Outpatient treatment programs are designed so that clients can commit to substance use disorder (SUD) recovery without giving up their independent lives. Clients sleep at their own homes and can often attend to other responsibilities, which makes outpatient care different from residential programs. Gateway Foundation outpatient treatment centers offer many benefits for clients ready to take the next step toward a lifetime of sobriety.
Outpatient treatment is a form of addiction care that allows clients to live at home while receiving weekday assistance. It’s a less intensive form of treatment that enables clients to be with close friends or family throughout recovery and maintain their everyday routines. As a result, students, professionals, and those who care for family members often opt for outpatient drug treatment since it allows them to tend to work, school, and home obligations while receiving crucial addiction support.
While generally less intensive than residential treatment, outpatient substance use disorder treatment offers various therapeutic interventions and services and can occur in different settings. The services can include:
Clients will follow the appropriate treatment intensity and gain individualized support considering their SUD severity, strengths, goals, and treatment needs. Clients will visit a treatment center regularly during specific hours and days of the week, with some programs offering evening and weekend sessions. The flexibility of these programs makes it easier for clients to balance treatment needs with personal and professional responsibilities.
Therapies are chosen and scheduled based on the client’s needs and availability. Outpatient care for substance and alcohol use disorder is often preferable for many due to its affordability and flexibility while still being just as effective as services offered on a residential basis. While certain situations might initially call for a more intensive level of care, many individuals recovering from a SUD often find that they will eventually need to transition to outpatient substance use disorder treatment.
Many clients will benefit from outpatient addiction treatment programs due to their flexibility and affordability. Outpatient care is also an excellent way to transition from residential care into your everyday routine. It provides access to a professional support system that can be there for you as needed while teaching you essential coping skills you can use after completing your program.
Outpatient addiction treatment centers are an excellent choice for many clients. While there are many reasons to choose outpatient substance use disorder treatment centers, flexibility is perhaps the most important. All too often, prospective clients decide to skip over addiction treatment in favor of getting back to real life. Outpatient drug treatment centers allow clients to have the best of both worlds.
Outpatient programs allow you to maintain your everyday schedule while receiving crucial addiction care. These programs are ideal if you need additional treatment or if certain life factors make it challenging to follow a residential treatment program. Generally, the following people can benefit most from the flexibility of outpatient care:
One of the misconceptions about outpatient addiction treatment centers is that they leave clients vulnerable to relapse. While clients may not be in a sober, controlled environment 24 hours a day, they will still have access to support around the clock with our addiction recovery support groups.
Although clients might only have scheduled treatment for a few hours each week, they can still have a place to turn when the wheels are falling off. Knowing that experts are on hand can be comforting and reassuring when cravings or questions arise. For instance, when you’re experiencing cravings or need someone to turn to, professionals might provide advice and help you nurture the following skills:
Clients should never feel alone in the midst of recovery. Each of Gateway’s locations aims to support clients when needed.
Outpatient programs can also be used as a transition from residential care to your everyday routine. When you enter treatment, you can immediately apply what you’ve learned in your home setting. As you practice these skills in the real world, you can get feedback and support from your treatment staff to adjust the program as needed.
In other words, outpatient programs can provide the tools you need to maintain a substance-free life. If you’ve recently finished a residential or partial hospitalization program (PHP), outpatient care can help you smoothly transition into your daily routine. As you learn and grow, professionals will track your progress and add or subtract services as needed.
Since some clients might not have lived alone successfully in the past, you can also learn crucial life skills like cooking, budgeting, and how to secure a job or housing.
Sustaining your long-term addiction recovery will begin with treatments tailored to your needs, history, and severity of your SUD. Evidence-based therapies, recovery support groups, and a commitment to change can help you in times of need. You’ll add healthy hobbies to your sobriety toolbox and gain much-needed structure from this level of care. In outpatient care, you can learn the best strategies to maintain your sobriety and continue down a healthy, fulfilling path.
The popularity of outpatient drug treatment centers is partially due to their affordable nature. Since outpatient care is typically offered a few times each week, often for two or three hours at a time, clients can expect to pay less than they would for a 24/7 treatment experience. Because of this, a person might also receive treatment over an extended period, potentially increasing the chance of a successful treatment outcome.
It is worth noting that cost should never be the deciding factor when choosing the right addiction treatment program. Thanks to rehab insurance coverage and financing options, clients should focus on the route to recovery that best meets their needs. It is simply an added advantage that outpatient care can be an inexpensive option for the right candidates.
Gateway can provide an exceptional amount of support for those who are fighting back against addiction. Even more valuable, however, is helping clients create their own lifelong support network.
Long after treatment ends, clients will still face the risk of relapse. The best way to stay on track is to have access to care and accountability for years to come. That support system can include family, or it could consist of local support groups and peers from treatment.
Building a support system in outpatient care allows you to continue these rewarding relationships outside of a professional setting. Knowing this can provide a sense of relief for anyone who might be wary of the transition from treatment into their everyday life. After all, the real world can bring potential triggers and cravings you might not have anticipated. Rest assured that even after completing your program, the connections you’ve made in outpatient treatment can be there for you when you need them.
Being able to rely on others in times of need can give you a better chance of preventing relapse. You can also be a source of encouragement for your peers as you progress through the journey together.
Gateway provides valuable resources and opportunities for alums to gather and partake in substance-free activities. These might include sports and recreational fun or addiction recovery support groups. We even use technology to keep in contact with graduates for the long term. The strongest indicator of lasting success is sustaining that engagement in recovery activities and support.
Learning to recruit and foster these relationships is vital. In outpatient programs, clients will determine the value of a team in and out of recovery. Having support can be the catalyst that leads to sobriety for life.
We are here to help! The fastest way is to call us.
877–377–2027Outpatient addiction treatment centers like Gateway delivers exceptional care to clients. In just a few sessions each week, clients will be able to address the underlying issues that lead to addiction and target any lingering mental health issues. Through evidence-based and holistic strategies, an intensive outpatient program can give clients the strength they need to fight back against addiction. Some of the many treatment methods that aid in the recovery process are:
In motivational interviews, you can gain more insight into the benefits of recovery and feel more excited about making healthy, lasting changes. After all, healing starts with a commitment to change. Treatment programs are often more successful when you receive motivation and inspiration to make positive adjustments. When you can think about treatment with a positive outlook, it can make it easier to grow and change for the better.
Mental health professionals will start these sessions by encouraging you to envision how a substance-free lifestyle could benefit you. For instance, you might list how sobriety could help your mental and physical health, relationships, and professional goals—being sober means securing and holding down a job and spending less on substances. You won’t have to ask friends or family for money, and you’ll have extra cash for new experiences and fun activities.
Clients might also focus on how sobriety can positively impact their relationships. A substance-free lifestyle might allow you to rekindle relationships with old friends or spend more time with family. Focusing on these positive changes can help you commit to your recovery.
Substance use disorder can significantly impact a person’s mental and physical health. Physical complications can lead to mental health conditions or worsen already-existing disorders. That’s why it’s common for people with SUD to struggle with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. When you’re facing more than one disorder, it’s called a dual diagnosis.
Common co-occurring conditions include:
At Gateway, we provide dual diagnosis services and treatment for co-occurring disorders. Targeting addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously is crucial for a successful recovery. In therapy, you can gain insight into the root of your SUD and find the most effective methods to deal with stressors. You can also receive medications to help manage symptoms of your co-occurring disorder.
Examples of services that might help treat co-occurring disorders include:
Our team of medical and mental health professionals offers services that impact both conditions so you can live a life without substances and manage your mental illness. That way, you can feel better and more comfortable throughout your recovery.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to addiction support. MAT programs include the use of medications in an overall treatment plan. Medications can help many clients with withdrawal symptoms and co-occurring conditions for a more effective long-term recovery plan.
There is no single approach to addiction recovery and every client is unique. At Gateway Foundation, all clients start their treatment with a medical exam to pinpoint any medical issues that might need attention. From there, medical professionals can prescribe medicines that make withdrawal or relapse prevention easier.
For example, certain medications like Disulfiram and Naltrexone can block the effects of alcohol or lead to uncomfortable side effects to make alcohol much less appealing to people in recovery. As for opioid use disorder, Methadone and Buprenorphine are two examples that can reduce cravings. That way, you can reduce the chance of relapse and stay on track to recovery.
Every client is different — while some may require medication for a short while, others might use antidepressants or other medicines to manage symptoms to stay on track even after completing a treatment program.
Behaviors and thought patterns are often at the root of a person’s addictions. Therefore, identifying harmful thought patterns and beliefs is the first step toward overcoming addiction. When you can learn how to spot these beliefs and thoughts, you can learn how to change them. From there, your behaviors should follow suit.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to do precisely that. You’ll work with a professional to challenge your current mindset and encourage positive change. In many cases, negative thoughts are driven by anxiety, stress, or outside influences that don’t accurately reflect what’s happening. As a result, many people will display negative behaviors, leading to a cycle of these harmful patterns and behaviors.
CBT views these negative patterns as something you can unlearn to improve your health and well-being. It is focused on finding solutions rather than looking at problems. While in other forms of therapy, you might reflect on your past, CBT is focused on the present and finding solutions for the future. You’ll create goals with your therapist and coping strategies to encourage lasting, positive change.
Addiction impacts entire families, not just people with substance use disorder. Family therapy can help your loved ones heal and learn how to support you in your recovery journey. Your therapist will help you communicate and reveal practical ways for family members to help you achieve your goals so you feel supported along the way.
Support systems are crucial in addiction recovery. Family members can prevent relapse and increase the likelihood of effective treatment. They can learn more about your triggers and any mental health conditions you might be struggling with and provide emotional support and accountability as needed. A healthy family dynamic and support system are crucial for lasting recovery.
Anyone committed to your recovery is part of your family and who you should include as part of your support system. Friends, family members, and others emotionally invested in your well-being can contribute to your ultimate success. Therapy can encourage positive family dynamics and allow family members to heal from their own struggles caused by the situation. With insight, learning, and communication, your family can come out of treatment more prepared to work for a better future.
While individual therapy plays a crucial role in many people’s addiction recovery, group therapy is just as necessary for your recovery success. The goal is to bring together people who have similar struggles to share with one another. While no one is required to share, it’s encouraged to help clients heal. Ultimately, the goal is to create synergy and healthy communication among peers.
You might enter treatment feeling isolated or misunderstood. Group therapy ensures no client is alone, and you always have someone to talk to. Sharing experiences with others can help you feel validated and safe, which can encourage positive change as you progress through recovery together.
Group therapy promotes an environment of trust, where you can open up and learn more about underlying problems contributing to your addiction. These sessions allow you to gain valuable insight from others and extend empathy. The relationships made in group therapy can often become the support system you can rely on in times of need.
People often have the following questions about outpatient treatment:
At Gateway, when you begin an outpatient program, you’ll first meet with a medical professional to develop a treatment plan. The plan will include your goals for recovery. The health professional will ask questions about your substance use, medical history, mental health concerns, living situation, and previous treatment experiences to create a more effective plan to meet your unique needs.
Ideally, your treatment plan will be created alongside a mental health professional involved in your care, medical providers, and you, the client. Once you’ve developed a clear path, sessions with therapists will be scheduled and provided according to your needs. Every outpatient addiction treatment program is different and will have varying schedules and structures. For instance, some programs require you to attend therapy sessions several hours a day, five days a week. Others might require you to meet once or twice a week.
The schedule will depend on the severity of your addiction and whether you have a dual diagnosis that requires more intense treatment.
Depending on your history, needs and the type of services needed, outpatient addiction treatment can last a week, many months, or even years. That said, most outpatient plans require you to attend sessions two to five days a week. Outpatient care that requires multiple contracts per week might last three to nine months while continuing care can continue for as long as needed since recovery is a lifelong process.
Depending on your schedule preferences and those of your providers, sessions might range from 30 to 60 minutes in length. And in most cases, clients might be expected to finish assigned exercises or activities between therapy sessions at their own homes. Following through on these outside activities is essential for ensuring you meet your recovery goals set in place by you and your therapists.
Discussing this question with your healthcare team will give you a more specific answer. Generally, outpatient is appropriate for people recovering from mild to moderate addiction and those who can independently manage their daily routines and sobriety. Suppose you feel confident in your ability to control cravings outside of treatment sessions and can take prescribed medications and care for yourself without outside help. In that case, outpatient care might suit you best.
It’s also crucial that you can get to medical and therapy appointments reliably, whether you have your own transportation or a loved one who can hold you accountable to attend these sessions. A more intensive treatment plan might work better if you lack a healthy support system. It’s also crucial that you are not in a problematic unsafe living situation. Outpatient care works best for those willing and dedicated to their recovery efforts.
Gateway offers three types of outpatient programs — standard outpatient, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and partial hospitalization programs (PHP). Each varies in intensity, structure, and types of services offered. Traditional outpatient programs are the least intense, with sessions often just a few times a week. They tend to provide little medical supervision, though they include most services offered in the other programs, like group therapy and one-on-one sessions with licensed therapists.
IOP requires participants to meet more often throughout the week, offering services like group and individual counseling, medication management, case management, and 12-step meetings. Some might seek traditional IOP if their addiction severity doesn’t warrant inpatient care. Others might seek IOP after completing a residential program.
Partial hospitalization often meets seven days a week, for a few hours daily. These programs often include individual, group, and family therapy, medication, on-site medical care, and social services. PHP programs can be helpful for anyone who requires intensive medical care or serve as a transition from inpatient to traditional outpatient care.
Gateway Foundation offers numerous outpatient treatment centers throughout the Chicago, Illinois area. We also provide virtual outpatient services, an excellent option for clients needing additional flexibility. Using our virtual platform, you can engage with our therapists and peers in the group and participate in therapy, psycho-educational groups, and other treatment modalities from the comfort of your own home.
When you choose Gateway for your recovery program, you’ll have dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate professionals on your side for life. In our outpatient addiction programs, you can receive crucial treatment while maintaining your personal and professional life. We offer comprehensive treatment services that focus on all aspects of your health.
Each can help clients work toward the sobriety, health, and happiness they deserve. Call 877–311–3901 or contact us online when you’re ready to learn more about the benefits and possibilities of outpatient programs.
