Why Long-Term Outpatient Rehab Works
Long-term outpatient treatment provides resources to help people overcome addiction. Learn more about our outpatient addiction center here!
Recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD) is a journey of rediscovery. When someone commits to getting sober, they often need to make significant life changes so that they stay motivated to sustain a lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol.
Although this journey can be exciting, it can also come with stress, burnout, and tough decisions.
People recovering from SUDs will need support as they go through the recovery process. Friends, family, and peers can help by being supportive and, most importantly, patient. Additionally, as the person goes through drug detox, they will need to be under the care of a medical professional. After they have completed inpatient rehab, they will likely still need long-term care to ensure that they make a full recovery.
Transitioning to outpatient rehab can offer the tools and resources needed to create a new lifestyle that will sustain healing.
What Is Long-Term Outpatient Rehab?
Long-term outpatient rehab is a program that allows people who have completed inpatient rehab to continue receiving counseling and medications to further their recovery from their SUD.
People with mild to moderate SUDs sometimes choose to go directly into a long-term outpatient treatment center without first attending inpatient treatment.
In an outpatient rehab program, people suffering from SUDs will go to the facility part-time to check in with medical professionals to receive support and guidance during their recovery. Depending on the addiction, people may receive medications to ease withdrawals or mitigate cravings to prevent relapse. Additionally, they will have access to therapy to help teach them new coping mechanisms, learn new life skills, and treat underlying mental health conditions.
Why Does Outpatient Rehab Work?
Studies have shown that long-term care increases the chance of a sustained recovery and decreases the chance of relapse. The following four key benefits of long-term rehab can help individuals continue the journey to health and happiness.
#1. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Depending on the addiction and the outpatient treatment facility individuals attend, they may be offered medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is a holistic approach in which therapy and medications are used to treat SUDs. Medications used in MAT may include Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Buprenorphine.
These drugs can reduce the cravings associated with alcohol and opioid use disorders. Additional medications can be prescribed to ease withdrawal symptoms for those still struggling with the physical or psychological effects of detox.
By reducing cravings and relieving the symptoms of withdrawal, MAT can decrease an individual’s chance of relapse during a critical time in recovery when they are learning important coping skills and forming sustainable habits.
#2. Mental Health Support
Many people who struggle with addiction use drugs to cope with untreated trauma or mental health conditions. Studies have shown that at least 50% of people with severe mental health disorders also have a SUD. If a person does not seek treatment and healing for both the SUD and the mental health conditions they experience, the conditions are often exacerbated. This decreases their quality of life and increases the chance of relapse.
In a long-term outpatient treatment center, the individual suffering from a SUD will have access to therapies and medications to help them manage their mental health conditions, which is crucial for people with a dual diagnosis.
More importantly, people in long-term outpatient rehab will have time to develop relationships with the people caring for them. As trust builds between their providers, they will have a better chance of healing.
#3. Guidance for Rebuilding Relationships
Through addiction, people often make regrettable decisions that damage their relationships with loved ones. In addition to the benefits of individual therapy, outpatient rehab can provide group and family therapy to help someone rebuild damaged relationships. Rebuilding relationships is a crucial part of recovery because it helps people develop a support system of people who can cheer them on through the stresses of recovery.
Long-term outpatient rehab can also help someone build a more positive relationship with themself. Addiction often impairs an individual’s ability to care for themself, and it can damage self-esteem. Outpatient rehab can help people build and maintain a healthy routine that allows them to invest in their present and future wellbeing.
This often includes exercising, eating a proper diet, practicing healthier coping mechanisms, and finding fulfilling activities that bring them joy. Participating in self-care is a vital step to someone learning to love themself. Self-love and self-confidence are incredibly motivating for people to beat their addictions and maintain their recoveries.
#4. Encouragement for the Return to Normal Life
In an inpatient facility, people cannot work or go to school. Once someone has transitioned to an outpatient facility, they will be able to start engaging in their daily responsibilities to work toward stability, rebuild their finances, and find fulfillment in what they do. Doing this is a big step toward reintegration into a mainstream lifestyle.
Of course, this often involves heightened stress from daily responsibilities. Having a support system in outpatient rehab can make it easier for people to handle this transition. Knowing that they will have access to treatments and encouragement from trusted providers and peers who understand their struggles can increase someone’s willingness to seek help with facing burnout or cravings. This can prevent burnout and make the transition to post-treatment life a joyful one.
The Forge Recovery Center Is a Leading Provider of Long-Term Outpatient Treatment for Drug & Alcohol Addiction
At The Forge Recovery Center, we believe the road to recovery is exciting and full of rediscovery. However, we also know that recovery can be incredibly challenging. People recovering from a substance use disorder will often have to change their lifestyle, repair relationships, and learn new coping skills and habits. Long-term outpatient rehab provides the tools, resources, and support someone needs to make a full recovery.
Our expertly trained staff have years of experience treating people with addictions and helping them rediscover themselves free from drugs and alcohol. We can help you or your loved one on the road to recovery with scientifically proven therapies and treatments. If you have questions about our long-term outpatient rehab program, we would love to help you. For more information, contact The Forge Recovery Center today.
Are You Struggling with Mental Health or Addiction?
We Can Help. Call Us Now!
CALL: 877-839-1772
