Outpatient Rehab

Opting for outpatient rehab is an attractive choice for those seeking to overcome addiction while maintaining their work or school commitments. However, its benefits extend beyond these scenarios. It is often recommended that individuals completing residential rehab transition to an outpatient program to enhance the likelihood of sustained sobriety. A sudden return to regular life after residential rehab can pose challenges, making outpatient rehab a valuable continuation of the healing process.

Is an Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program Right for You?

Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs are most effective for individuals with mild to moderate addiction. Severe cases may necessitate residential rehab for a safe environment without access to the substance. Another scenario requiring residential rehab is when there’s a co-occurring mental disorder, complicating addiction recovery. Even if starting with residential rehab, enrolling in an outpatient program afterward is recommended for continued support. Residential rehab programs typically last one to three months, and for lasting changes, additional months of treatment are often needed, making outpatient rehab, which typically lasts three months or longer, an ideal solution.

Types of Outpatient Rehabs

Outpatient rehabs encompass aftercare, intensive outpatient, and day treatment programs. Aftercare planning involves creating a strategy for maintaining sobriety, with weekly therapy meetings for ongoing support. Intensive outpatient treatment offers flexible meeting times, accommodating those with busy schedules, and meets multiple times a week for a few hours. Day treatment programs, or partial hospitalization, are the most intensive form of outpatient rehab, requiring treatment five to seven days a week for four to six hours each day. Individuals may start their addiction treatment in day treatment or transition into it after residential rehab.

What Happens During Outpatient Rehab?

Each outpatient rehab program varies, and specific details can be obtained from the facility. In general, outpatient rehab includes individual therapy, group therapy, and educational sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based therapy, is commonly used, along with other approaches such as the 12-step method, dialectical behavior therapy, medication-assisted therapy, motivational interviewing, meditation therapy, and music therapy. New Day Recovery in Louisiana collaborates with individuals to create personalized treatment plans, employing experienced professionals for support and guidance.

Do You Need a Medical Detox?

If you’ve been using substances causing physical withdrawal symptoms, a medical detox is essential to eliminate the drug from your system. While detox typically lasts a few days to a week, it is not advisable to attempt it independently due to potential discomfort and dangers. Professional detox, part of a quality drug rehab program, ensures a safer and more comfortable experience. The type and intensity of withdrawal symptoms depend on factors like the drug used, duration of use, and severity of addiction.

What Are the Stages of Recovery?

Recovery involves three stages: getting sober, strengthening sobriety, and thriving in sobriety. Getting sober includes detoxing the drug from your system and developing healthier behaviors, defining values, understanding addiction, and improving overall health. Strengthening sobriety involves refining skills learned and discovering additional healthy coping mechanisms. Thriving in sobriety emphasizes continued conscious choices and efforts to stay sober throughout life, involving participation in a sober community, following aftercare plans, and seeking therapy if needed.

Minimizing the Risk of Relapse

Living in a safe, supportive environment is crucial for lasting success. Some rehab facilities, including New Day Recovery, provide resources and guidance for securing employment, furthering education, and finding housing. Sober living homes offer a supportive environment during outpatient rehab, with exceptions made for those seeking work or attending school. Relapse risk can be minimized by avoiding contact with individuals still using substances and steering clear of places associated with past substance use. Therapists and support groups are available for individuals experiencing cravings or fearing relapse.

Outpatient drug and alcohol rehab in Louisiana is effective for overcoming addiction, particularly for those with mild to moderate cases. It is recommended to participate in some form of addiction treatment for a full year to ensure lasting results, with aftercare being a manageable option post-intensive programs. Recovery is possible with the right steps, and taking the first one today can set individuals on the path to a healthier, substance-free life.