If you’re unfamiliar with substance treatment, you probably have many questions about how the process works. These questions may address any one of several important topics. That includes the kinds of environments used to support a timely recovery process. These environments include both outpatient programs and inpatient programs.
But what is outpatient drug rehab, and how does it differ from inpatient options? Understanding the key differences will help steer your or your loved one in the right direction for appropriate care. If you or someone you love requires treatment, contact Northpoint Colorado at 888.231.1281 today.
What Is an Outpatient Drug Rehab – One Name, Multiple Meanings
In one important respect, all outpatient drug rehab programs are the same. Namely, they help you overcome active addiction while living at home rather than in a rehab facility. People who make a good fit for these programs also have certain things in common. Specifically, they:
- Don’t need 24/7 care and support for their recovery
- Live in a safe, stable household
- Show an ability to avoid substance use while not attending treatment
However, key differences also separate many people who need outpatient care. One crucial difference is the extent of their substance problems. Another is whether or not they’re affected by other kinds of health issues besides addiction.
Standard or Routine Outpatient Drug Rehab Programs
Are your addiction symptoms limited in number as well as severity? You might fit nicely into a standard or routine outpatient program. Addiction’s effects at this level of care are typically mild. The amount of time you spend in weekly treatment reflects this fact. At most, you’ll get eight hours of help over the course of a week. You may also spend far less time in treatment. However, you’ll receive care that effectively supports your rehab needs within that time.
What Is an Outpatient Drug Rehab Program That Provides Intensive Services?
As a rule, the effects of moderate addiction outstrip the resources available in routine outpatient care. The same is also true for moderate-to-severe addiction. To recover from these more serious problems, you need added hours of weekly treatment. That’s where intensive outpatient programs (IOP) step in.
At its baseline level of nine hours of weekly care, an IOP provides more help than any standard program. Depending on your specific needs, your treatment schedule may include up to 19 hours of rehab each week. IOPs also provide other services not typical of a routine outpatient drug rehab program. These services include:
- Standby medical care for emergencies
- Specialized psychiatric care
They also include blood and toxicology tests.
Partial Hospitalization at an Outpatient Drug Rehab Center
While enrolled at an outpatient drug rehab center, you may also need a partial hospitalization program (PHP). What is an outpatient rehab program that carries this title? It’s the uppermost level of outpatient care. Like an IOP, it supports moderate-to-severe addiction recovery. Unlike an IOP, it also helps you deal with any additional mental and physical health instabilities.
You’ll spend at least 20 hours receiving partial hospitalization services each week. Your particular needs may add time to that minimum threshold. In some cases, successful PHP participation may help keep you from moving to inpatient care.
What Is Outpatient Drug Rehab? Contact Northpoint Colorado Today to Find Out More
Outpatient drug rehab is a term that describes multiple levels of outpatient substance recovery. Which level will you need? A consultation with your doctor or an addiction specialist can help you answer that important question.
At Northpoint Colorado, we can accommodate your recovery regardless of your outpatient needs. That’s true because we feature all three levels of this crucial treatment resource. Want to know how we can help you? Call us today at 888.231.1281 or reach out to Northpoint Colorado online.