When a person seeking treatment for a drug or alcohol issue attends therapy during the day but returns home at night, this is known as outpatient rehabilitation. On the other hand, inpatient rehab is when a person seeking treatment stays in a rehab center for a prolonged time. Outpatient treatment programs come in various formats and demand varying levels of commitment. Outpatient treatment is frequently provided by municipal health departments, counselors, mental health clinics, and hospital clinics. Intensive outpatient therapy can last up to 20 hours spread out over three days or every day for five days. Outpatient treatment often consists of one or two sessions each week for three months.
There are various reasons why someone would prefer outpatient addiction treatment to inpatient rehab. One of the advantages of outpatient rehab is that it allows patients to continue working while receiving treatment and other advantages such as lower costs and less disruption to everyday life.
Listed below are some of the benefits of outpatient rehabilitation
- They can maintain their employment
Some outpatient rehabs are open late or on weekends so that patients can continue working while undergoing therapy. While the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) normally protects a leave of absence for drug or alcohol rehab, meaning you cannot be fired for seeking addiction treatment. Some people may still be hesitant to leave work for various reasons. People are protected from being dismissed under the FMLA, although the time off is unpaid. This might be problematic for those who are the breadwinners in their families or responsible for someone else. If the children do not have someone they can trust to care for them full-time, those who are the sole caregiver may not want to go to inpatient rehab.
- It helps patients get more support from family
Because persons in outpatient therapy have greater family support than those in inpatient treatment, it may be important to keep a strong relationship with their family while undergoing treatment. Outpatient treatment can include family therapy, which can provide advice to the entire family rather than just the person. Family therapy looks at the whole family as a system and works on the assumption that if one aspect of the design changes, the other parts will change. One of the major goals of family therapy is to identify the family’s strengths and resources and use them to discover strategies to live without using drugs. This is also an excellent time to educate the family about their loved one’s addiction and the physical, behavioral, and psychological implications of addiction.
- Outpatient is cost-effective
Another big advantage that many individuals like about an outpatient recovery program are that it is less expensive. Because of everything that happens in an inpatient environment, alcohol and drug treatment in that setting are often more expensive. You may find that an outpatient recovery program is more economical after you transfer to the outpatient environment. In addition, insurance companies may be more inclined to cover outpatient treatment. This is something you should talk to your insurance company about.
- Outpatient is tailored to meet your needs
Another essential advantage of an outpatient program is that it may be personalized to your specific needs. When you attend an inpatient recovery program, you will most likely be in a group environment. You might not feel like you’re getting the customized care you need to have a successful recovery. You will be able to adjust everything that happens in an outpatient program to match your specific requirements. You’ll be able to discover out precisely what works for you, thanks to the one-on-one attention.