Outpatient Program (OP)
Outpatient substance abuse treatment is unique in that you receive the same support as other treatment options but are housed off-site. This flexibility allows you to remain an active participant in your pre-existing life. In outpatient treatment, you will spend time each day in classes being educated in recovery as well as attending individual therapy sessions. When outpatient services are complete for the day, you can resume regular life and spend time in the comfort of your own home.
Although treatment plans cater to the individual, it is common for those in outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment to spend 12 to 14 hours a week at the facility. A typical OP treatment plan includes three to four visits to the facility a week. Most people find it easy to add these appointments to their existing routine, which makes outpatient treatment an attractive option.
Many addiction specialists recommend outpatient treatment for those at low risk for relapse. Based on your history, your doctor will decide if you qualify for outpatient treatment.
Commonly, patients will complete inpatient treatment and then enroll in outpatient treatment for their continued care. These programs aim to regain your physical health and learn the coping skills you will need to stay sober.
Talking about these options with your doctor will help you find your most effective treatment path.
What Happens in Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment?
Many people are interested in outpatient substance abuse treatment but don’t understand what they will spend all their time doing. Let’s look at a typical day in an outpatient treatment facility.
Visits with a Psychiatrist or Medical Doctor
Substance abuse disorder is a disease that requires medical care. Part of our outpatient treatment includes access to a suite of medical professionals – including a physician. The collaboration of medical professionals, patients, and treatment specialists will develop the best treatment plan for your recovery.
The use of medication can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your health and vital signs to ensure your body is healing properly. Sunshine Care Centers will match you with a doctor specializing in substance abuse when you use our outpatient treatment services.
Therapy Sessions
Working with a psychologist or addiction counselor is vital to addiction treatment. They will help you discover root problems that may have precipitated your disease. These experts will also help you learn tools to manage your addiction symptoms going forward.
Your therapist is like a personal guide. Their education and professional experience qualify them to answer your questions thoroughly and help you learn to problem-solve in all aspects of your life. Many people in recovery consider their therapist to be the most crucial member of their healthcare team.
12-Step Meetings
12-step meetings or peer-based support groups are critical to success with long-term recovery. 12-step meetings can follow the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. SMART Recovery and other types of peer counseling groups follow a different set of rules and directions.
The purpose of these meetings is to help you learn more about your disease and how to manage it. The 12 steps help you understand and adapt to the sober lifestyle by teaching how your addiction affects you and the people around you.
Spending time with other people on the journey to recovery is vital to outpatient substance abuse treatment. Knowing that you are not alone in your struggles to remain sober is critical. People who have experience in the same journey, with years of sobriety under their belt, can offer invaluable wisdom to those just starting out in sobriety.
Learn More About Outpatient Substance Abuse and Other Treatment Options
Choosing the right path to recovery from mental health concerns and addiction is a big step. Our team of medical professionals and addiction specialists will help you create a treatment plan that suits your lifestyle and recovery goals.
Contact us today if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction. We look forward to working with you toward a bright and sober future.