It would not be understated to suggest that millions of people suffer from substance abuse. In fact, some studies suggest that upwards of 20 million suffer in the United States. This means that 10% of all Americans are struggling with drugs and alcohol. Though this is alarming, it does not mean there is no hope. There are thousands of addiction treatment programs that provide a wide range of medical services for those who want to overcome their addiction.

Outpatient treatment is a recovery plan that works well for those who find the non-residential treatment more convenient than that of inpatient options. This particular plan allows one to recover while living in the comfort of their home environment. Outpatient rehab is used to treat milder cases of drug and alcohol addiction, this particular level of care could last anywhere between three months to over a year.

Many people choose outpatient treatment options to recover from their alcohol or drug abuse. Whether or not it is successful will depend on each individual involved in the treatment process directly. No treatment timeline works for everyone, and one treatment option may end up working for someone more than another; it all depends on the individual and their unique recovery plan.

An outpatient program generally costs about $5,000 for a three-month program, but some programs can cost more. However outpatient rehab costs can depend on several factors like the following:

1. Type of amenities offered
2. How long have you’re enrolled in the program
3. Where the facility is located
4. Therapy that is provided
5. Size of the program
6. Insurance plan of the patient

Unlike a residential treatment program, outpatient programs are a bit more customizable. You have more say in how long you are in treatment and the types of therapy. Obviously, for ultimate success within outpatient rehab, you should listen to the medical staff and what they suggest for your recovery.

Outpatient rehab offers the same therapy and services as inpatient treatment. This includes group therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, and support groups. Depending on the treatment center they may also include things like cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization therapy, or motivational interviewing.

Counseling is the cornerstone of any addiction treatment program. However, if you need mental health services as part of therapy, you may want to consider a higher level of care like a partial care treatment plan. Co-occurring disorders are much more complex and generally, an outpatient treatment program is not advised.

Individual Counseling

During an individual counseling session, patients work with therapists to discuss what led to their drug abuse or how to manage their mental health. During this time, patients can also feel comfort and support in a private setting to discuss more sensitive issues related to the addiction treatment journey. Individuals will attend this form of counseling several times per week while in outpatient treatment.

Group Counseling

Group therapy is held with a large group of other individuals that are in the outpatient treatment program. This allows the opportunity to share experiences with others in similar circumstances. Group counseling encourages those in rehab to practice new communication skills and build bonds with individuals in recovery.

Family Counseling

Family therapy in addiction treatment requires that the family meet with patients and discuss their addiction and recovery during monitored treatment sessions. During this time medical staff will monitor the conversation and help the family rebuild their bond. Having a loved one’s support during addiction treatment is important for success. That’s why counseling sessions must involve the family as well.

When discussing outpatient rehab, we are discussing general outpatient treatment programs. However, patients can choose from several levels of care for outpatient addiction treatment.

Partial Care Program

This is sometimes referred to as partial hospitalization. Partial care programs are the most strict form of outpatient treatment and while you would still live at home during treatment, it’s extremely difficult to maintain other responsibilities. These programs are often used as step-down programs for inpatient programs or individuals suffering from mental health disorders.

Like an inpatient program, partial care programs are most successful when family members are supportive. This is especially true for those who live with the individual in treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Intensive outpatient programs, sometimes referred to as IOP’s are also more strict than general outpatient drug rehab. However, they are not as intensive as partial care. You would still have the ability to maintain work or home life activities.

IOP’s can be used as a step-down approach from an inpatient program, or in place of traditional outpatient rehab. The medical team at the addiction treatment facility will determine which level of care is best for you.

Whether or not you should consider an outpatient program is not up to anyone else; it is entirely up to you and your needs. It is important to reference all of the tools at your disposal to make the best choice for yourself as far as medical care is concerned.

In a very general sense, when people are aware of their drug and alcohol abuse, they should always consider addiction treatment. However, the kind of treatment you pursue is completely dependent on your current circumstances.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to determine which kind of addiction treatment is best for someone due in large part to complicated medical jargon. To many people, understanding the difference between certain levels of care can be immensely difficult. However, it is much more simple to understand than some are led to believe.

The phrase “inpatient treatment patients” generally refers to anybody who stays in the care of a treatment facility overnight. However, in the realm of substance abuse treatment, inpatient programs consist of someone who stays in the care of a treatment facility and is under 24 hour, 7 days a week care. This treatment option could last anywhere between 28 days to six months in length and is meant to treat more serious cases of addiction. The residential nature of this program allows health care professionals to monitor patients closely.

Inpatient Treatment Options Require You to Live at the Facility

In contrast, as mentioned previously, an outpatient program does not require that someone remain present at a treatment facility overnight. You will live at home and attend counseling and treatment sessions during the day. Some examples of outpatient treatment could include a checkup with a primary doctor or even weekly therapy with a professionally licensed therapist.

In addition to this, someone can leave a hospital the day they were admitted and be considered to have been treated using outpatient treatment. The main idea is that outpatient treatment, (in a very broad sense) can pertain to anyone who receives medical services without staying at the treatment center.

Determining Whether an Inpatient or Outpatient Program is Right for You

It’s imperative to remember that the facility does not determine whether or not one receives inpatient or outpatient rehab, but the duration of one’s stay.

Sometimes, however, the distinction between the two levels of care can be clouded. For example, sometimes, patients will take part in an observation status mandated by the medical team. In these cases, they’re evaluated to determine whether or not they require more treatment. Because of this, a patient can be observed for more than 24 hours without having officially received inpatient treatment.

Inpatient Treatment

More specifically, some examples of when inpatient treatment is necessary may include the following:

• Substance abuse and mental illness (also referred to as co-occurring disorders)
• When outpatient substance abuse treatment has not been successful previously
• Extensive history of drug and alcohol abuse
• When suffering from opioid or prescription drug addiction

Inpatient care is designed to treat more intensive illnesses and injuries. As such, it takes more than a handful of hours per week to treat someone who requires such extensive care. This way, people can receive whatever they need as it relates to their addiction recovery.

Treatment centers that offer inpatient care understand the level of support necessary to break intense addiction from drugs or alcohol. If a medical team recommends you attend an inpatient program you should consider that option.

Outpatient Treatment

Some examples of the kind of treatment an outpatient program may provide include the following:

• Counseling sessions
• Physical exams
• Blood tests
• Psychiatry evaluations
• Attending a support group
• Family sessions

Outpatient treatment is meant to treat milder forms of substance abuse. As mentioned above, it requires a much less intensive amount of time per day/week but takes twice as long as inpatient care. This allows for those who struggle with addiction to get the help they need with minimal disruption to their family life and careers.

The following symptoms may be evident when someone is struggling with substance abuse:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Behavior changes
• Changes in behavior
• Drinking in high volumes
• Lack of interest in activities
• Lack of interest in friend groups or family
• Using medication that is not necessary
• Unnecessary secrecy
• Sleeping problems
• Work issues

A common occurrence among those who are addicted is that they never quite understand the scale of their issues. In other circumstances, those who are family of an addicted person have a blind spot when it comes to calling substance abuse what it is. That being said, identifying alcoholism or drug abuse is very serious and should not be taken lightly.

There are many ways to identify whether or not someone is dealing with an addiction issue. Sometimes these signs can be more obvious than others, but it is imperative that no matter what, those in efforts to identify these symptoms are on high alert. The ultimate goal is always to help someone move past their substance use disorder quickly as to not prolong their illness.

The most important thing to remember is that if anybody exhibits symptoms remotely close to the ones listed above, it is imperative to seek help. It may not be time to confront them directly, but there are options to help someone see the errors of their way clearly over a healthy period.

Schedule an Intervention

Interventions are often an imperative piece of the recovery journey. These are strategic meetings held by family and friends who have a loved one that is suffering from substance abuse. The conversations are planned ahead of time and usually consist of them communicating how an abuser’s addiction has impacted them negatively.

Interventions typically, when successful, communicate to the addict how their use has effectively affected their loved ones. Even though sometimes it feels like there is nothing anybody can do for them, helping them see the reality of their addiction is all they need. Bringing the problem to their attention is the ultimate goal.

Planning an intervention could be the best decision a loved one makes for those who are suffering. It is worth mentioning that these are not the easiest to plan out, nor are they a breeze to complete. There may be some uncomfortable conversations or banter that needs to be had. Regardless of whether or not it will be comfortable, however, these have been proven successful in many cases of substance abuse.

As far as where and when to have an intervention is concerned, it is imperative that those participating make the subject in question feel as comfortable as they possibly can. By doing this, they are reflecting their love and affection for those who feel as though they aren’t worthy of receiving any because of their choices.

Nobody ever has their mind made up that they want to be an addict for the rest of their lives. The reason it’s so important to recognize that nobody is too far gone is that there is still so much that can be done for them. Addiction is very harmful and has the destructive power to ruin not only the lives of those directly involved but their family and friends as well.

Those who struggle with substance abuse should always be treated with the utmost respect, love, and understanding. Regardless of who they are or where they come from, a series of poor decisions have led to their addiction. If offered the chance again, they’d perhaps never have even taken a glance. Their choices moving forward may need a little support to move in the right direction to recover to their full potential.

To bring one’s addiction to their attention, interventions need to be had. Sometimes, this is the only way a family member will see how their addiction has truly impacted their loved ones. Ultimately the goal is not to fix them but to encourage them to seek help. This is often the first step in the recovery journey.

Outpatient rehab at North Jersey Recovery may be something you or a loved one should consider. Our ultimate philosophy is that we are to treat every patient that walks through our doors with the care that transcends all others.

We also offer sober living options for individuals that have finished a treatment program. NJRC offers many support services for individuals looking for ongoing recovery.

If you or a loved one want to learn more about our outpatient programs or any of our treatment services, you can contact us here or call us today.