Addiction to substances comes with its own unique set of challenges. Every individual experiences substance abuse differently and, therefore, requires a personalized approach. When an individual seeks medical assistance for substance use disorder, there are two routes that they can take: they can either opt for an inpatient rehab facility or an outpatient rehab facility. But which path is the right choice?
There have been numerous studies that have shown that outpatient rehab facilities have played a significant role in helping individuals recover from mild to moderate substance abuse. However, there can never be a one-size-fits-all approach, and what may work for someone else may not work for you. So, let us figure out together if enrolling in an outpatient facility is an appropriate decision.
The Role of an Outpatient Facility in Your Sobriety Journey
Substance abuse can really make a person feel emotionally and financially helpless. In such a situation, an outpatient facility plays a major role. However, if you live in California, there are numerous Orange County treatment programs that will help you accelerate your journey toward recovery.
Unlike residential programs, outpatient facilities don’t bring your life to a standstill, and you can continue with your everyday activities even after you have enrolled yourself in a rehabilitation program.
An outpatient rehabilitation facility is divided into two types: partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). PHPs are generally recommended to people who have been previously enrolled in an inpatient program. PHPs are great for the transitional phase, where the person has recovered from substance abuse but still needs supervision to ensure there are no relapses. PHP programs are generally more intensive than IOPs and require the addict to spend 5 to 6 hours daily in the rehabilitation center.
On the other hand, an intensive outpatient program is a little less intense than PHP and requires the patient to spend 3 to 4 hours in the facility 3 to 4 times a week. These programs are a step down from PHPs and are generally recommended to people who have a moderate addiction. IOPs offer flexibility, and a person undergoing an IOP plan can continue with their day-to-day life. However, PHPs are intense and impact the daily routine of the individual.
Who is a Perfect Candidate for the Outpatient Program?
A person who can closely relate to the following conditions is a perfect candidate for an outpatient program:
- The person is suffering from mild to moderate substance use disorder.
- There is a low risk of the person experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
- The person has a safe and supportive environment at home.
- The person can easily travel to the treatment center every day.
Should I Enroll in an Outpatient Program?
As mentioned above, both IOPs and PHPs have different significance in a person’s life. If you are planning to transition from a residential program, a PHP is the best choice. Subsequently, IOPs are beneficial for individuals who have mild to moderate addiction to illicit substances. Here are some benefits that are present in both IOP and PHP programs to help you make the right choice.
- Offer Greater Flexibility:
Outpatient programs allow patients to attend the treatment facility whenever it is convenient for them. This means that if you are an adult with a full-time/ part-time job, family responsibilities, and your kid’s school work to deal with, you can still enroll in the program without having to compromise with your schedule.
- They are Less Expensive:
Since there is no added cost of staying in the treatment facility, it is less expensive than a residential program. This also means that the person will be able to afford treatment for a longer duration of time, ensuring better outcomes.
- They Return Back to Their Comfort Zone:
Home is the ultimate comfort zone for every individual. In outpatient programs, the addict is able to go back home at the end of the day. The patient is also able to immediately apply what they have learned in the treatment center in their home.
Treatment for substance use disorder is very subjective. Everybody has a personal journey that is very different from others who are also undergoing a similar situation. Hence, it is up to you to decide whether an outpatient rehabilitation program is the right choice for you based on the information given above.
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