Who Is Outpatient Treatment Best Suited For?

Are you or a loved one battling addiction? You’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from a drug addiction, but that doesn’t mean recovery isn’t possible. 

Even if you think you don’t have the time to commit or are juggling a job and/or childcare, there’s a treatment program for everyone.

What Is Outpatient Treatment?

There are many different types of treatment options available, but two of the most common are inpatient and outpatient rehab. While both set an individual up with a treatment plan, there’s a big difference between the two. 

Inpatient treatment, for example, involves attending a clinic and remaining there throughout the duration of your treatment. Essentially, those who secure inpatient treatment live in the clinic and receive around-the-clock care and support.

On the other hand, outpatient rehab sees an individual attend a clinic for treatment sessions before returning home afterward.

From alcohol use disorder to substance abuse, both treatment plans can be used to treat a wide range of addictions. However, it should be noted that some outpatient programs focus on an individual’s mental health in addition to their addiction.

So, who is outpatient treatment best suited for?

1. Those Who Want To Save Money

Inpatient treatment can get a little costly, so outpatient rehab might be better suited to you if you’re looking to save money.

2. Those Who Are Juggling Childcare And/or Work Responsibilities

If you’ve got your plate full with family and/or childcare responsibilities, you might not be able to commit to an inpatient program. Try to run it by a few family members first and see if anyone can help. If you’re in it alone, however, outpatient rehab offers a lot more flexibility. 

For example, you still get to go home and surround yourself with your friends and family. Appointments can also be made on weekends, making it easier for you to juggle different responsibilities. 

3. Those Who Are in Aftercare 

If you or a loved one have recently recovered but need a little extra support, outpatient is perfect for delivering aftercare. Since you’re already equipped with a base foundation of tools and healthy habits, you’ll be better able to manage cravings and your addiction recovery at home. This means you only ever have to come back in for appointments if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

4. Those in the Early Stages of Addiction

If you’re still in the early stages of addiction, outpatient treatment might be enough to nip it in the bud altogether. Just because it’s not delivered in a twenty-four-hour supervised setting doesn’t mean you won’t get adequate support. 

As well as detox and treatment plans, there will be many therapy and counseling sessions available, so you can learn from others on a similar journey to your own and build a support network.

5. Those Who Suffer From Co-Occurring Disorders

If you believe the root cause of your addiction stems from poor mental health, outpatient rehab might be perfect for you. Many outpatient rehabs emphasize treating co-occurring disorders, so they’ll arm you with a treatment plan that focuses on both your addiction and mental health. 

Outpatient rehabs will help you navigate stress management techniques and healthy habits so that you can put your best foot forward. Regular therapy and counseling sessions are also a part of outpatient rehab, giving you a chance to learn more about your mental health and how to take steps to improve it.

When Is Inpatient Treatment More Suitable?

In cases where an individual has a long history of addiction or has attended rehab before, inpatient treatment is usually more suitable. The longer you’ve been battling addiction, the more intensive your treatment needs to be. 

To Conclude

Choosing whether to secure inpatient or outpatient treatment will depend on your circumstances. If you or your loved one have been battling addiction for a sustained period, inpatient treatment is best. If you’ve got a lot of family and/or work responsibilities, the flexibility of outpatient treatment will suit you.

Don’t suffer in silence. You might think you don’t have time to commit or that you’re too busy, but there’s a wide range of treatment options out there – so, take the first steps to recovery today.