Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab can offer you the care you need while you handle other obligations.

Outpatient rehab programs differ slightly from inpatient rehab programs because they do not provide housing or around the clock monitoring for the individual who is receiving treatment. Although many of the services that are provided at outpatient rehab programs are the same as those provided at inpatient rehab programs, at the end of the day, an addict who is receiving treatment at an outpatient rehab program must return home to maintain their sobriety on their own. Because of the lack of monitoring, outpatient rehab programs are not suitable for everyone.

The Difference Between Outpatient Rehab and Inpatient Rehab

The primary difference between the two types of rehab is that when you attend an outpatient rehab program you will not sleep at the rehab facility at night, you will return home to maintain your sobriety on your own until the following day or the next scheduled visit to the outpatient rehab center. Outpatient rehab programs are usually open for business during normal business hours and provide therapy, counseling and monitoring as well as various levels of education and support during the day but at the end of the day, the doors close and the patients receiving treatment at the facility return to their own home or sober living house to continue to focus on their treatment at home.

Unlike outpatient rehab programs, inpatient rehab programs provide housing and around the clock medical supervision for the patient for the duration of the program, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After a long day of therapy and counseling, the addict sleeps at the inpatient rehab center and then awakes in the morning to begin the treatment process again. These programs are highly effective but outpatient rehab programs can also provide an effective means of treatment for many addictions, especially when the addict has already completed an inpatient program or when they are not severely addicted.

What Makes a Good Outpatient Rehab Candidate?

The best outpatient rehab candidates are those who have already successfully completed an inpatient rehab program and are transitioning to a sober living home. Outpatient rehab programs are also an excellent source of treatment for those who have significant family or work ties that prevent them from receiving inpatient treatment. Addicts who are the primary caregiver for a young child or are the breadwinner for a family may not be able to attend an inpatient treatment program in which they must live for weeks or even months while receiving treatment. These individuals are good candidates for outpatient rehab programs.

Services Provided at Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab services are similar to those at an inpatient rehab program. Generally speaking, outpatient rehab programs offer counseling in both individual one-on-one sessions and group sessions, therapy and therapeutic services such as behavioral therapy and educational classes. Many outpatient rehab programs also provide medication on an as needed as prescribed basis, family counseling and certain social services such as job placement assistance, and housing and relocation assistance.