When it comes to addiction, you may find it hard to be objective and admit that you or someone you care about has a problem. For some, admitting that there’s a problem may be difficult because it means that professional addiction treatment must be pursued. Also, they may feel that they don’t have space in their schedule to do this. However, for many cases of addiction, outpatient treatment is possible.
If a substance use disorder is causing negative effects in your life, or that of someone you care about, consider looking into outpatient treatment and other options for addiction treatment. Many people decide to skip addiction treatment because they think it’s not needed, but if you’re questioning whether or not the situation would be improved with professional help, it’s likely needed. Searching for outpatient drug treatment options in San Antonio, TX? Reach out to SARC today by calling 866.957.7885 or contacting our team online.
Seeking professional help at an outpatient drug treatment center or another addiction treatment facility should be the next step if you receive a substance use disorder diagnosis.
Addiction is diagnosed on a spectrum — from mild to severe. There are 11 criteria that medical professionals look at when diagnosing someone with a potential addiction problem:
The severity is determined by how many criteria a client meets. If only two to three of these criteria apply to you, you would have a mild substance use disorder and may benefit from an outpatient addiction treatment program.
An outpatient addiction treatment program is less restrictive than inpatient programs. However, there are some types of outpatient programs that are just as time-consuming as some inpatient programs — such as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs).
Typical outpatient addiction treatment programs require up to 12 hours a week spent in sessions at a local treatment center. These sessions focus on teaching clients about addiction and how to cope healthily without their addictive substance of choice. Many of these sessions will include individual and group counseling.
Outpatient addiction treatment programs can last between three to six months, with some lasting over a year.
Inpatient addiction treatment programs typically cost more than outpatient drug rehab, because the 24-hour medical care and psychotherapy available to clients of residential programs increase treatment costs.
While participating in an outpatient addiction treatment program, clients must visit a hospital or another treatment facility for treatment sessions and check-ups. Sometimes, clinicians may administer medications on-site to soothe negative withdrawal symptoms — although this is more common in outpatient detox programs.
Outpatient programs allow clients to remain at home during treatment, with a schedule that’s free for them to maintain their day-to-day routines. Clients can continue working and remain close to family members and friends. Outpatient treatment centers usually schedule sessions at night or in the early morning. As a result, those participating in the program can maintain their typical schedule.
12-step groups — like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) — can be part of outpatient treatment. Studies show that recovery groups like AA and NA help those in addiction recovery stay sober.
If you’re looking for outpatient drug treatment options in San Antonio, TX, contact SARC today. Reach out to our team online or call 866.957.7885.
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