Introduction
Individuals who want to free themselves from the vicious cycle of addiction and substance dependence can make no better choice than to enroll in a local outpatient rehab. It is all too common for individuals struggling with drugs and alcohol to spend years, even decades, trying to manage their addiction on their own. Even otherwise supportive friends sometimes advise people struggling with substances to “try harder” to control their use. This mistaken advice reflects a common misconception about drug and alcohol addiction: that it occurs only when a person chooses to abuse drugs and alcohol. The reality is that individuals who suffer from addiction generally have no choice in the matter. Substance use disorders are legitimate medical conditions that not only inflict enormous emotional and physical damage, but cause neurological changes in the brain that make it difficult, if not impossible, for a person to stop using drugs on their own. In order to achieve lasting sobriety, sanity, and happiness, it is necessary to make use of a treatment facility.
What is Outpatient Drug Treatment?
Outpatient drug programs and outpatient alcohol programs help individuals who have a desire to stop abusing substances and fix their lives. Outpatient programs make use of evidence-based treatment modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy,
group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). They also frequently offer skills training and workshops to help individuals find employment, enroll in school, or achieve other life goals that were previously impeded by substance abuse. Outpatient treatment centers work with people on an individual level to determine their treatment needs. These programs are also flexible, allowing individuals to obtain treatment for their substance use disorders several hours a day a few times a week.
How to Choose Between Outpatient Rehab vs Inpatient
Treatment centers can be divided into two types of treatment centers: inpatient rehabs and outpatient rehabs. Whereas outpatient alcohol rehabs allow people to return to their homes at the end of the day, inpatient programs are residential programs. It can sometimes be helpful to enroll in a residential treatment program for a short period of time when a person is experiencing severe drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Having staff on-hand 24/7 can be essential during medically dangerous detoxes. Inpatient treatment programs are also sometimes recommended for people who do not have homes or lack support systems in the outside world. However, the vast majority of people who stay sober end up making use of outpatient rehabs, even after attending an inpatient treatment center.
When is Outpatient Drug Rehab the Best Choice?
For most people, the best drug rehab is an outpatient treatment center. Outpatient rehab in LA are as effective for dealing with drug and alcohol addiction as inpatient programs. Unlike inpatient programs, however, outpatient programs provide people with opportunities to practice their new skills and coping tools in the outside world. Because these programs meet for only a short period each day, they are ideal for individuals who have commitments in the outside world, such as jobs, family, or school. They can also be utilized by individuals who have finished inpatient programs who are interested in continuing to receive support for their sobriety while they transition back into the real world. According to the
National Institute on Drug Abuse, successful addiction treatment must have three qualities:
- It must help a person get sober
- It must help a person stay sober
- And it must help a person be productive in the family, at work, and in society
While many types of
treatment programs focus on the first, outpatient rehabs emphasize the second and the third qualities so that people can not only hold on to their sobriety, but develop the happy and fulfilling lives that sobriety makes possible.
What are the Benefits of Outpatient Drug Rehab?
Outpatient drug and alcohol programs provide a number of benefits for individuals at all stages of the recovery process. These programs provide individuals with the essential tools they need to maintain their sobriety, while providing support for them as they rebuild their lives in the outside world.
It Is Possible to Work While Attending Outpatient Drug Rehab?
Individuals with commitments, including work, school, or family, are often hesitant to begin a treatment program. Because outpatient programs only meet several days a week for a finite period, they allow individuals to receive addiction treatment without putting their lives on hold. In fact, outpatient programs often specifically work with individuals to help them better handle these commitments. Addiction professionals believe that having healthy and fulfilling work and social lives provides a strong support for lasting sobriety.
Lower Cost
Outpatient programs cost significantly less than inpatient programs. Because they demand fewer hours a week, individuals can get addiction treatment without breaking the bank. Outpatient treatment programs are also frequently covered by health insurance companies.
Decreased Chances of Relapsing
Outpatient programs are flexible and cost-efficient, so they are ideal for long-term treatment. Research studies have repeatedly shown that individuals who remain involved in a formal addiction treatment program longer have lower chances of relapse.
Attending a Los Angeles Treatment Center
NuView Treatment Center, located in West Los Angeles, offers both outpatient drug rehab programs and outpatient alcohol programs for all levels of care. Whether you are beginning to withdraw from substances and are struggling to function or you simply need additional support while you go about your life in early sobriety, NuView Treatment Center can help you achieve your goals. Our range of programs includes intensive outpatient programs,
partial hospitalization programs, outpatient programs, and even aftercare planning. We believe that individuals with addictions require individualized care and holistic patient-centered treatment approaches. As such, we work with every person who walks in our doors on a one-on-one basis to address their unique individual needs. If you are ready to make a change, reach out today.
Written By
Dr Ryan Peterson