There are a lot of misconceptions about outpatient rehab. Some even disparagingly refer to it as a part-time recovery. While it’s true that you won’t be living at the facility, the care you receive is evidence-based. What should you expect from this treatment model?

Who’s a Good Candidate for Outpatient Rehab?

An intensive outpatient rehab program, or IOP, works because therapists suggest it to qualified candidates. It’s an intensive eight-week program that offers evidence-based modalities. Clients with high levels of motivation and a strong support network do well in this setting. Another requirement is a safe home environment.

What Makes the Program Work?

For starters, therapists collaborate with program participants. Meetings take place as mentor and mentee rather than in a more formal setting. Next, there’s an intensive focus on treatments that promote healing. Examples include:

• Ambulatory detoxification with monitoring as needed
• Medication-supported therapy that helps you to overcome cravings and prevents relapse
• One-on-one talk therapy that allows for the examination of patterns leading up to drug abuse
• Group therapy that takes places four times a week for peer support formation
• Holistic treatments in the forms of meditation and acupuncture, which support healing

Another reason why outpatient rehab works is adherence to the Matrix Model. This evidence-based modality is ideal for a short but intensive behavior modification program. It relies heavily on collaboration between the therapist and the participant.

While clients are in this setting, there’s no judgment. In fact, this treatment model thrives on non-confrontational interactions. You learn about lifestyle changes that you can implement right then and there for immediate effectiveness. Substance abuse programs that incorporate the Matrix Model seek to create a stable environment that supports complete abstinence.

Program participants recognize the relationship between personal patterns, triggers, and drug abuse. A high level of structure enables individuals to maximize their recovery time through learning and program participation. You receive encouragement and positive reinforcement. For many, the emphasis on family involvement and group settings create a boost that provides valuable momentum during recovery.

When an Outpatient Program Isn’t a Good Option

Not everyone will do well in outpatient programs. For this reason, Ashley Addiction Treatment has implemented their Primary Program. It encourages participants to live at the facility and undergo intensive clinical care in this setting. Modalities in this framework include:

• Onsite detoxification with around-the-clock medical care for maximum physiological safety and well-being
• Talk therapy that incorporates evidence-based approaches depending on your needs
• Group therapy with peers who also undergo counseling for drug abuse
• 12-Step meetings make it possible to include relapse prevention techniques early on in treatment
• Consistent consultations that allow for complete customization of the treatment based on changes in medical needs

Maybe you live in an environment that’s not necessarily conducive to sobriety. In this case, it makes a lot of sense to leave and live at the facility. Sometimes it takes intensive family therapy to get everyone on board. In other cases—particularly when dealing with young adults—extended care is a necessity for relapse prevention to take hold.

Of course, the main reason why this level of care appeals to many program participants is the consistent availability of staff members. When you’re afraid of what change might look like, it’s good to know that you’re never alone. A counselor is a conversation away.

It’s impossible to deduce who’s a good candidate for either level of care without having a conversation. Even though one program may appeal to you more than the other, don’t decide until you had a chance to talk to our experts. In many cases, they have insights that might not have thought of. They can also provide you with additional information that makes it easier to choose the right treatment delivery system.

Take the First Step to Overcoming Addiction

You don’t have to continue in the vicious cycle of drug use. You know that you yearn to be free from it but might not know how to go about reaching out for help. At Ashley Addiction Treatment, compassionate counselors make it easy to set up a consultation appointment. Simply dial 866-313-6307 now for immediate assistance.