There is more than one path that a recovering addict can take to reach sobriety. For many, the demands of a residential rehabilitation program are simply too much. In these cases, the best treatment option is very likely to be an intensive outpatient program. In this article, we will guide you through the ins and outs of outpatient rehab so that you can make an informed decision regarding whether or not this treatment option is well suited to your needs.
What Exactly Is An Outpatient Program?
Outpatient rehab programs offer recovering addicts the opportunity to ease their way back into their normal day-to-day life, while at the same time participating in professionally guided addiction counseling. Most intensive outpatient rehab programs are designed for those who no longer need inpatient treatment, but would still benefit from therapy sessions held more than one time per week.
Those who simply cannot commit the necessary time to a residential treatment program should also consider outpatient care as a highly effective alternative. Most outpatient programs consist of a combination of both individual and group therapy sessions, allowing the patients to share their feelings and experiences with other addicts while also receiving individualized care.
While the recovering addict may have made great strides during their stay at a residential facility, the stresses and triggers of everyday life can quickly become overwhelming, which all too often results in relapsing back into the old addictive behavior patterns. In addition to both group and individual therapy sessions, many intensive outpatient programs also offer family counseling, relapse prevention, and substance abuse education classes.
The Benefits Of An Outpatient Program
The benefits of taking part in an outpatient program are numerous, especially for those with other highly demanding career and lifestyle obligations. Here are some of the primary reasons recovering addicts might choose outpatient treatment.
Receive Treatment That Fits Into Your Normal Routine
Many addicts seeking recovery simply can’t afford to take an extended leave of absence from their jobs and family to join an inpatient rehab program. Working parents, high-level business executives, and those in the public eye have existing obligations, making the flexibility of outpatient care an ideal treatment option. Most outpatient programs offer sessions in the evenings and on weekends, which means that you won’t have to put your life on hold to receive the care that you need.
Maintain Privacy During Treatment
A commonly cited reason for not entering an inpatient program is the fear of others learning about one’s substance abuse issues. Maintaining secrecy is no easy feat when treatment protocols require that the addict remain at the rehab facility for weeks or months at a time. Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, allows the recovering addict to go about their daily lives much the same as before, allowing the work of recovery to remain a private affair.
Practice Recovery Skills In The Real World
It is one thing to remain sober while in the safe confines of a residential rehab facility, but resisting the temptations and emotional triggers of the real world can be much more difficult. This is why so many recovering addicts experience a relapse within the first few months of completing an inpatient program. By participating in an intensive outpatient program, addicts have the opportunity to put their newly learned recovery skills into practice from day one.
Maintain The Emotional Support Of Loved Ones
The loving support of friends and family can be a powerful resource for recovering addicts during the healing process. Staying in close contact with loved ones is a great way to stay focused and motivated, but this connection is all too often lost upon entering an inpatient facility. While most reputable inpatient programs will make a deliberate effort to include friends and family in the treatment process, some patients feel that the separation is just too much to bear.
What To Consider When Choosing An Outpatient Program
Now, not all intensive outpatient rehab programs offer the same level of quality and convenience, and choosing the best one will take a fair bit of research. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of things to consider when searching for an intensive outpatient program.
- Are the program’s therapy sessions held in a convenient location? Even the best substance abuse treatment program won’t be effective if the recovering addict skips meeting on a regular basis. Attendance is key, so chose a program that is located somewhere that is not a hassle to travel to.
- Do the meetings fit your schedule? Again, it is incredibly important to attend each and every treatment session. If meetings are not convenient to attend, they are more likely to be skipped.
- Is the program run by fully accredited counselors and therapists? The people helping you achieve sobriety should have as much experience in their fields as possible. The staff of a reputable treatment program will be more than happy to share with you all of their degrees and certifications, so don’t hesitate to ask.
- What is their method of treatment? At The Dunes East Hampton, we approach treatment using the Syndrome Model of Addiction, which was developed by our program advisor and mentor, Dr. Howard Shaffer. Every treatment protocol we offer is centered upon addressing the various expressions and manifestations of the Syndrome Model.
Intensive Outpatient Program At The Dunes
At The Dunes East Hampton, our services are not limited to residential rehabilitative care. We proudly offer luxury intensive outpatient programs that are designed to help our clients achieve lasting recovery from their issues with substance abuse and addiction. Our outpatient program is fully licensed by New York State’s Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and all of our treatment methods have a proven track record of success.
Should our clients request it, we also offer sober living accommodations in our beautiful private residences, where recovering addicts can live luxuriously while they participate in our intensive outpatient program. If you or a loved one is interested in receiving rehabilitative care of the highest quality, we invite you to contact us today to learn more about how our team at The Dunes can help you reclaim your life and achieve lasting recovery.
