Struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) and other behavioural addictions can bring about new anxieties, frustrations, and intimidations about the future ahead. Yet, it is necessary to understand that there are a plethora of treatments available to help kickstart the recovery process, and many of these treatments work to meet clients where they are on their journey. Some may think they have to participate in an inpatient programme to establish and secure sobriety. However, an outpatient rehabilitation programme can also provide lasting benefits for an individual’s sobriety and recovery.
We at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project are well-versed in the trials and tribulations that untreated substance abuse and mental health disorders can pose to individuals and their families. Since the impacts of these conditions are unique to each person, we prioritise the individualisation of our client care. Moreover, by individualising an outpatient rehabilitation programme to meet the specific needs and goals of each client, we can ensure that they have the skills, knowledge, and support that they need to thrive beyond the walls of our treatment facilities.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehabilitation Programmes
In the realm of addiction treatment and recovery, there are numerous types of interventions and treatment programmes available to help individuals not only establish sobriety but also create lasting behaviour change, supportive of their newfound healing journey. Yet, the two most common types of rehabilitation programmes include inpatient rehabilitation programmes and outpatient rehabilitation programmes.
What Is an Inpatient Rehabilitation Programme?
Essentially, inpatient rehabilitation programmes – also referred to as residential treatment programmes – require clients to reside at the treatment facility as they undergo treatment. These programmes are also highly structured and intensive, with medical, professional, and peer support available 24 hours a day. Aside from this, inpatient rehabilitation programmes may differ greatly by facility, varying from environments that mimic hospitals or hotels to luxury resorts and spas.
In a similar way, life during inpatient treatment will also vary depending on the facility and other factors, such as the severity of a client’s condition or diagnosis. Still, a typical day involves participation in a variety of activities and treatment modalities, from 1-2-1 counselling and group counselling to skill-building classes and more. In these programmes, residents are able to place their focus fully on getting well and establishing sobriety without being challenged by the distractions, triggers, and other concerns of everyday life.
What Is an Outpatient Rehabilitation Programme?
An outpatient rehabilitation programme, on the other hand, requires clients to participate in rehab during the day but then return back to their homes afterwards each night. These programmes tend to be less restrictive and more flexible compared to inpatient programmes, yet the intensity and structure of each programme differ based on the type of outpatient programme utilised. The most common types of outpatient rehabilitation programmes, listed from most intense to least intense, include:
- Partial hospitalisation programmes (PHPs)
- Intensive outpatient programmes (IOPs)
- General outpatient rehabilitation programmes
Beginning with PHPs, these programmes focus on stabilising severe behaviours and crises that most often happen in early recovery. Clients may begin their recovery journey in a PHP or transition into a PHP as a step-down from an inpatient rehabilitation programme. Oftentimes, clients in PHPs are required to participate in treatment for five to six hours a day, nearly five to six days a week.
Next, IOPs are a step down from PHPs, offering moderately structured and intensive treatment to help with clients’ transition in returning back to their daily lives and routines. IOPs typically require clients to participate in treatment three to five days a week for at least three hours a day.
Finally, general outpatient programmes offer the lowest structure and intensity treatment options for clients. Often, individuals may use these programmes to stabilise accountability for sobriety in their daily routines beyond treatment and to maintain engagement with other peers in recovery.
Four Benefits of an Outpatient Rehabilitation Programme for Sobriety and Recovery
A common misconception about treatment for SUD and other behavioural addictions is that an individual must put their life on hold to truly commit to sobriety and the recovery journey. Yet, this is untrue. Surely, when high-risk behaviours are present, such as suicidal ideation, other severe behaviours, or a lack of safe housing, inpatient rehabilitation programmes are recommended. Even so, outpatient treatment programmes can be considered if a client has other responsibilities that can not be put on hold while they tend to their mental and behavioural health needs.
Despite the different levels of outpatient rehabilitation programmes, outpatient treatment, in general, can provide lasting benefits for an individual’s sobriety and recovery. Here are four examples:
#1. Schedule and Treatment Flexibility
One of the most notable benefits of an outpatient rehabilitation programme for sobriety and recovery is that it provides the schedule and treatment flexibility individuals may need to navigate recovery alongside responsibilities such as work, school, or childcare. Treatment is tailored to fit an individual’s unique needs and goals for recovery, involving regular behavioural therapy sessions that can be scheduled as needed, with some facilities even offering evening options or childcare services.
The flexibility of outpatient rehabilitation programmes can make all the difference in helping individuals establish sobriety amidst busy schedules and remaining stuck in patterns of negative, harmful behaviour. Meanwhile, participation in an outpatient rehabilitation programme can connect individuals with collaborative care professionals and a wide range of treatment modalities that can be utilised and trialled throughout their treatment journey. In this way, facilities can prevent the treatment journey from ever reaching a dull or boring place; rather, clients are able to have a voice in their treatment plan and work together with professionals to ensure lasting sobriety and recovery.
#2. Cost-Effectiveness
Another benefit of an outpatient rehabilitation programme is that these programmes are the most cost-effective addiction treatment type. An analysis by Health Services Research compared the cost-effectiveness of several treatment types for SUD, discovering outpatient drug-free programs as the most cost-effective. Yet, some may be asking, why might this be?
When it comes to SUD and addiction treatment, simply, a client will only pay for the time they spend in treatment. Compared to an inpatient rehabilitation programme that provides 24/7 care and support, an outpatient rehabilitation programme only requires clients to participate in treatment a few hours a day throughout the week. Thus, this makes an outpatient rehabilitation programme affordable while also providing the professional and peer support needed to help individuals establish and sustain lasting sobriety in their lives.
#3. Ability to Apply Lessons Directly to Daily Life
The third benefit of an outpatient rehabilitation programme is that, because clients are required to return home after they complete their treatments for the day, it allows clients to apply the lessons and skills that they are learning in therapy directly to their daily lives. Those who participate in inpatient rehabilitation programmes, on the other hand, do not have the opportunity to apply these lessons to their lives outside of treatment until they graduate from their treatment program. Fortunately, those in inpatient programmes are recommended to step down to lower levels of care (to PHP or IOP, for example) to ease this transition when it happens.
For example, during the first few weeks or months of an outpatient rehabilitation programme, a client may work with their therapist to identify triggers for substance use as well as begin to practice new coping mechanisms to effectively manage such triggers. When a client returns home after their treatment each day, they are able to actively reflect on the present moment as it unfolds and thus respond to triggers with greater awareness and intentionality. If a coping mechanism for a certain trigger does not work, the client can work with their therapist during their next session to explore why it may not have been effective and develop a new plan for navigating triggers in the future.
This direct application of knowledge and skills allows a client and therapist to work collaboratively in curating a reliable and effective treatment plan. It also allows a client to work through concerns and triggers that may otherwise be put on hold in an inpatient treatment programme. For instance, interpersonal conflict, relationships, and work can be common sources of stress for individuals in recovery. With the ability to tend to these concerns with a therapist as they surface, the risk of future substance use can be minimised. Likewise, if a slip-up does happen, a client and therapist can work together more quickly to ensure that the client returns back on track in their recovery.
#4. Providing Effective Transitions Out of Higher Levels of Treatment
Even if an individual decides that an inpatient rehabilitation programme will be the best option for them in their early recovery journey, that does not mean that they still can’t reap the lasting benefits of an outpatient rehabilitation programme. As mentioned previously, many individuals can utilise outpatient treatment as a step down from inpatient rehabilitation as well as higher levels of outpatient care. Stepping down in levels of treatment provides effective and careful transitions, fostering continued accountability, peer and professional support, and guidance throughout the lifelong recovery journey.
Understanding the value of using an outpatient rehabilitation programme in easing the transition from higher levels of care can be beneficial for individuals currently in treatment as well as those who have not yet committed to a treatment programme. For instance, consider a client who has just completed a six-month inpatient rehabilitation programme, putting their life on hold to focus fully on their sobriety. If they were to return home without any involvement in continued treatment programmes, they may easily jeopardise their sobriety due to ill-equipped support and guidance.
Truth be told, life outside of treatment is filled with triggers, some of which can be expected and prepared for and others that surface without warning. Some examples of triggers that may be unexpected beyond inpatient rehabilitation and thus cannot be adequately prepared for can include:
- Relational conflict with family and friends
- Navigating gatherings where alcohol and other drugs are present
- Being offered a drink at gatherings and celebrations
- Experiences of grief and loss
- Work burnout or a loss of employment
- Financial difficulties
Thus, utilising an outpatient rehabilitation programme following an inpatient programme or other higher levels of care ensures that clients are equipped with the professional guidance and peer support that they need to take on triggers as they surface beyond treatment. Clients can voice their concerns and work through triggers as quickly as they occur, which can keep them on track throughout their long-term recovery journey.
Preparing for the Treatment Journey
Making the decision to participate in any treatment programme for SUD and other behavioural addictions is anything but easy. Yet, there are a few standard guidelines that can help individuals make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones as they prepare to enter treatment.
First, individuals must evaluate the severity of their own needs before determining the best-fit treatment program for themselves. Often, family members and addiction professionals can also assist with this determination through assessment. Typically, those who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms and other severe symptoms of SUD must begin their recovery journey with detoxification. Alcohol and drug detoxification provide medically assisted services as an individual rids any remnants of substance use from their body. Having a clean slate is necessary to participate in treatment effectively.
Following detox, if an individual is in danger to themselves or others, presents high-risk behaviour (such as suicidal ideation or severe substance abuse), or lacks a home environment that is conducive to sobriety, an inpatient treatment programme is recommended. If their home environment is unsafe or unfit for sobriety, but they are unable to put their responsibilities on hold for treatment, they may also consider participating in a PHP while residing in a sober living facility. Otherwise, for those with mild or moderate symptoms of SUD or other behavioural addictions, any variation of an outpatient treatment program will further their journey to lasting sobriety and recovery.
Outpatient Rehabilitation Programmes at PCP
At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we offer a number of inpatient/residential treatment programmes as well as outpatient rehabilitation programmes. Though we initially recommend inpatient rehabilitation for its intimate and intensive treatment experience, free from external triggers and stressors, we understand that this is not always an option for our clients due to external responsibilities and other financial concerns.
At PCP, we offer 4-week, 8-week, and 12-week rehabilitation programmes that can be individualised to fit our client’s unique needs and recovery goals. Yet, we strongly advise participation in one of our 12-week programmes for clients who have not yet found success in their treatment journey, as well as those who are new to treatment. The main benefit of participating in our 12-week programme is that during this time, our staff walks clients through the tried and true 12-Step programme to help them create a stable and secure foundation for their sobriety. Likewise, we walk clients through one step per week to ensure that they fully devote their time and attention to each step as they progress through the programme.
In both our inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programmes, clients will engage in a number of therapeutic modalities and activities to facilitate motivation for lasting behaviour change. Clients can expect to work alongside both peers and professionals to gain accountability, work through triggers, apply coping mechanisms effectively, and discover deeper meaning and purpose for their sobrieties.
Furthermore, in addition to our primary rehabilitation programme options, we also provide detoxification services as well as:
- Secondary programmes
- Third stage supported housing
- Daycare rehab
- Support for families
- Aftercare
Treatment is not solely about ceasing substance abuse or other habitual behaviours; rather, it is a journey that involves identifying and working through the root causes of behavioural concerns. With the help of our professionals, we can guide and support loved ones in securing lasting healing and sobriety that will last a lifetime.
Outpatient rehabilitation programmes offer unique schedules and treatment flexibility, allowing clients to tend to personal responsibilities like work, school, or childcare that they may otherwise be unable to put on hold. In addition, outpatient care is cost-effective and presents clients with an opportunity to actively apply the skills and knowledge that they are learning in treatment to their daily lives as they return home each night. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we understand how challenging it can be to take the first step into treatment. Fortunately, our staff can help you make the most informed decision about your care by evaluating your individualized needs and goals for recovery. Learn more by calling 08000 380 480 today.