Residential treatment programs are not always the best choice for every person trying to recover from addiction. Some people are simply unable to cease their work or childcare obligations, even temporarily.
Outpatient treatment provides a valuable avenue to recovery for many individuals who cannot or choose not to participate in residential treatment. In most cases, outpatient treatment is a more affordable way of receiving the necessary care.
A 2000 Benefit-Cost Analysis of Residential and Outpatient Addiction Treatment in the State of Washington found that the average cost of treatment amounted to $2,530 for full continuum (FC) and $1,138 for partial continuum (PC), with average net benefits of $17,833 for FC and $11,173 for PC. The study stated that the results strongly indicated “both treatment options generated positive and significant net benefits to society.”
In addition to the reduced costs, there can be several other advantages to outpatient treatment. With an outpatient program, treatment sessions are typically offered during various times during the week so a person can make sessions work with his or her existing schedule, minimizing interruptions to his or her daily life.
During outpatient treatment, a person is not only able to continue to support his or her family, but he or she also has regular access to the family members for emotional support. Such interactions help reduce the isolationism some experience during traditional residential treatment.
Additionally, outpatient also allows for an individual to retain a greater sense of privacy. Outpatient treatment can involve different forms of treatment, including possibly multidisciplinary approaches.
Outpatient also serves as an extremely useful tool for people transitioning from residential treatment programs. A 2014 study found that intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) “are as effective as inpatient treatment for most individuals seeking care.”
Outpatient treatment is not recommended for all types of people. For example, individuals with a history of chronic relapse can struggle in outpatient programs because of continued exposure to the very drugs or alcohol they are seeking to stop using.
Similarly, individuals with serious addictions who require 24-hour support and people who are considered a danger to themselves or others are usually not ideal for outpatient services. An outpatient program can work for others, including those who are still early in their recovery, when the treatment focuses on tools and techniques that help people deal with their addictions.
Asana Recovery has three levels of outpatient care. The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) aims to be the next step for clients immediately after detox and residential treatment with a higher level of daily structure and support.
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) helps clients continue therapy and reinforce life skills and coping techniques learned in residential treatment. Finally, the Outpatient Program (OP) is a highly flexible final phase of treatment.
Asana Recovery understands the difficulty some people face in trying to work a recovery program into their daily lives, which is why we offer drug and alcohol treatment sessions throughout the week. Call (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our outpatient treatment programs and get answers to all of your questions so we can determine the best possible path to recovery that suits all of your unique needs.
