People who are affected by drug addiction each have different needs when it comes to finding the right rehab program. The success of any given program relies on the situation of each drug addict, including the level of addiction, length of time the person suffered from addiction and the level of cooperation in obtaining rehab. Outpatient drug treatment is offered in a variety of methods; finding the one that is right for you or a loved one is important for ultimate success.
Types of Outpatient Treatment
There are several forms of outpatient treatment. The most intense form is intensive outpatient treatment that involves daily sessions at the drug rehab clinic that can last a few hours or the entire day. Patients still get to return home after the day-long intensive treatment, but the actual treatment is more intense for those who need it. For those who do not require such intense treatment, there are less frequent treatments, including those who are several times a week, as well as those who are weekly or even bi-weekly. The needs of each drug addict will determine the right plan for them.
Adjusting to Life without Drugs
A large part of outpatient drug treatment relies on the ability of the drug addict to return home without using drugs. Adjusting to his new life without drugs can be difficult for any drug addict, making it important to have the proper support to make outpatient treatment successful. If the drug addict has support at home or continual support through the outpatient center from therapists and fellow patients, the chance for relapse is minimized.
12-Step Meetings
The 12-step program is a large part of most programs and allows patients to treat their drug addiction as a real disease and not a sign of weakness in their personality or demeanor. The 12-step program gives patients concrete methods to help them start their new life without drugs. This includes the ability to have support through the other members of the program. Twelve-step programs involve patients listening to lectures and becoming further educated on the methods to stay drug-free, as well as opportunities to talk with other members, to find those to whom you can relate. This allows you to have people to lean on who are in the same situation as yourself.
The Key to Success
The key to success with outpatient drug treatment is continual support from friends, family and the therapists from the program. Finding a program that offers relapse prevention and aftercare for at least the first year after recovery will provide patients with the most successful recovery.
