Medically reviewed by: Akhtar Hossain, M.D., M.S. and Pain Management Specialist. | New Jersey Fentanyl Treatment Guide
It’s understandable to have this question as you explore different forms of treatment for addiction rehabilitation. Everyone’s case is different and that’s why outpatient rehabilitation is ideal for every addict because they have the chance to fit their program to their needs. You could be someone with a job you can’t leave unattended, or a family that you can’t leave during the night or a person who is done detoxing. Whatever your case is, let’s examine who can benefit from this outpatient program and contrast it with other forms of rehabilitation.
What Is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?
Outpatient addiction treatment can be defined as a type of treatment in which people combine their treatment with their normal lives. This means they live according to their daily schedules as well as attending sessions for their therapy and rehabilitation process. In outpatient rehab programs, patients will typically have access to the following treatment options: individual counselling, group therapy, relapse prevention education, and many times, prescribed medication to deal with dual diagnosis.
The categories of outpatient treatment are:
- Standard OP (outpatient program): A short term or a few hours of treatment per week that can serve as long term maintenance.
- Intensive OP (intensive outpatient program): Usually takes 9-15 hours of treatment per week spread over several days.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): The highest level of outpatient care which usually involves attending 5-6 hours of treatment per day.
Key Signs You May Be a Good Candidate for Outpatient Treatment
We all need different beginning points on our path of recovery. Here you can find clinical and lifestyle signs which indicate that an outpatient case is suitable for you.
1. You Have a Stable, Substance-Free Living Environment
Outpatient treatment means leaving for home every night. Therefore your home needs to be a positive location where nothing bad may happen.
2. You’ve Already Completed Detox (If Needed)
For those who would have to go through several painful withdrawal symptoms, it is advisable to go through the procedure of detoxification first. It is when all symptoms are managed, and only then can outpatient programs be started.
3. You Have Mild to Moderate Substance Use Severity
It is true that clients who have less history of usage, fewer prior relapses and no severe medical complications can be thought of as better candidates. On the other hand, the serious long-term dependents may first be more suited to the higher level of care.
4. You Have Responsibilities That Require Flexibility
Outpatient treatment is created for people who need care on a regular basis but at the same time cannot stop working or taking care of their families.
5. You Have a Reliable Support System
Having a strong support system, which is formed by family, colleagues, and friends, can improve outpatient treatment outcomes since the patients’ treatment is not under medical supervision all the time.
6. You’re Motivated and Committed to Recovery
Since outpatient programs give you some degree of autonomy, self-motivation and honesty during treatment have a greater impact when compared to fully supervised setting programs.
7. Your Co-Occurring Mental Health Symptoms Are Manageable
Those patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and a few other psychological problems are mostly recommended for outpatient rehabilitation programs since those issues are no longer a dangerous problem.
Who May Need a Higher Level of Care Instead
For some, outpatient treatment isn’t appropriate. A more intensive type of treatment such as PHP or residential treatment is often indicated if:
| Situation | Why a Higher Level of Care May Be Needed |
| Active withdrawal symptoms that cannot be treated | Medical detoxification and continuous monitoring may be a necessity to ensure a safe detox process |
| Unstable and unsafe home situation | Constant contact with some substances or constant conflict can hinder recovery progress |
| Relapse rates after outpatient treatment have been high | A more regulated environment may provide answers for existing problems |
| Severe dependency on drugs or alcohol | At the first step of recovery processes high-level clinical support may be required |
| Mental health crisis (for instance, suicidal thoughts) | The need to have good psychiatric support from the very beginning of the detox process is important |
| Insufficient support at home | Residential structured support may deal with such needs |
Addiction and Treatment Statistics Worth Knowing
- Gaining insight into the overall scenario contextualizes outpatient therapy. As per various pieces of information obtained from across the world, it is understood from the premises of SAMHSA’s survey that
- In one year, approximately 48.5 million people aged 12 years and above suffered from substance abuse problems in the US alone.
- Out of those who required treatment, only 25% actually end up attaining treatment from special units of care.
- Outpatient therapy services including OP, IOP, and PHP together make up the large percentage of substance abuse rehabilitation facilities across the country being more than inpatient or residential treatments.
- It is common that individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder also suffer from some type of mental disorder.
- Research points out that the duration and intensity of treatment rather than the nature of the therapeutic setup, determine the success of the rehabilitation process to a great extent.
How the Assessment Process Works
Choosing the correct type of treatment requires a close look at individual needs and circumstances. You cannot just assume without talking to someone in the clinical profession. The procedure normally consists of the following steps:
- First Screening: The specialist checks the medical history, both regarding substance use and mental health.
- Medical Evaluation: It includes examination of physical condition, withdrawal symptoms, and any other health needs of the patient.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: The presence of another mental health problem is taken into account during the procedure.
- Recommendation of the Type of Treatment: After determining all the possible criteria under ASAM, the best treatment program is proposed.
- Regular Re-evaluation: The intensity of treatment can be intensified or decreased depending on the patient’s progress.
Final Thoughts
Outpatient addiction treatment is appropriate for the right candidate, in this case, an individual who has a safe living environment, a moderate substance use issue, and commitment to treatment. This program is not the best choice for everyone and that’s fine. The aim is not to find a place that the client fits into, but to help the client find the perfect fit.
If you are unsure what works for you or your loved one, the best way is to have a clinical assessment done – Revolution Recovery Center is working across Florida and New Jersey, offering outpatient, IOP, and PHP programs that include personalized care with an evidence-based approach.
Get in Touch With Revolution Recovery Center
Revolution Recovery Center
Address – 415 S. Federal Highway Boynton Beach, FL 33435
Phone – (866) 890-7286, 24/7 Support Available
E-mail – info@revolutionrecovery.com
FAQs
Can I really keep my job while doing outpatient treatment?
In reality, definitely; that’s exactly why so many people go along this route. The outpatient programs (specifically OP and a lot of the IOP types of programs) have been structured to accommodate flexible timings because they have evening program sessions so you won’t have to compromise between work and therapy.
Will outpatient treatment actually work for me, or am I just fooling myself?
This is a normal concern, and many people ask the same question. It is true that outpatient treatment works remarkably well for persons with the right home environment. This is not simply going easy, but rather helps in receiving immediate assistance without putting everything on hold. The staff will accommodate any changes needed if your situation calls for that.
What happens if I start outpatient and realize I need more help?
Nothing wrong with that — this is quite common indeed, and this isn’t a sign of failure. Treatment plans should be flexible. If your care team realizes that you require additional support, they will help you move up to PHP or residential treatment instead of leaving you to cope on your own.
Do I have to detox before I can start outpatient treatment?
Detoxification is indeed necessary if physically dependent on drugs and in danger of withdrawal. After detoxification has been completed or you are not ready for detoxification yet, the next stage which is outpatient treatment can continue.
I have anxiety/depression too — can outpatient still help me?
That is the case, provided that those symptoms are managed without further crises of any nature. Most outpatient programs have a dual diagnosis feature that sees treatment of both mental conditions as well as addiction.
What if I don’t have a lot of support at home — should I even bother with outpatient?
Having an honest discussion with the doctor about this is worth it. A supportive system is crucial for outpatient treatment but is not the only one. There are times when the program can help you build the system in cases where there is an absence of a supportive system.
How do I know if I actually need something more intense than outpatient?
You do not have to work this out alone. The completion of a brief clinical assessment gives you an idea of whether you are at risk of withdrawal, provides information about your home environment, and also assesses your past history with substance use.