Outpatient Treatment Program
An outpatient treatment program is an important final step in addiction treatment however is often overlooked when finalizing discharge plans. Offering a full continuum of care, behavioral health professionals here at CIVIQ Health understand the importance of appropriate discharge planning and aftercare appointments. Our dedicated case 
managers make sure clients put their best foot forward to achieve long term sobriety.
Outpatient counseling is an effective tool in keeping clients addiction at bay after having completed a course of drug and alcohol treatment. Outpatient therapy is usually performed in weekly sessions, each lasting anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, clients are able to discuss and therapeutically process the daily challenges associated with being new in recovery. An outpatient treatment program should also involve follow up visits with a psychiatrist, if there is a need for medication management.
Importance of Group Therapy
Group therapy should also be a part of any outpatient treatment program. In comparison to intensive outpatient, outpatient groups do not occur as frequently (typically once or twice per week) and sessions are generally shorter in duration. Outpatient group therapy is clinically indicated when stepping down from an IOP program.
Often overlooked, coordination with patient’s primary care physicians is an important aspect of the services provided by outpatient drug rehab centers. Comorbid medical issues must be addressed by both a PCP as well as behavioral health professionals to provide effective treatment for both conditions. Pain management specialists must be made aware of a clients treatment history to avoid the use of narcotics, shifting focus to a more holistic treatment plan. During outpatient treatment, considerations of pharmacological interventions should be made to help manage cravings. There are numerous types of anti-craving medications but are most effective when provided alongside outpatient counseling. Medication compliance, side effects and efficacy all require continued clinical support to provide the most effective outcome.
Learning to live a life of recovery is a difficult process requiring many lifestyle adjustments. Inpatient treatment centers are effective in removing the immediate desire to use drugs however are a short sighted approach to recovery if aftercare plans are not in place. Many disagree if maintaining abstinence is difficult or easy but living a life of recovery is arguably different than a life of active addiction. Without a smooth transition back to daily life, all the progress made during inpatient rehab can be undone without continued support.
Outpatient Therapy Helps Maintain Sobriety
Outpatient alcohol treatment is often inappropriate for an initial clinical intervention due to the high risk nature of withdrawal symptoms, however once completing inpatient detox and rehab and deemed medically stable, it can become an invaluable phase of clients treatment. Engaging in outpatient therapy is an essential tool for maintaining the skills, motivation and insight developed during the first phase of addiction treatment.
There should be no limit in the duration of an outpatient treatment program; clients should be able to continue to meet with therapists, group facilitators and physicians for as long as clinically necessary, making it an essential tool in the maintenance phase of recovery. If you are looking for outpatient therapy for yourself or a loved one, contact us today for treatment without a disruption to daily life.