Who Is Outpatient Treatment Best For? Revisited: 7 Questions To Ask Yourself

(Part One Here) When you are considering treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, one of the first considerations is whether you should choose inpatient care in an around-the-clock facility or an outpatient treatment program.

Understanding The Difference Between Inpatient And Outpatient Treatment

Before you can decide on the right option for addiction treatment for you, it’s important to have an understanding of both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. In an inpatient program, you will reside in a facility during your treatment. The normal stay is 28 days, but this duration is sometimes longer depending on factors such as the type and severity of your addiction. If you’re voluntarily seeking help for an addiction, yet have day-to-day responsibilities that you cannot let go for any length of time, an outpatient treatment program might be the right choice. This type of treatment program is less structured, but is still focused on providing you with the necessary counseling and therapies you need to support your recovery.

Making The Right Treatment Decision – 7 Questions To Ask Yourself

While both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs help individuals overcome their addiction, there are some considerations worth exploring before you decide on one or the other. The following are some questions to ask yourself before making this very important decision.

1. How Severe Is My Addiction To Drugs Or Alcohol?

If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using drugs or drinking, you have a physical addiction that requires detox. You will initially need inpatient treatment. Symptoms of withdrawal can be very unpredictable, and because of this, they need to be managed under the care of professionals who can help you through this early stage in your recovery. On the other hand, if your addiction is moderate and you don’t have withdrawal symptoms, an outpatient program may be an acceptable option for you.

2. Am I Dedicated To Successfully Completing Addiction Treatment?

Yes, you have to be very honest with yourself with this question. Only those who have the determination to overcome their addiction and are willing to do what it takes to stay sober should be entering a more loosely structured, outpatient treatment program.

3. Have I Previously Tried To Stop Using Drugs Or Alcohol?

If you’ve unsuccessfully attempted to beat your addiction either cold turkey or in another treatment program, you will be better off in an inpatient facility where you can get the dedicated treatment you need. With each relapse, addiction gets harder to treat. So, if you’ve already had several failed attempts, you will need more focused, intense treatment to delve into the underlying causes of your addiction.

4. What Is My Current Situation?

In a perfect world, you would be able to overcome your addiction in an environment free from stress, temptation and triggers. However, you may have the challenges of a demanding career, family or school. If you are unable to take time away from these responsibilities, outpatient treatment might be the best option. However, if you are surrounded by negative outside influences that are helping to perpetuate your addiction, you will need to break free from these people or places to get the help that you need. This may only be possible in an inpatient facility.

5. Do I Have Other Mental Health Issues?

More than 50 percent of individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol have some form of mental illness. It’s a fact that addiction treatment is more complex when there are underlying mental health issues. If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition or you suspect you have depression, anxiety or some other form of mental illness, you are more likely to sustain long-term recovery if you undergo inpatient treatment that can address your co-occurring disorders.

6. What Is My Support Network?

You may have a loving family or close friends that are supportive in you getting treatment and can help you in your recovery. If this is the case, outpatient treatment can be particularly beneficial. However, if you’re surrounded by individuals who are also using drugs or alcohol or are unsupportive of your recovery, you may need time away from them in an inpatient facility to establish the foundation for your recovery.

7. Can I Commit To An Outpatient Program?

With an outpatient program, you have to make a commitment to attend regular therapy sessions. Both the location and the schedule have to be convenient so that you can fit your treatment program into your daily schedule.

Find Out More About Outpatient Treatment In San Jose

If answering these questions is leading you to outpatient treatment, the next step is speaking with an addiction specialist. If you are looking at outpatient treatment options in or around San Jose, California, call Summit Estate today. We offer individualized outpatient treatment programs that help those who are committed to their recovery. This post further expands on the topic we asked previously Who Is Outpatient Treatment Best For?