Outpatient Addiction Treatment in Florida

Outpatient addiction treatment differs greatly from inpatient treatment, another frequently used method of addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment has someone living in a rehab center for a period of time. On the other hand, outpatient addiction treatment doesn’t require a person to stay at a rehab center. Instead, a person will attend sessions at their local rehab center every week.

All types of outpatient treatment usually have some kind of set schedule for the person to follow. A person is expected to be present for these sessions. The times may vary from person to person depending on their situation. Some people may have to attend planned sessions while others may have the option to set a time. Regular outpatient treatment usually includes three to five sessions a week, each around 45 minutes or so.

Outpatient addiction treatment is preferred by many because it is more convenient and allows a solid level of treatment as well. Many may not be ready to abandon their home or lifestyle, even if it is for a short period of time. This is why outpatient treatment gives the person an option to continue living their life without stopping treatment. Additionally, people may have obligations they cannot simply get rid of. This can include children, school, work, or other responsibilities.

Due to its more convenient approach, outpatient addiction treatment has many benefits. Outpatient treatment is great for those who have responsibilities back at home but what else does the outpatient treatment have to offer?

• Lower cost than inpatient treatment: During outpatient treatment, a person doesn’t have to pay to live in a facility or for any amenities. 
• Lets a person focus on family and friends: Sometimes going to treatment can be hard for some people, especially if they have a family. Outpatient treatment lets a person keep sight of their social/family life
• Allows for employment: Some people may be hesitant to get treatment because of their current job. Outpatient treatment lets a person create a schedule that works for them. This is why outpatient sessions usually take place at night.
• Quality treatment: People may think that the quality of treatment is lowered because you are not living in a facility. This is not the case, a person still gets access to professional and supportive services through outpatient treatment
• Great help in transitioning back to life: After treatment, outpatient addiction treatment can be used to keep a person on track. Recovering addicts must continue to stay sober and on track even after treatment has ended.

With these benefits in mind, outpatient treatment may not be for everyone. There are certain cases where inpatient/residential treatment is required for a full recovery. Since a person is not living in a rehab center, it is not recommended for more complex conditions such as dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorders. 

Outpatient addiction treatment is not as intense as other forms of treatment like residential treatment. Unlike inpatient treatment, many outpatient drug rehab centers don’t involve 24/7 surveillance and support. There are no ways to get immediate help if something goes wrong. This is why outpatient treatment is better for some people than others. Outpatient addiction treatment programs are best for:

• People who have newly developed addiction (habits have not formed just yet)
• Those who have completed their inpatient care and aren’t entirely ready to finish treatment
• Those who are mentally healthy (except for their addiction)
• People who have a supportive and healthy environment at home 
• People who have sober partners that are available to help when needed (urges, crises, etc.) 

Those who follow the guidelines above still need help with addiction. However, 24/7 assistance may not be required for effective care. A person must be in the right frame of mind and environment when looking for outpatient addiction treatment. If a person is dealing with a dysfunctional home or an intense addiction, outpatient treatment may not be the best option.

Outpatient addiction treatment is usually a combination of various individual and group counseling sessions. Oftentimes, personalized therapy is used in the process of recovery and treatment. Many of a person’s treatment journey will be attending meetings in the early mornings or at night. This is to accommodate people’s schedules – whether it be work or school.

Different methods of therapy can be used during outpatient addiction treatment, this includes both individual and group therapy. Additionally, certain outpatient drug rehab centers may use the help of support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) as part of treatment. 

Therapy Used In Outpatient Drug Rehab Centers

As far as therapy goes, there are several commonly used methods of therapy and counseling sessions. Therapy is a vital part of the addiction recovery process because addiction is more than just a physical problem, it is typically a mental one as well. It’s important to utilize the help of therapy and guidance through the process. Outpatient treatment includes the following therapy options (which are used in residential treatment as well):

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on changing a person’s behavior to more positive and healthy ones. This is done by disproving negative and inaccurate thoughts and focusing on more positive ones. 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT uses several tips and techniques to help a person cope with life’s stresses healthily and productively. DBT can be a great aid in long-term recovery.
• Group therapy: Group therapy can be a great way to share a person’s thoughts in a supportive and open environment. It can also be therapeutic to listen to those in the same situation. 
• Family therapy – Sometimes understanding addiction takes the whole family’s help. Understanding and sorting through broken relationships and misguided feelings can be a huge part of addiction recovery. 
• Support groups – As mentioned previously, certain support groups can be used in the process to help a person stay on track

As with any addiction treatment program, it’s in a person’s best interest to know what outpatient drug rehab centers will work best for them. There are several different types of outpatient programs, each with varying levels of care and attendance. Common outpatient treatment programs include:

Standard Outpatient Program

The standard outpatient treatment involves meeting a few times a week for about one to two hours. It’s best for milder cases of addiction and can be great to help a person stay on track after treatment has ended.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs are a notch higher than standard outpatient programs. IOPs has a person attending sessions from nine to 20 hours a week. IOPs are recommended for those who need help but don’t necessarily need to stay at a residential center.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

PHPs typically take place in hospitals or clinics. This level of treatment usually includes visits up to seven days a week, and sessions range from three to eight hours a day. PHPs are much more intensive than the other forms of outpatient treatment and are best for stabilizing/transitioning a person from a severe addiction.

Many outpatient drug rehab centers offer each of these as a part of addiction treatment. Regardless of which works best, a person should not wait to get treatment if needed. Drug addiction can be a hard disease to overcome without the proper help. This is where our supportive team at Intrepid Detox comes in. We can direct you to a top-notch outpatient treatment center in the area.

Start the Journey to a Drug-Free Life

Outpatient addiction treatment is usually the next step after detoxification. Before a life free of drugs, a person must take the first step towards sobriety. It is never too late to get quality treatment from local outpatient drug rehab centers. Don’t wait to start the journey toward a better life. Contact us today to learn more about our center and how we can help you today.