The addiction crisis in the United States has created an unprecedented demand for solutions to fit a variety of lifestyles. This has led to a wave of innovation in the field of substance abuse and mental health treatment.
One primary focus point is to make treatment more accessible. It is important to recognize that not every patient is ready to commit to a long-term inpatient stay. Many people simply do not require inpatient treatment.
Outpatient options have evolved to meet a variety of needs. The advantages of outpatient treatment are many, but here are five of the major benefits:
1.) Outpatient treatment is flexible.
Rehab centers can usually tailor outpatient programs to meet your needs in ways that a full inpatient program cannot. For example, treatment can occur as often as 5 days a week or as little as 1 or 2 depending on your needs and schedule. One of the best benefits of outpatient treatment is that it is designed to fit your life.
2.) Outpatient treatment brings recovery into your everyday life, today.
Recovery is a lifestyle, a process that continues for life. Outpatient treatment allows you to put new skills and behaviors to the test in your real life right away. Maintaining a connection to a treatment program while you work or take care of family is an excellent way to bridge these two worlds.
3.) Support from family, friends and loved ones.
One of the challenges faced by people inpatient programs is that they miss their loved ones. In an outpatient program you can receive the care you need while coming home to your family every day. People who need help for addiction or mental health, but don’t feel the need to interrupt their entire lives and routines often find outpatient treatment to be an excellent fit.
4.) Affordability and access.
Long-term inpatient treatment can be costly without health insurance. Combined with lost income from missing work it can be more than many people can manage. Outpatient treatment is more affordable with or without insurance. If you do not require inpatient care, a quality outpatient program can provide many of the same features including one-on-one therapy, group therapy and specialized help for co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety.