Outpatient treatment is at its best when used as a transitional step for individuals leaving residential treatment. In this way, the program is a safe and less restrictive option for individuals who are already working on their recoveries and ready to take the next step. Call 888-810-3710 Who Answers? today to find residential rehab options that will allow you to make the transition into outpatient treatment as aftercare.

What is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient care is a traditional treatment modality for addiction recovery that, unlike residential care, provides daily or less frequent treatment sessions to those who live outside the facility. Outpatient treatment often varies in the amount of options it offers patients as well as the intensity of treatment.

In some cases, an outpatient program can offer little more than support group meetings or drug education. This is why it is so much more beneficial to transition into a program with the help of your residential rehab doctors, as you will know the program to be of assistance to your particular needs at the time of treatment.

How Do Outpatient Centers Work?

Once you make the decision with your healthcare providers to move from residential to outpatient care, you will receive a schedule of your treatment program. You will often need to come to the facility daily––especially in the beginning of treatment––but over time, your recovery program may only require you to visit the facility every few days.

You can ask questions about any recovery services offered to you through the program, including those associated with your vocational, legal, educational, and/or housing needs, and begin any treatment regimen currently associated with your individualized program. Sometimes, these programs can last years, as certain individuals require maintenance with medications and therapy to stay on track with their recoveries.

What are the Benefits of Outpatient Treatment?

Attending outpatient treatment as an aftercare program can benefit you in many ways. For one, this option is less intensive than inpatient care and it can allow you to make a much smoother transition out of the latter program than if you were to have no follow-up treatment at all.

Outpatient rehab acts as a safety net in this instance, allowing you to still receive access to continued, professional care but to also begin living your life in recovery once you are ready.

Other ways in which outpatient care may be beneficial to you include:

• Allowing you to attend support group meetings in a safe and reliable location
• Giving you access to medication and behavioral therapy while you live your normal, everyday life
• Creating a meeting space where you can meet other individuals in recovery and discuss your journey with them, allowing for peer support among other benefits
• Connecting you with social and recovery programs that will help you
  • Find a job
  • Find safe, affordable housing
  • Get an education
  • Receive legal, financial, and other types of help

When you decide to return to your home––or to choose a new one entirely––outpatient treatment can be very useful toward getting you on back on track in your daily life and helping you live safely in recovery. Below are some tips on how to create a safe life in outpatient care.

• Ask a friend or family member to stay with you, especially during your early treatment. You should not live alone immediately after leaving inpatient care, and living with someone who supports your recovery can be extremely beneficial.
• Always attend your treatment meetings and appointments. If you are unable to make it to a meeting or if your schedule is problematic, talk to your doctor. Every time you miss an appointment for your treatment, this could set you back and create severe issues in your recovery.
• If you are able to take your medication home, use it exactly as prescribed, never deviating from your doctor’s orders.

We can also provide you with more tips about how to live safely in recovery as well as how to find the right rehab option for your current needs. Call 888-810-3710 Who Answers? now.

Outpatient centers provide a safe place to attend support group meetings.

Why Should I Attend Outpatient Care After Inpatient Treatment?

It is much safer to choose outpatient treatment as an aftercare program. You would not want to skip the first step in your recovery, especially if you have never attended professional rehab before.

Inpatient care provides a more controlled and safe environment for patients away from the daily distractions and triggers that, in their vulnerable state of early recovery, could cause relapse.

Once you have finished your inpatient treatment regimen, you can turn to outpatient care as an aftercare program, already knowing more about coping with your triggers, cravings, co-occurring disorders, and any other issues associated with your recovery.

In addition, it can be difficult to find an outpatient center that provides all the treatment and recovery options you require, primarily early on in your recovery. By calling 888-810-3710 Who Answers? , you can get help locating the treatment options you need as well as finding rehab programs that will allow you to make the safest recovery possible.

How Do I Find Outpatient Treatment?

The safest way to find an outpatient treatment program is to do so through an inpatient care facility as aftercare. This is because your doctors and other healthcare providers will be aware of your needs and any issues your treatment will be compelled to address, and they will be able to find an outpatient program that can do this.

Many outpatient treatment facilities exist––some that are very inexpensive––but these may not provide treatment intensive enough for your needs, even after inpatient care. It is best to ask your healthcare providers during your inpatient care to find the option best for you and discuss it with you before you make your transition from residential to outpatient recovery.

Do I Need Professional Rehab for Substance Abuse?

If you are struggling with a substance use disorder and no longer have control over your use of dangerous drugs, you should absolutely seek professional rehab. Call 888-810-3710 Who Answers? now to begin your recovery in the safest way possible and to find well-rounded, reliable treatment that will cater to your needs. We can help you end your substance abuse for good and gain back control of your life.