Outpatient drug rehab in PA offers many advantages, such as being more flexible and affordable, allowing people to keep their jobs and receive support from their families during the recovery process. However, with the freedom that outpatient treatment provides, some people worry that it’s not as effective as inpatient rehab, which offers around-the-clock care. While each person is unique, and some people do require a higher level of care, outpatient rehab can be just effective as inpatient rehab.
Let’s learn more about outpatient drug rehab, what it entails and how it compares to inpatient rehab.
What is an Outpatient Treatment Program?
An outpatient rehabilitation program is a part-time program that offers some degree of flexibility so that a person can attend treatment while still maintaining parts of their routine. This is a great option for individuals who have a career, attend school or have responsibilities at home. While many people do choose to live at home while they seek outpatient treatment, others return to sober housing.
There are three forms of outpatient treatment:
Standard outpatient programs (OP)
Traditional OPs are the least intense and structured of the three programs. They typically only involve a couple hours of treatment a day, one to two times per week. Since this is the lowest level of care, most people who are in this program have already completed a higher level of care, such as an inpatient or intensive outpatient program. They have the tools and skills needed to maintain sobriety and are working on transitioning to everyday life and taking on more responsibility.
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
IOPs are the next level up, offering a higher level of care than standard OPs but with the flexibility to return home at night. The average program requires several hours of treatment each week, most days of the week. During this time, you can expect to work on things like emotional regulation, relapse prevention, trauma, vocational skills and self-discovery. You will also have access to a wide range of therapies such as individual and group therapy, medication-assisted therapy and holistic therapy.
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
PHPs are the highest level of outpatient care, requiring several hours of care each day. These programs are highly structured and typically a step down from inpatient care. Some people start with an inpatient program and then move onto PHP once they are detoxed. Others go through detox and then are able to start with PHP, especially if they are receiving medication to treat an opioid or alcohol use disorder. These medications reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier to start therapy.
Is Outpatient Drug Rehab Effective?
People often worry that outpatient treatment won’t be enough to fully treat their addiction and address their issues, but this level of care is very effective. In fact, research shows that outpatient programs are just as effective as inpatient programs, with 50 to 70 percent of participants reporting abstinence at follow-up.
What’s most important is that individuals choose the right level of care for them. Someone who requires 24-hour supervision and medical detoxification are not the right fit for outpatient treatment. Placing them in a program of this sort will make it difficult for them to get sober because they require more attention.
However, individuals who do not need daily supervision and medical detox can do very well in an outpatient program. They will receive structured programming each week and psychoeducation about substance use and mental disorders. Additionally, they can remain close to their families and even maintain some of their normal work or school schedule, making them more receptive to the process. 
Do I Need to Detox Before Outpatient Treatment?
Before starting any outpatient program, it’s usually necessary to undergo detoxification, especially if you are physically dependent on drugs or alcohol. Detox is the first step in the recovery process, as it stabilizes the body and prepares you for the work you will be doing in therapy.
It’s important that you detox safely because withdrawal can be challenging and even dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance you are dependent on and the severity of your substance use. Undergoing detox in a medically supervised environment ensures you receive the necessary support to keep you safe.
Additionally, medical detox gives you access to therapies and medications that will make withdrawal symptoms more tolerable. Not only does this make the process more comfortable but also more successful. Once you complete detox and are medically stable, you can transition to an outpatient drug rehab in PA.
Is it Better to Go to Inpatient Rehab First?
The decision to start inpatient treatment after detox is a personal one based on your needs and the severity of your addiction. If you have a severe substance use problem that requires 24-hour support, an inpatient program will be most effective. But, as long as you are stable and don’t require all-day monitoring, you can start with an outpatient program.
Since you will return home in the evenings, it’s also important to have a sober, stable living environment. If you prefer an outpatient program and don’t have a positive home setting, consider sober housing. This way, you can participate in outpatient rehab and have a safe place to return to at the end of the day.
Also, keep in mind that you will be fully assessed before starting any treatment program. Recovery centers have intake specialists who will conduct screenings. This information can help you determine which program is right for your needs - you do not have to make this decision alone.
Seek Outpatient Drug Rehab in PA Today
According to research, outpatient rehab can be just as effective as inpatient rehab. It offers a high level of care while giving individuals the freedom and flexibility to live at home and still attend school or work.
To learn more about Recovery Cove’s convenient outpatient rehabilitation programs, contact us today at 484-549-COVE. We offer three levels of outpatient care: partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and standard outpatient. In addition to treating substance use, we can also address mental and behavioral health problems.
