Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Outpatient opioid addiction therapy is a great choice for those who want to quit abusing opioids but need a program that can accommodate their schedule.
Outpatient rehab involves daily treatment , such as therapy, counseling, or group sessions, at a clinic or facility. People who choose outpatient treatment can continue to live at home as they recover, allowing them to take care of children or family members, keep up with their jobs, and stay on track in school. Outpatient care typically costs less than inpatient rehab, but the level of support may be less intensive.
Most programs involve individual or group counseling and use a step-down approach, which means sessions become less intensive and frequent as you grow during treatment. These programs help patients overcome their drug or alcohol dependence and then maintain their recovery over the long-term.
Things to consider about outpatient treatment
There are several benefits to outpatient treatment that make it the best choice for many people:
- You can live in your home while receiving treatment. This works if your family and friends are a support system.
- The cost of treatment is typically much lower for outpatient care compared to inpatient care.
- There are many different types of counseling and therapy offered in this setting; you can choose the level of intensity of care that works best for you.
- Appointments can be made in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate work schedules.
- Some outpatient programs can treat patients with co-occurring problems or disorders, such as depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
However, outpatient care may not be the best choice for you if:
- You experience constant urges to use. Outpatient facilities are not open round-the-clock and do not always offer 24-hour support.
- You have a hard time showing up to group sessions on your own. The success of outpatient rehab depends on your ability to regularly attend and participate in sessions. If you feel that you need more structured and monitored treatment, you may want to consider an inpatient facility.
- You need treatment for multiple disorders, and you need medical attention. Some outpatient programs may not be able to administer medications or offer intensive, multifaceted recovery programs for complicated addictions.
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
Affordability: You don't have to pay the high fees of living and receiving treatment at an inpatient facility since you may live at home throughout outpatient therapy.
Flexibility:: Outpatient programs are held in offices and can usually be scheduled around your schedule. This is a fantastic choice for individuals who cannot quit their jobs or be away from their families for a lengthy period of time.
Access to loved ones: Family engagement and support are emphasized throughout an outpatient treatment program. Family and friends may give support and encouragement as you work toward recovery.
Accountability and support: In an outpatient situation, you are not watched around the clock, therefore specific treatment plans are created to keep you accountable and dedicated to recovery. Outpatient therapy also aids in the development of a strong support system, which includes your treatment team as well as others who have had comparable life situations.
Outpatient Treatment Goals
- Maintaining abstinence
- Achieving positive behavioral changes
- Participating in counseling and therapy
- Addressing psychosocial issues such as housing, employment, and meeting probation requirements
- Developing a support system
- Improving problem-solving skills
Types of outpatient Treatment

Not all outpatient programs are the same. The exact treatment is based on the substance to which a person is addicted, the severity of the addiction, and the stage of recovery. Generally speaking, we can divide outpatient rehab into three types:
- Day programs – the highest level of care and structure provided in the outpatient setting. In this program, people with addiction problems commit to attending therapy sessions five to seven days a week for several hours each day. These programs require a lot of commitment which may limit a person’s availability to work or school
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP) – establishes a treatment plan with defined and measurable milestones to indicate progress. As you’re meeting each milestone, the time required to commit to therapies reduces. This type of outpatient treatment is more suitable for people who want to recover from drugs and alcohol, but still want more free time so they can go to work or carry out other day-to-day tasks. An intensive outpatient program may require multiple sessions for a few hours each week
- Continuing care – includes groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, which provide ongoing support resources to assist in achieving a successful recovery. The groups are usually led by a licensed therapist, and sessions occur weekly. Some continuing care groups are age-specific or gender-specific to make it easier for people to feel relaxed, trust the process, and be more likely to share experiences and learn from others. It’s easy to find these programs when you look for drug or alcohol rehab near me