What Can I Expect in an Outpatient Drug Rehab?

Outpatient drug rehab programs help individuals with substance abuse issues without requiring them to commit to an inpatient or residential stay in a drug rehab facility. The idea is to provide individuals in recovery with an outlet for treatment, while still giving them an enormous amount of flexibility in their lives so that they can keep up with their commitments and obligations back home or at work for instance. Outpatient drug rehab is an extremely beneficial treatment option for individuals who have completed an inpatient or residential drug rehab but still need further aftercare. In this instance, individuals can get the added support and counsel they need from treatment counselors and peers at an outpatient drug rehab while putting their lives back together. An example of someone who would not benefit from outpatient drug rehab is someone with extreme physical dependence to drugs, as these individuals will require a great deal of oversight and an environment where drugs are not accessible. For individuals who fit into this category, an inpatient or residential drug rehab program is the only proven treatment option.

What type of treatment an individual will receive as part of an outpatient drug rehab program can vary from facility to facility. However, most outpatient drug rehabs hold group meetings on a daily basis and individuals will also consult with therapists and/or counselors on an one-on-one basis frequently. The things revealed and resolved in these meetings can be different for each person, and someone may choose to keep certain issues contained to private meetings rather than divulging them to their peers. In some instances, hearing what other people are going through helps clients open up and resolve their own problems because they know they're not alone and wont be judged.

If someone is utilizing an outpatient drug rehab as part of a maintenance step and aftercare plan, they can expect to be in treatment anywhere from 30-90 days. In some cases, an outpatient drug rehab may be the wrong fit and individuals may be encouraged to phase over into a program more applicable for their circumstances. This is especially the case for individuals who have never been treated for extreme dependence to drugs or alcohol. So someone who has been abusing heroin or prescription pain killers for several months or longer would not be the appropriate client for an outpatient drug rehab, and will benefit from an extensive stay in an inpatient facility where they can be away from drugs while in recovery. This is just one example, but even individuals who have quit alcohol cold turkey and want to take part in an outpatient program may be encouraged to participate in an inpatient or residential drug rehab where they can be better cared for. There are extremely high rates of relapse for individuals who are extremely dependent to drugs and alcohol and choose an outpatient program simply for the convenience factor. This can be avoided entirely if the appropriate program is chosen from the get go.