DOES OUTPATIENT REHAB WORK?

Drug and alcohol treatment programs generally fall into one of two categories — inpatient Rehab or outpatient rehab.  Both programs focus on overall rehabilitation from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol and each of them has unique benefits with the same overall goal in mind, to help someone address their addiction issues.  Inpatient or residential rehab programs require a person to stay on the property of the treatment facility, overnight, essentially living on the premises.  This type of treatment is intense but often much needed for people who require around the clock help and supervision.

On the other hand, outpatient treatment might sound much more appealing to someone looking for flexible treatment options, because it is less restrictive than inpatient treatment.   Outpatient treatment programs allow a patient to continue living at home, working if they are employed, and generally living their everyday life outside of mandatory clinical and medical visits.  Most programs include group counseling and/or individual counseling.  Other activities you may participate in while in outpatient include:

  • Learning about substance abuse and how it affects you.
  • Developing skills in areas, such as employment, leisure, socializing, communication, anger management, stress management, time management, financial responsibility, and goal-setting.
  • Relapse prevention training.

So, does outpatient rehab work? Like other chronic diseases, addiction can be managed successfully.  When treatment is tailored to the person in therapy, and when that person is fully invested and engaged, treatment can be at its most effective. According to drugabuse.gov, for individuals in outpatient treatment over extended periods, most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning. However, individual treatment outcomes depend on the extent and nature of the patient’s problems, the appropriateness of treatment and related services used to address those problems, and the quality of interaction between the patient and his or her treatment providers.

In an anonymous survey at BrightView, more than 90% of our patients reported that BrightView’s programs were working for them.  After 30 days in the program, more than 99% of patients feel that their treatment plan is working for them.

According to GoodTherapy.org there are also several steps you can take to maximize your chances of long-term recovery.

  • Choose a rehab center that uses evidence-based treatments, specializes in treating your issue, creates individualized treatment plans, and addresses any comorbid issues you might have.
  • Approach rehab with purpose and dedication. Making a serious commitment to the recovery process will help you to stick with it.
  • Share your commitment with loved ones. Documenting your commitment in the presence of others can keep you accountable in rehab.
  • Plan for aftercare before going to rehab. Making these arrangements can increase your likelihood of keeping up with your long-term recovery needs and avoiding relapse.
  • Prepare for relapse. While you should not expect to relapse, it can help to have a plan in place for that possibility. Decide whether you will go back to rehab, stay with family, or seek individual therapy. (Goodtherapy.org)

So, how do you measure success in treatment?  It is not easy; it is actually very subjective.  What one person defines as success in recovery might be defined as something entirely different to the next person.  There is no black and white when you are in treatment.  BrightView encourages patients to strive for progress and not perfection which takes a burden off one’s back in recovery and frees them to move at a pace that works for them. Unrealistic or perfect expectations can create devastating disappointments, which, for someone in recovery could be triggering.

At BrightView we offer the best addiction treatment individualized to you to ensure lasting recovery some of our programs include