Outpatient Rehab





Outpatient Rehab

Inpatient treatment is the treatment option that most people think of when they hear the term “rehab.” But the reality is that there are additional options beyond that one that addicts can select for their recovery. One of these is outpatient treatment. It is a broad term that refers to a treatment program that allows addicts to live at home as they undergo recovery. There are a number of different formats in which outpatient treatment is offered to addicts, such as:

  • Outpatient care at a formal rehab center
  • Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
  • Meetings run at local community centers for groups of addicts
  • Outpatient care programs run out of hospitals
  • Pharmacy-dispensed medication for outpatient drug detox
  • Treatment with a therapist or addiction counselor

Outpatient treatment is not the right option for individuals with all types of addiction, but there are a number of benefits for those it is best suited for.

Benefits of Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab works well for many addicts because of the flexibility it offers. Many of the benefits include:

  • A flexible treatment schedule so individuals can still go to work or school, and focus on their familial responsibilities. This makes it easier for addicts to go, whereas they might not otherwise.
  • Treatment is available as few or as many times per week as necessary. During a bad week, there is the option to attend an increased number of counseling sessions so the support is there.
  • There is discretion exercised when enrolling in outpatient treatment. When people do not have to take time off work, they don’t need to answer questions about where they’re going or what they’re doing.

Of course, outpatient treatment is not right for everyone.

Addicts Who Benefit from Outpatient Rehab

In order to obtain the extensive benefits of outpatient rehab, it needs to be well-suited to the specific addiction needs of a substance abuser. Individuals who will most benefit from outpatient rehab include:

  • Addicts who have a strong support system at home
  • Individuals who are able to resist temptation and get away from negative influences and environments
  • Individuals who believe they can exercise different coping mechanisms when they face stress
  • Addicts who are not suffering from a highly physical addiction with withdrawal symptoms
  • Individuals who are good with prioritizing which will ensure they make time in their days to attend treatment
  • Those who can remember to take detox medications that may be prescribed

Costs of Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is a much more affordable rehab option for addicts. On average, an outpatient program with detox medication is around $2,000. However, there are options that are less expensive – particularly if detox is not required – and specific payment structures that addicts can turn to make it more affordable.

  • NA and AA offer free/by donation programs.
  • Sliding scales can allow addicts to pay only what they can afford.
  • Many rehab centers offer payment plans to addicts.
  • Insurance covers many treatment programs, especially outpatient ones.
  • There are charitable organizations that provide coverage for treatment.
Additional Treatment Types