Many people turn to outpatient addiction treatment, or outpatient rehab, when they want to finally end abusing a substance. While sometimes outpatient treatment is mandated by a court, others decide on their own they want to get help for their addiction.

Outpatient treatment is not as intense as inpatient care, but it’s still effective in helping people quit substance abuse. This type of drug treatment is ideal for people with mild-to-moderate substance use disorders and for those who do not have serious underlying health conditions.

If you’re wondering what outpatient addiction treatment looks like, here’s what to expect in more detail.

Alcohol and drug addiction education

Treatment begins with educating patients about the effects of alcohol and drugs. People are often not aware how substances affect their body and how addiction works. Substance abuse education helps people learn about their addiction so they can understand how to overcome it.

Therapy

Individual and group therapy is now part of many outpatient treatment programs. You can expect to attend these sessions throughout the week during treatment. You may also have the option of attending therapy online.

Medication

If you have a co-existing condition, such as anxiety, panic attacks, or depression, a doctor may recommend you take medication during outpatient addiction treatment to help alleviate any symptoms that could interfere with your treatment for drug addiction.

Group outings and activities

It’s possible you’ll go on group trips or participate in activities with other patients seeking drug addiction treatment. You may go on a group hike, visit a scenic location, or do other activities as part of a group.

Post-rehab services

After treatment, your care team will give you all the resources you need to help you stay sober. This may include connecting you with career counseling and employment help, legal counseling, drug hotlines, volunteer services, therapists, and sober living houses.

Intensive Outpatient Program

An Intensive Outpatient Program, commonly called an IOP, is much like standard outpatient treatment, but requires the patient to visit the treatment center throughout the week. Often, people attend the facility for at least three days a week for several hours each day. This type of treatment is also called day program.

During an IOP, the patient participates in therapy, group activities, and drug education.

Partial Hospitalization Program

A Partial Hospitalization Program, or PHP, is much like an IOP, but requires more time in the facility. These programs generally last 30 days and require 4-6 hours of treatment several days a week. Sometimes residents of a PHP also receive intense mental health treatment to address both an addiction and a co-existing mental health disorder.

Taylor Recovery Center, a rehab in Houston, TX offers outpatient drug addiction treatment – including intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. Call 713-557-8573 or complete our online form to learn how we can help.