Life After Addiction
Recovering from addiction is far from simple - it's a journey that demands tremendous inner strength, courage, and willingness to change. Even after returning home, many individuals need the continued support and accountability of clinical therapy to keep on going. This is the need that outpatient treatment is here to fill.
At Avenues, one of our core beliefs is that finding and receiving addiction treatment should be as simple as possible, for every single person. Here we'll explain what outpatient treatment is, its pros and cons, who this type of treatment is intended for.
What is Outpatient Therapy?
Outpatient therapy, or an outpatient program for addiction treatment, is a structured non-residential treatment program for substance use disorders. While receiving outpatient therapy, clients live at home and work or attend school as usual, and come into their treatment center a few times a week in order to attend in-person therapy sessions with their primary therapist. Outpatient therapy uses a wide range of therapy modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and group therapy sessions, to continue building upon the foundation that was laid in inpatient treatment.
Who Is Outpatient Therapy For?
After moving back home post-treatment, people in recovery still need additional guidance and support in order to maintain their sobriety. Returning to regular life can bring a slew of everyday challenges, as situations arise and triggers present themselves while the person is not yet rock-solid in their recovery.
For such people, outpatient treatment is the answer. OP treatment affords clients the freedom to go about their daily lives, but returns to a safe environment and gives them continued therapeutic support several times a week. The consistency and stability provided by outpatient treatment enables many people in early sobriety to stay strong as they build their new, sober life.
Using Outpatient Treatment Properly
There are so many benefits to outpatient treatment; for many people, it serves as the stepping-stone that helps them transition safely from rehab to everyday life in recovery.
The benefits of outpatient treatment include:
- Continued support and accountability as you transition to a new sober life
- Ability to work, attend school, or care for your family while still benefitting from treatment
- Ability to immediately apply life skills and relapse-prevention techniques learned in therapy, in the real world
- Flexible scheduling (leaving you free to attend to daily life and personal obligations)
However, it's important to remember that because outpatient treatment is the lowest level of care, it comes with an inherent risk if not used properly. Its relaxed scheduling and reduced oversight can dangerous for someone shaky in their recovery and commitment to sobriety. If outpatient treatment is used as a replacement for a higher level of care, or when a person is not yet ready, it can result in relapse - or worse.
In summary, outpatient treatment is meant for those who have completed the full continuum of care (which includes detox, residential, partial hospitalization , and intensive outpatient treatment), and are at a stable point in their recovery journey. When used in its proper place, outpatient treatment is a valuable way of receiving continued therapeutic support and accountability, and strengthening your sobriety.
How Does It Work at Avenues?
Avenues currently offers outpatient treatment programming in our Metairie, Louisiana location. Staffed by highly skilled medical providers, psychologists, and addiction counselors, our OP program provides top-of-the-line medical and mental health care even after you've returned home from inpatient rehab.
Programming runs for several hours per week, and incorporates a broad range of therapy modalities - such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Contingency Management, and 12 - Step facilitation. Therapy is provided in both individual and group settings, and Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) is available as well for all those who can benefit from it.
Our devoted and multidisciplinary staff are here to provide quality medical care, personalized therapy, and continued oversight as clients adjust to life after treatment.
Once clients have graduated from our outpatient program, our robust alumni program continues to provide the support and encouragement so needed post-treatment. Every individual who goes through Avenues emerges with a loyal and loving alumni family - a group of like-minded individuals all actively pursuing their recovery. We cheer each other on tirelessly through the journey of life!
FAQs
- Does Avenues offer Outpatient Treatment?
Yes! Avenues Recovery Center’s new outpatient facility in Metairie, Louisiana now offers quality outpatient addiction treatment. - How much does Outpatient Treatment cost?
The cost of Outpatient Treatment will vary from individual to individual, since it depends on the type and extent of insurance coverage they have and the length of time they require in this level of care.
In general, however, outpatient drug and alcohol addiction rehab costs between $3,000 $10,000. Some facilities will charge by the day, at $250 to $350. (Each treatment center's offerings vary, hence the large range in the industry average). Factors calculated in the price include location, duration of stay, and amenities offered. - Does insurance cover outpatient treatment?
Absolutely! Nearly every insurance plan covers all or most of OP treatment, including Medicare and Medicaid.
To find out if you're eligible for treatment at Avenues, receive an individualized cost estimate, or discuss other payment options, reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable admissions team!
- How many times a week is outpatient treatment?
Although every OP treatment program has a different schedule, most OP centers offer programming three or four times a week, for a few hours each time. - How long does Outpatient Treatment last?
Unlike inpatient treatment programs, there is no set treatment period for outpatient treatment. Your length of stay will vary from that of others' and should be made after consulting an addiction professional with an understanding your unique situation. Stays in OP treatment should be set according to need, and can always be adjusted according to client progress.
Every outpatient program has its own timeline and schedule, but standard programs can run from anywhere between three months to one year.
- Can I work while attending outpatient treatment?
Yes! Because programming in Avenues Recovery Center’s outpatient treatment program runs for fewer hours than a residential program, clients enrolled in the program can maintain stable employment throughout. - Who can most benefit from Outpatient Treatment?
Avenues Recovery Center’s outpatient program is ideal for individuals who have completed detox and residential treatment and are at a stable point in their recovery, yet want continued support as they begin transitioning back into daily life. The flexible scheduling allows clients to maintain employment and attend to personal obligations while still working on their sobriety. - Do I need Outpatient Treatment?
Every individual’s personal circumstances are unique, and the best way to assess whether you need outpatient treatment is by discussing your situation with certified professional. Nevertheless, a good rule of thumb to help you with your decision is to consider how dependent you are on your substance for happiness or basic function. Substance Use Disorder has many levels of dependence and addiction. No one situation is the same, and everyone needs the right addiction treatment program for them. - What is outpatient addiction treatment like?
Outpatient treatment uses many forms of therapy and counseling to treat Substance Use Disorder. This includes group therapy, family therapy, and individual counseling. In many OP programs, alternative therapy options such as art, music and equine therapy are utilized as well.
Continuum of Care
Avenues Recovery offers a full continuum of care, spanning Detox, Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient services. It is important to understand where Outpatient Treatment stands in the greater picture of substance abuse treatment:
Detox > Residential/ Inpatient Treatment > Partial Hospitalization > Intensive Outpatient > Outpatient
In order for any program (including Outpatient Therapy) to be fully effective, it must be preceded and succeeded by the appropriate levels of care. Rushing treatment, skipping a level of care, or moving to a lower level of care before it is deemed medically and clinically appropriate can all detract from the efficacy of treatment. Therefore, we encourage following the structure of our treatment program. The pre-admission clinical assessment and ASAM criteria will determine each client’s level of care upon intake.