The effectiveness of addiction treatment depends on the level of substance use disorder a person has. Inpatient addiction treatment is given to individuals who have severe substance use disorder conditions. Whereas outpatient treatment is for mild substance abuse symptoms.
Although there are many factors to consider in choosing the right treatment plan, it is best to work hand in hand with medical experts and discuss all concerns so that the pros and cons are thoroughly weighed out. But of course, before exploring the treatment plan, one must first receive a clinical diagnosis from an addiction specialist.
The Advantages Of An Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment comes with multiple benefits for a person who suffers from substance addiction. However, this type of treatment may not achieve an optimum outcome for people who have severe health problems caused by substance abuse. It is best to talk to your medical provider to find the best treatment plan that suits your needs.
Meanwhile, the following are the advantages and outpatient treatment offers to their patients:
The treatment is affordable.
Unlike inpatient addiction treatment, there is no need to spend on accommodation and residential amenities in outpatient care. Sometimes, medicines are not even prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms since the process is more bearable among people with the mild condition. Insurance companies are also more likely to cover outpatient than inpatient care.
If you are suffering from substance addiction, the financial burden is also lighter, therefore, it saves one from a load of finding enough resources to fund one’s treatment. You can also continue earning even while you are undergoing treatment. There are no drastic changes in your routine and that saves up a lot of time and effort.
Patients can enjoy home life.
Outpatient treatment requires individuals to attend their therapies and counseling sessions at a specific set of times in a rehab facility and then they can return home as soon as their schedule is over. This is of great convenience to patients who have major responsibilities at home and at work which they cannot put off because of their treatment.
Some individuals doubt enrolling in inpatient treatment because they have no one to leave their children behind. With outpatient treatment, this is not a problem at all. On top of that, there is no highly structured routine to follow from day to day. Outpatient programs may last from one to six hours depending on the type of program a person is taking.
The treatment strengthens inpatient treatment.
As soon as individuals are recommended to leave the inpatient facility, they have to continue their treatment through an outpatient program. This will give them a chance to strengthen the coping skills they have learned from the rehab and avoid instances of relapse. This will also allow them to continue the support groups they usually have inside.
With outpatient programs, patients transitioning from inpatient treatment to real life are continuously guided so that they can achieve recovery. They are not easily made to live on their own knowing that the existence of temptations outside is really strong. They are given an extended amount of support until they become free and independent from addiction.
The treatment can be personal and effective.
Personal treatment means having more opportunities for one-to-one sessions with the therapist which increases more occasions of self-reflection. This is an effective way of truly identifying the underlying causes of one’s addiction and coming up with interventions that lead to developing effective coping skills.
Apart from that, outpatient treatment does not remove the person from the realities of the world. They are constantly tested on how they can thrive and fight their addiction in a world that is filled with temptations. By strongly working hand in hand with one’s addiction specialists, recovery can be achieved in the long run.
Who Are Qualified For Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Not all individuals who prefer outpatient treatment are qualified to take that path. The most effective treatment is the one that suits a person’s needs. Usually, conditions that require close medical supervision are not recommended for outpatient treatment. The following are the conditions that can be acceptable in outpatient care:
Manageable withdrawal symptoms
When a patient does not exhibit severe withdrawal symptoms which can be life-threatening or extremely painful, then outpatient treatment is suitable for the person. There is no need for constant monitoring of conditions and medications do not need to be taken round-the-clock. Overall, withdrawal does not risk one’s life at all.
Stable living condition
This is necessary so that when a person finishes their outpatient treatment, they have a conducive environment to go home to. They receive enough support at home and they can focus on their treatment without worrying about where to go after. There is no need for accommodation since patients can be in a good shape with a stable living condition.
No long history of substance addiction
When a patient has tried various addiction treatments and has constantly failed, the environment that outpatient programs offer may not be suitable anymore for them. An inpatient treatment must be explored so that the patient can only focus on the routines and activities structured by the facility to cater to their needs.
Strong willingness to improve
Seeing an evident sign of motivation and independence to recover in a patient, indicates that outpatient treatment is possible. This strong sense of independence and optimism proves that the person can focus on the treatment despite continuously living their day-to-day responsibilities.
How Long Is An Effective Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Based on medical reports, it states that it takes an average of 21 days to change a habit. But for one to tell if a treatment is effective, it needs 90 days applied on a patient. More than these figures, it is the discretion of the physicians to determine the progress of an individual in terms of substance addiction.
As soon as a certification that an outpatient program has ended since there is already a significant level of recovery that a person shows, patients may still decide whether they wish to continue their group sessions or individual therapies until they are confident that they have reached their optimum health