Seeking help for substance abuse or addiction can be challenging, not only for the person experiencing addiction but for families and loved ones as well. Choosing the right program for yourself or a loved one is important, but it can be a complicated, even confusing, process. What is an outpatient rehab program? Is it the same as a traditional inpatient program? What are the benefits of an outpatient treatment program? Learning more about these topics can help empower you to make the best decisions about recovery care for yourself or your loved one. Call Northpoint Seattle at 888.483.6031 for more information.
What Is an Outpatient Treatment Program?
An outpatient treatment program is a type of treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). SUD is a treatable but serious condition in which a person uses drugs or drinks alcohol, even though doing so is resulting in unwanted consequences. In an outpatient program, the patients do not stay at the treatment center for the full duration of their program. Instead, they attend counseling, group therapy, and other therapeutic activities at the treatment center several times a week while continuing to sleep at their own home. Outpatient programs range from intensive to maintenance-level, depending on the needs of the individual patient.
What Are the Benefits of an Outpatient Program?
Outpatient treatment programs have become increasingly popular for a number of reasons. Research suggests that patients who have a good support system at home and who are otherwise in good physical and mental health can do very well in outpatient programs. Some of the benefits of these types of treatment programs are:
- Allows for continuity of care – Outpatient programs can be more or less intensive, depending on where the patient is in their recovery journey.
- Facilitates involvement of loved ones – Patients whose families are active and involved in their treatment have the best chances of maintaining lasting recovery. Outpatient programs make it easier for family members and loved ones to attend counseling and participate in aspects of treatment.
- Patients can transition back to daily activities when appropriate – Instead of having to take lengthy periods of time away from family, work, or school, patients in an outpatient program can slowly transition back into their daily lives while taking advantage of the recovery care they get in treatment.
- Outpatient can also be a good ‘step down’ solution – For patients who have already attended an inpatient program, outpatient treatment can allow them to continue receiving care as they adjust to returning to the ‘real’ world.
How Are Outpatient Programs Different From Traditional Rehab?
In many ways, outpatient programs are not all that different from inpatient ones. In some instances, patients require inpatient care, but most people can receive the same counseling, group therapy, and skills development coaching in an outpatient program. Patients can also meet with medical care providers if they are taking medicine related to their recovery, just as they would in an inpatient setting. Patients can also give and receive support from peers by attending outpatient programming, which is one of the most important parts of recovery.
Northpoint Seattle: Outpatient Treatment for Addiction
At our treatment centers in Bellevue and Seattle, Washington, our patients receive cutting-edge treatment in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Northpoint Seattle is committed to helping individuals and families recover and heal from addiction by providing the treatment they need in a way that works with everyday life.
If you or someone that you care about has been struggling with substance abuse, addiction, or alcoholism, you do not have to fight on your own. Reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 888.483.6031 and learn what we can do to help you and your loved ones take the first steps back to health. You can also fill out our online contact form and let us get back to you.