Almost 20 million Americans suffered from addiction in 2017. With so many people needing treatment, most addicts can't reasonably forego their personal and professional responsibilities in order to attend an inpatient rehabilitation program. Busy patients can still get intense help for their substance abuse disorder without outpatient addiction treatment. Learn more to see if outpatient treatment service is right for you. 

What Is outpatient addiction treatment?   

Unlike inpatient treatment, which requires participants to stay on-site for the duration of the program, outpatient programs allow you to go home at the end of each day. You will also be able to attend work or stay with your children throughout the day.

Am I a candidate for outpatient treatment?

Outpatient treatment is a great option for people who notice a lack of control regarding their substance use but still want to go to work or school every day. The participants must have significant discipline, as they may experience temptation throughout their daily life. Patients with life-threatening addictions or an inability to resist temptation should accommodate an inpatient program instead.

If you have gotten in trouble with the law, talk to your lawyer about attending an outpatient program to gain favor with the court.

What should I expect during outpatient treatment?

During outpatient treatment sessions, you and the other patients will participate in group therapy sessions. You may also receive individual therapy sessions. You'll also likely be required to submit to regular drug testing. The program will last a predetermined amount of time. If you adhere to the rules, you will graduate from the program and then move forward with less intensive therapy.

In outpatient treatment, you may receive assistance from therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, depending on the program and your particular needs. 

How can I succeed in outpatient addiction treatment?

Outpatient treatment is difficult. However, if you go into addiction recovery with the right attitude, it will start you off on the right foot. If you do your best to participate and open up in therapy, you will see better results than if you actively avoid doing the work. There will still be temptation. Talk to your therapists about how to combat temptation. You will have resources to help you, including a new support system through the program.

An outpatient addiction program can greatly improve your life. Contact a local outpatient drug addiction treatment program today to learn more about the details.