For many people that struggle with addiction, residential rehabilitation is the ideal solution. This intensive therapy is provided in a structured environment that is often away from home. Addicts with serious drug problems need the 24-hour structure and support that inpatient treatment provides, and it’s important for them to be free of distraction. But, residential treatment is not for everyone. Some addicts do better with an outpatient program and are able to get clean, sober, and on the right track to rebuilding their lives.

Who is Outpatient Treatment Best For?

Outpatient rehab has a lot to offer. But first, it’s important to understand who can benefit from this type of therapy.

• People with children or aging parents
• People who are holding down a job
• People who are pursuing an education
• Recovering addicts who need aftercare support
• Addicts who are in the early stages of their addiction
• People with limited budgets

In general, outpatient treatment is not the best option for addicts with severe addiction problems or addicts that are suffering from a co-existing condition. These individuals tend to need more intensive care in a 24-hour facility. In these cases, it’s best for the addict to seek inpatient care, even if they have children at home or a career they care about. In these instances, it’s hopeful that families will come together to take care of the home and children. Also, addicts have rights in the workplace and are protected from discrimination. More information can be learned about this topic here.

What are the Benefits?

Let’s discuss the many benefits to choosing an outpatient program and whether it’s right for you or a loved one.

• The ability to work/attend school/take care of children. Not all addicts are free from responsibility. Though the stereotypical image of an addict is someone who is young, carefree, and living off family and friends, this isn’t always the case. Some addicts have families or care for elderly parents. They may have a career or be going to school. Outpatient treatment is ideal for these individuals because they can pursue recovery while also tending to their responsibilities.

• Access to support networks. Though some addicts benefit from being out of their environment, other addicts benefit from staying home. This tends to be more the case with older addicts who have families and established lives. A husband and father may find it beneficial to remain nearby his wife and children while receiving treatment.

• Lower costs. The cost of treatment is an important factor for most families. Outpatient treatment provides high-quality services but costs less than an inpatient program. For addicts who require some structured therapy but don’t have a lot of money or good insurance, an outpatient program is better than not receiving treatment at all.

• High-Quality Treatment. Outpatient treatment programs may not be as intense as inpatient programs, but they still provide quality services such as individual therapy, group therapy, 12-step work, relapse prevention, life skills, mental health treatment, DUI/DWI programs, and referrals to sober living homes. Recovering addicts must attend all of the required meetings and therapy sessions and take recovery seriously if they want to succeed.

• Fresh Start. For some addicts, all they really need is a fresh start in their lives. Drinking with friends may have gotten out of hand, or kicking a marijuana habit may seem impossible. The outpatient treatment introduces recovering addicts to new people, allows them to work through underlying issues, and teaches them life skills that can be used to rebuild their lives.

How Long is Treatment?

Outpatient treatment varies in length. The recommended program will be based on a number of factors such as how long the addiction has been in effect, what the person is addicted to and how much of the drug they are using. Other factors that play a role are co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression and chronic medical conditions.

Generally speaking, the length of outpatient care is measured in months. An addict with a mild case of addiction may only require two or three months of outpatient care while a person with a more serious problem may require six months or more. Remember, addiction is not a disease that is treated and then disappears. People with addiction continue to need support and education no matter how far out from the using days they are.

The River Source’s Outpatient Program

The River Source provides a rigorous outpatient program that is often recommended as a transition and support service. In cases where inpatient treatment is not needed, we may encourage this program, which includes the following services:

• A comprehensive, personalized treatment plan
• Nutritional IV therapy
• B12 shots
• Acupuncture
• Infrared sauna treatments
• Nutritional counseling
• Life skill workshops
• Individualized counseling
• Family involvement
• Personal growth and relapse prevention

For more information about our outpatient program or any of our other treatment programs, contact The River Source today at 866-294-9331.