If you are new to recovery from addiction and are trying to decide between a residential facility and an outpatient rehab program, here are some important things to consider.
Why You Need Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Real recovery is much more than simply abstaining from alcohol or drugs. The real goal should be to live as happy and productive a life as possible.
Patients who complete an outpatient rehab program realize multiple benefits, including:
- Physical sobriety – avoiding alcohol and drugs
- Fewer health problems
- A reduction in criminal behavior
- Stable employment
- Improved personal relationships
- Better mental health
- A greater ability to function socially
In other words, when you stop drinking excessively or abusing drugs, you become better able to manage every other area of your life.
How Effective is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?
To best determine how successful an outpatient drug rehab program is, the rates of relapse should be considered. Research has shown that recovering alcoholics and addicts will relapse at rates that are comparable to non-compliance among other chronic illness patients:
- Asthma: Up to 70% of patients do not follow their recommended medication and lifestyle modification plan.
- Hypertension: Between 50% and 70% of patients with high blood pressure do not properly take their medication, change their diet, lose weight, or reduce stress.
- Diabetes: Between 30% and 50% of patients suffer complications because they are not compliant with their diet, exercise, and medication regimen.
- Substance Use Disorder: 40% to 60% of rehab patients suffer either a slip or a full-blown relapse at some point.
Obviously, when SUD is rightfully viewed alongside other chronic medical conditions, it is clear to see that non-compliance, i.e., relapse, is a common occurrence.
That’s why it is important to understand that a slip or relapse does not mean treatment has failed. Rather, it signals that the treatment plan may need to be adjusted or that there needs to be more focus on implementing the necessary lifestyle changes.
This is one of the particular advantages of outpatient addiction treatment residential rehab.
If a patient is struggling to maintain their sobriety while participating in the program, they can speak to their addiction counselors for immediate help and support.
Other Advantages of Outpatient Addiction Treatment
That opportunity for immediate feedback is just one of the several benefits that are specific to outpatient rehab.
- Outpatient rehab is a fraction of the cost of a stay in a residential facility.
- A quality, evidence-based outpatient program will typically last three months, where most inpatient programs are only for 30 days.
- Instead of going away to a residential facility, an outpatient rehab program allows you to live at home. You can continue to work, go to school, and spend time with your family.
- Outpatient programs are flexible, with both morning, full day and evening sessions available. You can get the help you need around your schedule and obligations.
- Because you practice what you learn in outpatient rehab in your everyday life, you also enjoy the daily support of your loved ones.
The Bottom Line about Outpatient Addiction Treatment
If you have an active, busy life that doesn’t allow you to go away for weeks at a time to check into a residential facility, an outpatient rehab program is an excellent way to get the help you need without putting your life on hold.
For more information about what outpatient drug rehab can do for you, click here.