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Outpatient Program (OP)

When searching for a substance abuse and addiction treatment program, you’ll have two main options: inpatient care or outpatient care. Inpatient treatment is recommended if you have a moderate-to-severe addiction or a co-occurring disorder, such as depression or schizophrenia.

However, an outpatient program can work well if you have a milder addiction and a strong support system at home, or if you’ve already completed inpatient treatment. 

What Is An Outpatient Program (OP)?

In an outpatient treatment program, you’ll regularly attend a treatment facility while living at home. When you first enter the program, a team of behavioral health professionals will evaluate your situation and create a personalized treatment plan.

Most treatment plans include therapy, support groups, and, for certain types of addictions, medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Therapy

Many people consider therapy the most important part of addiction treatment. Common types of therapy for addiction include:

  • cognitive behavioral therapy, where you can learn to strengthen your mental health, identify triggers for drug use, and develop healthy coping skills
  • motivational interviewing, where you can learn to improve your motivation to stay sober
  • contingency management, where you can earn rewards, such as cash or gift cards, for staying sober and making other positive changes in your life
  • family therapy, where you and your family members can learn more about your addiction and how to support your recovery 
  • group therapy, where you can learn important recovery skills alongside other people facing addiction 

Support Groups

Like group therapy, a support group lets you connect with other people recovering from addiction. However, while group therapy teaches you how to recover, support groups teach you how to cope with challenges on your recovery journey. 

Popular support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS). 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

If you’re addicted to alcohol, opioids, or tobacco, your health care providers can make your recovery easier by prescribing medications such as:

  • methadone, which can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in people addicted to opioids
  • naltrexone, which discourages the use of alcohol and opioids by blocking their pleasant effects
  • disulfiram, which discourages the use of alcohol by causing unpleasant effects like headache and nausea when you drink 
  • bupropion, which can reduce cravings for tobacco

Advantages Of Outpatient Programs

Compared to inpatient programs, outpatient programs offer the following benefits:

  • increased affordability
  • increased flexibility
  • ability to live at home and receive support from your loved ones
  • ability to practice what you learn in therapy in the “real world”

Types Of Outpatient Programs

Outpatient programs are available at different levels of intensity, ranging from standard outpatient care to more structured treatment options. Some individuals begin with a higher level of support and gradually step down to less intensive care as they progress in their recovery.

Standard Outpatient Program (OP)

This program involves under nine hours of treatment per week. Often, the weekly treatment plan includes multiple support group meetings and one therapy session. 

Day Treatment

Day treatment is a structured outpatient program that provides comprehensive care for individuals seeking support while maintaining their daily routines. This program typically includes multiple treatment sessions each week, focusing on therapy, skill-building, and relapse prevention. Day treatment offers a high level of support, making it a suitable option for those who need consistent care without requiring inpatient treatment.

Continuing Care Program

Also called aftercare, this program can help you maintain recovery after you complete one of the above programs. Depending on your needs, it may include treatment services such as ongoing therapy, support groups, and wellness activities like exercise, yoga, and meditation. 

If you or a loved one struggles with drug abuse or addiction, please contact a Recovering Champions specialist to learn about our comprehensive treatment center.

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Recovering Champions offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. Achieve long-term recovery.

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Recovering Champions Is an accredited drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, that believes addiction treatment should not just address “how to stay sober” but needs to transform the life of the addict and empower him or her to create a more meaningful and positive life. We are dedicated to transforming the despair of addiction into a purposeful life of confidence, self-respect and happiness. We want to give recovering addicts the tools to return to the outside world completely substance-free and successful.

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