More About Outpatient Programs
Outpatient rehabilitation is a form of substance abuse treatment that does not include living at the treatment facility, but rather attending treatment while being able to also tend to daily routines, work, school and still live at home.
Outpatient treatment programs can vary widely, ranging from partial hospitalization to 12-Step community meetings. On this page, you will learn about the different types of outpatient rehab programs available, what to expect during outpatient rehab, the benefits of outpatient treatment, and how to find outpatient rehab centers near you.
What is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient drug programs provide services for people with addiction who don’t need hospitalization or 24/7 monitoring.1 Instead of staying at a treatment facility or in a hospital, outpatient care offers the flexibility to attend treatment while continuing to live in your home and tend to your daily life routines. Outpatient addiction treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) may involve individual, group and family therapy as well as other therapeutic activities during the day.1
Outpatient addiction treatment can help you develop coping skills, establish psychosocial support, and prevent relapse.1 Many outpatient services also offer treatment for those who have co-occurring disorders, such as those who have a SUD in addition to a mental health disorder.1
Ready to get help? If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, explore rehab centers near you to reclaim your life and build a brighter future today.
Types of Outpatient Rehab Programs Available
Outpatient rehabs offer differing levels of care. Two of the most common outpatient treatment programs are intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs).2 The frequency of attendance, intensity, and duration of these programs vary.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
A partial hospitalization program (PHP), sometimes referred to as “day treatment,” offers a structured, intensive outpatient treatment for individuals dealing with substance use disorders (SUDs). This program serves as a transitional step-down from inpatient or residential treatment, offering a higher level of support compared to standard outpatient programs.3,4 A PHP is appropriate for those who have mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms and do no require around-the-clock medical monitoring.2 PHPs offer substantial support for individuals initiating recovery from a substance use disorder. They can also complement a broader treatment strategy where patients engage in multiple levels of care simultaneously. You can expect to attend a PHP for around 4 to 8 hours per day, for approximately 3 months.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a step down from PHPs and are also suitable for those with mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. IOPs require 6 hours to 30 hours per week of treatment.2
IOPs are often cost-effective, which can enable individuals to sustain this level of care longer, fostering stability by reducing substance misuse and increasing social interaction.5 These programs aid patients in developing support networks, adapting to a new lifestyle, addressing challenges, and acquiring problem-solving skills for daily situations.5 While the scope of services may vary among IOP settings, each program contributes to a continuum of care levels, offering individuals access to various supportive services throughout their recovery journeys.
What Happens During Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs?
Outpatient treatment for substance use disorders is suitable when patients’ clinical needs or living situations do not necessitate more intensive care. It involves a variety of services that aim to help you stop the compulsive use of substances and improve your life. An ideal strategy integrates a range of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological interventions, alongside behavioral monitoring when appropriate.5Although outpatient program details vary, participants may engage in a mix of group and individual counseling, substance use disorder education, life skills training, and relapse prevention training.3 Outpatient programs may incorporate:5
- Behavioral counseling and therapy.
- Assessment and treatment for co-occurring disorders.
- Monitoring of substance use.
- Case management and clinical oversight.
- Long-term follow-up care emphasizing prevention of relapse.
The services administered in an outpatient treatment program are designed to help you abstain from drugs and alcohol and learn new skills to help make changes in your life.
How Long Do Outpatient Treatment Programs Last?
Drug outpatient programs vary in their length and frequency of attendance. Each has a different strategy based on substance of misuse and has different treatment requirements. Some programs last 28, 30, or 60 days, while others are more long-term.5 Some outpatient programs may provide daily services for individuals, and other programs may require attendance 2-3 times a week or once a week.5 Finding a program that fits your schedule and other responsibilities you have, such as school or work, is essential. When you find a program that fits your needs, you may be more likely to attend treatment.
Types of Therapy at Outpatient Programs
Each outpatient rehab program has its own set of treatment services, and the therapy administered at one facility may differ from another. However, many programs have evidence-based programs and therapies that are standard for most treatment centers. Evidence-based therapies that are standard include:3,6
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of evidence-based therapy that focuses on the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that could lead to drug use, and helps you reframe negative thinking. CBT also focuses on relapse prevention and helps you learn new coping strategies.
- Contingency management: A voucher-based system that rewards you for completing activities that are part of a treatment program. Some potential behaviors that may be part of a reward system include abstaining from drugs, attending groups, or meeting with an individual therapist.
- Individual therapy: 1-on-1 therapy with a professional who can help you identify personal barriers to addiction treatment. You may focus on areas like triggers, stressors, and meeting daily needs.
- Group therapy: Provides peer and social support with others who are tackling similar challenges. Therapeutic activities are usually tailored to topics that people who live with addiction might face.
- Motivational interviewing: A type of therapy that assesses your readiness for change. The therapist using this technique may help you find ways to increase motivation to make changes in your life for the better.
- Family therapy: A type of therapy where the whole family is involved. It may be typical to discuss how addiction has impacted the family and work towards overall healthier family functioning.
Some treatment centers offer different types of therapy, so if you’re looking for a specific therapy, consider learning what a program offers before attending treatment. Peer support groups such as 12-Step groups can also be a complement to evidence-based treatment and may be offered at some facilities.6
What Are the Benefits of Attending Outpatient Drug Treatment Facilities?
There are various benefits to attending outpatient drug treatment facilities. Many people want to continue with work or school while in treatment. While recovery should come first, outpatient treatment allows for flexibility when an individual has other commitments that are difficult to step away from.1,3,5,8 Other benefits of outpatient drug treatment include:
- Flexible scheduling.
- Living at home.
- Not having 24/7 monitoring.
- Lower cost than residential or inpatient stays.
- Skills training.
Outpatient addiction treatment programs can offer a multitude of support while you still continue your daily activities. Many outpatient rehabs offer night groups and services for those who work or attend school.