Outpatient treatment helps you on your recovery journey during the day and allows you to return to the comforts of your home afterwards.

Outpatient drug rehab has different types of therapies that are all done during treatment sessions. Participants then return home afterwards. The amount of time each session takes, and the level of care provided differs according to the outpatient program. There are PHP (partial hospitalization programs), IOP (intensive outpatient programs) and OP (outpatient programs) that are delivered on an outpatient basis.

Benefits of Outpatient Treatment

There is a gap between people who need treatment and those who actually receive it. In 2013:

About 23 million people in the United States needed drug or alcohol treatment.

Only approximately 2.5 million Americans received specialized treatment at a facility.

Outpatient programs are a flexible option for addiction recovery because they do not require beds or sleeping quarters. The expansion of outpatient programs is made easier because of this inherent flexibility.

Outpatient Treatment Provides the Flexibility to Live Your Life

Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab uses many of the same therapeutic approaches as inpatient rehab, but the services are provided in a different type of structure. Outpatient rehab allows you more freedom of movement, because treatment is given on a part-time basis. In your time outside of treatment, you can meet your family, work and school commitments.

You’ll return home after a day or evening treatment session, so your privacy is protected. You won’t have to explain an extended absence that inpatient rehab involves to coworkers, friends or family members, because you will be home each night.

Outpatient Treatment is the Least Restrictive Recovery Setting

The highest level of safety and security found in residential rehabs are not part of outpatient programs, so there is no total isolation from negative influences. Your return home each evening after outpatient treatment means you can also have a social life, so it is important that you voluntarily avoid being around any drug or alcohol use, which takes more vigilance on your part.

When you are weighing the options of inpatient vs. outpatient treatment, remember that you will have peer support, camaraderie, counseling and family therapy that is found in residential rehab, but on a more limited basis.