the most effective options, but for others, outpatient programs provide the most ideal circumstances for success.
If you are considering participating in an outpatient rehabilitation program, here is some information to help you better understand what to expect allowing you to begin your experience prepared.
Defining the Outpatient Experience
An outpatient program is one of many options for addiction rehabilitation. Some people may opt for a traditional or inpatient addiction recovery program, which typically means the individual will stay on-site and receive treatment in person.
For many, this is a valuable asset if they need physical assistance with addiction recovery, such as managing health concerns including withdrawal. Inpatient programs offer medical staff to monitor your health and provide 24/7 oversight, which is the most effective option for individuals just beginning recovery.
However, for others, the prospect of spending their time in person at a facility is not possible. Whether due to concerns about childcare, employment or other issues, not everyone is suited for a traditional rehabilitation program.
This is when outpatient programs can be helpful. An outpatient program provides the option for someone seeking addiction recovery to maintain their daily life commitments while still attending a rehabilitation program at scheduled times.
What You Can Learn in an Outpatient Program
Each outpatient program will be different, because the people who participate in them and the conditions and addictions they are treating will be different. However, many outpatient programs are similar in that they will strive to educate their participants, equipping them with coping skills and problem-solving knowledge to assist in avoiding addictive behavior in the future.
This could come in the form of identifying triggers for relapse and developing strategies to avoid them or cultivating self-awareness that leaves each participant fully in control of their own lives and decisions.
The ability to recognize unhealthy behaviors, and curb them, as well as gaining experience and confidence in seeking (and accepting) support are all tools that an outpatient program can equip its participants with.
The Timeline and Organization of Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs can vary depending upon multiple factors; you may be asked to attend for a specific duration based on your unique situation and how well your rehabilitation is proceeding. In general, you can expect between 8 to 12 hours each week dedicated to addiction recovery sessions; this time will typically be split between individual sessions and sessions with a group.
Once you have begun to cultivate the tools necessary to maintain your recovery, your time commitment to your sessions will be reduced, allowing you to continue in a step-down fashion until you are finished with the program. The first step down typically reduces your weekly session time to about half of its original schedule.
In contrast to traditional rehabilitation programs, outpatient programs do not provide medical oversight or detox, which is why they are not right for everyone. However, you will receive the opportunity to forge powerful connections with therapists and other means of support that can help you to remain productive and sober.
Many programs run for 5 to 8 weeks, at least to start; your support staff can assist you in developing a schedule that works for you, not only in duration but also with consideration to the responsibilities that you need to maintain, such as work and family commitments.
If you need further time after your initial outpatient schedule, your rehabilitation may be extended within the program, or you could elect to transfer into a less intensive outpatient option to continue working on your addiction recovery toolset.
Rely On An Experienced Outpatient Program
Whether you are seeking help for an addiction for the first time or are looking for a new resource to help with your recovery, be sure to rely on an addiction recovery center with years of experience and comprehensive resources.
The helpful staff at Aquila Recovery Clinic believe that everyone should have a chance to enjoy the life they want to live, free from addiction, which is why we have forged relationships with counselors, support groups and community resources all across the DC area.
Our team can equip you with wellness planning and long-term strategies for success. If you would like to discuss your options for addiction recovery through an outpatient program, reach out to schedule an appointment.