There are numerous reasons why an inpatient addiction treatment program is crucial to a person’s health and eventual recovery. However, there are just as many factors that make it difficult for someone to go into rehab, including being away from work, family, and other aspects of life. Yet there’s no need to put off getting the help you need when outpatient treatment options are available.
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
If you’ve already started the process of finding the right recovery center, you may have noticed that many facilities offer both inpatient and outpatient care. This is a real advantage to you, as it often means that:
- The residential center is long established.
- There’s a universal philosophy and multiple resources shared between both care models.
- Transitioning from one center to the other is more convenient.
While you don’t have to choose a program that has a residential option as well, this information might help narrow down the selection as you think about overall health goals.
Various studies regarding the effectiveness of outpatient treatment programs point to some additional benefits, such as:
- Research reported in Cognitive and Behavioral Practice stated, “Results indicated significant reductions in substance use and binge drinking and PTSD and depression symptoms.”
- Scientific Reports noted that for outpatient treatment completion, “We find that primary predictors of outcome success are: attending self-help groups while in treatment, and setting goals for treatment. Secondary predictors are: being linked to a primary care provider… and attending 6 or more self-help group sessions during treatment.”
When substance or alcohol misuse causes strained family relations, legal troubles, financial woes, physical problems, workplace difficulties, and other complications, there’s no need to wait for healing. Other advantages of outpatient addiction treatment include:
- Groups are small, often 10 people at most
- Outpatient treatment can be scheduled around your other daily responsibilities, such as work and child care.
- It’s less expensive than inpatient care.
- You can return home every day if that’s your choice.
- Outpatient treatment usually meets multiple times per week for a few hours. This time is used for group meetings and individualized counseling.
- The same type of access to various 12-Step and other mutual aid support programs
Outpatient therapy can last anywhere from two to six months, depending on your needs. This level of consistency often provides a stable foundation for sobriety.
Disadvantages of Outpatient Treatment
As you’re determining what type of care is best, it’s critical to consider programs that will address all your needs. Here are some of the reasons why outpatient care might not serve you at the moment:
- There’s less support if medical detox is needed. Some people may initially require more extensive medical care and detoxification depending on the type of substances, the intensity of use, and for how long. Outpatient facilities not affiliated with a residential or short-term inpatient program—like those available at Willingway—don’t always offer these services.
- Staying “in the real world” each day presents temptations. If you’re in outpatient counseling, early recovery might have more challenges if your home, work, or social environments haven’t changed to accommodate your pursuit of sobriety.
- A lack of a support network. Dedicated family and friends are essential for helping to deal with the emotional ups and downs that people go through in withdrawal. Unfortunately, not everyone has this support system to count on.
The Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment Programs at Willingway
You don’t have to hit rock bottom before getting the quality care you deserve. As a nationally recognized alcohol and drug addiction treatment program, the board-certified professionals at Willingway’s Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations offer you many options for outpatient care. We have services in Augusta, GA, Statesboro, GA, and Jacksonville, FL.
At each of our care centers, you’ll receive:
- A quality health assessment and drug screening
- A detailed continuum of care treatment plan
- An intensive outpatient program – 4 days per week, 3 hours daily
- Individual counseling and group therapy
- Family therapy
- Education and community outreach
- Aftercare recovery services such as the CaredFor App, continuing care community groups, relapse prevention strategies, and more
Group therapy in the adult program is geared toward learning to live without mood-altering chemicals. Our 12-Step philosophy is enhanced with cognitive behavioral therapy and incorporates a variety of offerings to promote long-term recovery.
As part of our Tactical Recovery program for Veterans and first responders, we also offer Bridge Care. With proper authorization, Veterans can start receiving care at our Tactical Recovery program locations until services can be secured at a VA facility. This bridge supports Veterans when they need help the most, and starts them on the road to recovery more quickly.
Reach out to our 24-hour admissions helpline to learn how you can start healing today.