If you or a loved one is facing substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder and you’re ready to find treatment, congratulations! You’ve taken the first very hard step. Yet how do you find the right treatment center and how do you know which option is the best fit for you? SBIRT is here to help. All it takes is to answer a few short questions online and a list of nearby drug and alcohol treatment centers will come up. From there, you can check into each treatment type and see which you think may be a good fit. Some find a few group therapy sessions are effective while others require an inpatient stay at a healthcare center, it all depends on your specific needs. The happy medium that many find helpful is outpatient treatment. SBIRT is here to explore the ins and outs of an outpatient treatment center and provide valuable insights to assist you in making an informed decision for your treatment.
What is Outpatient Treatment for Substance or Alcohol Abuse?
Inpatient treatment programs offer around the clock care and constant treatment for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, inpatient care can pose a problem, as you are unable to attend to daily life needs while you undergo treatment at a center. Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, allows the flexibility of working, handling family affairs, and other daily responsibilities while also getting the treatment you need and deserve.
How does an outpatient treatment program work? Typically, standard intensive outpatient treatment programs (IOP) offer structured support in the form of individual and group therapy, family therapy, educational workshops, and various other activities for recovering from addiction. You’ll attend scheduled sessions during the week, usually before or after work hours, and continue to live at home and take care of daily activities. If you require more care and attention at the start of your recovery journey, you can always opt for a partial hospitalization program (POP). This is where for the first few days or weeks of your treatment, you stay in and receive care at a facility and then transition to an outpatient program.
Benefits of Outpatient Treatment for Substance or Alcohol Abuse
The benefits of an outpatient program is that it enables you the flexibility to continue with your family commitments, employment, school, and daily life while still receiving the care you need. If you cannot afford the time or money to take time off work for an inpatient treatment option, this is a fantastic alternative. Since you are returning home each night, you’ll also have the support and involvement of your loved ones and friends, which can greatly help in recovery. Another advantage to outpatient treatment is that it is more affordable than other treatment choices. IOPs are more cost effective because you’re not paying for round the clock care, rather just for the sessions you attend. An added benefit is that you’ll continue with your daily social and work connections, rather than disengaging from life completely for an extended period, as you would in an inpatient program. This ensures a smooth transition back into life after recovery, as you’ve never actually left it, and provides the opportunity for you to practice the new skills you’re learning while in recovery.
If this sounds like a viable option for your recovery from substance or alcohol use, take the SBIRT assessment today and discover local outpatient treatment centers in Mississippi!