Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment

Of the millions of people throughout the state of California who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction, only a small percentage get the treatment they need to overcome their dependence issues. A large percentage turn to California outpatient alcohol and drug rehabs to help more forward with an addiction-free life.

But why do people choose outpatient rehab? On the surface, it would seem that residential rehab programs offer a greater chance for success. After all, in residential alcohol and drug treatment the individual is watched 24/7 to insure that they do not stray off the program or relapse into drug use. And doesn’t a person need to be removed from their environment entirely in order to focus properly on their recovery?

While it is true that there are some advantages to residential alcohol and drug rehab, there are just as many positives regarding outpatient rehab.

Advantages of Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment

• Close access to support networks. Individuals who rely on their family or friends to help them defeat addiction will have greater access to these people when enrolled in an outpatient rehab program. At the end of each treatment day, everyone is free to go home, or to a sober living facility (if that is where they are residing) and get the support they need.
• The ability to stay on the job or in school. Although most outpatient programs will dominate a large percentage of a person’s time, they may still have the freedom to maintain a portion of the daily activities. At a residential program, the individual is essentially removing herself from the flow of everyday life.
• Almost all the programs available in residential treatment are also available in outpatient rehab programs. Many people mistakenly believe that residential treatment offers a “higher level” of drug addiction treatment. But the fact of the matter is that people can expect to find many of the same individual drug counseling, group drug counseling and after-care advisory programs in both outpatient and residential treatment.
• More cost-efficient solution. While price differs from program to program, a general rule of thumb is that outpatient alcohol and drug rehab costs less than residential care. Outpatient programs have less overhead than those facilities that require overnight, long-term stays, and in many cases are covered by major healthcare insurance providers.
• Less social stigma. Although no one should be ashamed to enter an alcohol and drug rehab program, many people are uncomfortable at the thought of explaining a month-long absence to enter a residential program. For these individuals, outpatient alcohol and drug rehab offers a chance to maintain some of the normal elements of life, as opposed to disappearing from the scene entirely for thirty days or longer.

Choosing the right California outpatient alcohol and drug treatment center is one of the most important decisions an individual can make. Researching facilities and closely examining their programs and treatment styles will increase the odds of receiving proper treatment. Call our free helpline at (866) 531-4569.