Common Outpatient Addiction Treatment Questions

WHAT TO EXPECT:

 

 

Individuals who receive addiction treatment generally attend multiple levels of care during recovery. 

 

Outpatient addiction treatment provides opportunities to develop skills necessary for a successful recovery. Outpatient treatment is less restrictive than detox and residential care. The individual has more personal freedom and can return home each evening.

What is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

 

Outpatient addiction treatment addresses addiction with various evidence-based approaches. Some of the better outpatient rehabs in Santa Monica combine science with holistic health to address addiction and underlying issues in a comprehensive–but focused–manner. 

 

For example, an outpatient program may use Brainwave Optimization neurofeedback techniques and cognitive testing to address changes that occurred in the brain due to drugs or alcohol usage. The objective findings of these scientific approaches combine well with individual, group, and family therapy which is often subjective.  

Are There Different Levels of Outpatient Care?

 

Yes. Outpatient addiction treatment usually has two levels–outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment.

 

Here’s a quick look at each:

 

Outpatient Addiction Treatment (OP)

 

Outpatient addiction treatment (OP) is a lower level of care that works best for individuals without a severe drug or alcohol history. Individuals in OP care usually have more opportunities for structure in their lives (work, family, etc.) and a good support network.

 

Also, OP treatment may be used as a way of moving forward with addiction once an individual completes an intensive outpatient addiction program.

 

An individual usually spends less than 9 hours a week in OP treatment.

 

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

 

Intensive outpatient (IOP) is a higher level of care for individuals who may require additional structure and support. IOP addiction programs require an individual to spend more time in groups, therapy sessions, skill-building classes, and sober activities.

 

Some individuals may spend the whole day in IOP programming before being able to return home or to a sober living home.

 

IOP programs are appropriate for individuals who completed a residential drug rehab program. Also, those struggling in an OP program can get moved to an IOP program for extra support.

 

An IOP program can last up to 6 hours a day.

How Will I Know Which Outpatient Addiction Treatment is Right for Me?

 

You don’t need to have all the answers. An intake professional helps determine which placement is most appropriate.

 

Placement depends on several factors. The intake coordinator listens to your or a loved one’s story, reviews any records, and provides guidance for the best addiction treatment options.

 

The intake coordinator will also explain what happens during outpatient or intensive outpatient treatment, available services, and how the admission process works.

If I Don’t Live in Los Angeles, Can I Still Attend Outpatient Addiction Treatment Here?

 

Coastal Los Angeles boasts beautiful scenery, comfortable weather, and is just a short trip to Los Angeles. Furthermore, our location, Santa Monica, is famous for its beaches, dining, and tourist attractions, hosting over 8 million visitors annually. 

 

And yes, some of these visitors are individuals seeking substance abuse treatment. The fresh ocean air, change of environment, and opportunities to explore sober activities can be a source of inspiration for those ready to start or continue their recovery journey.

Can I Afford Long-Term Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

 

Some outpatient services get covered by insurance. Other outpatient addiction treatments are private pay. You will want to check with a facility that resonates with you and find out how they charge.

 

Some individuals may think addiction treatment is expensive–especially if they have to pay out of pocket. When considering the price, you also have to see this as an investment. 

 

If you or a loved one continue to use and the addiction worsens, the consequences can be very expensive. Losing a job, getting arrested, or developing mental and physical health problems can cost much more than outpatient addiction treatment.

 

And yes, some luxury addiction treatment and sober living facilities in the Santa Monica area have a high ticket price. But the costs also include several luxury amenities for comfort and enjoyment. Those accustomed to a particular way of living appreciate the transition to luxury outpatient addiction treatment.

Starting Your Outpatient Journey

Recover Integrity provides values-based exclusive extended care treatment for men. Our boutique Brentwood IOP community offers high-quality group work, multiple individual sessions, and a theory-based approach to recovery. We maintain a private, supportive atmosphere so the men in our program can focus on clinical care, wisdom work, and recovering their lives.

 

You can call (310) 294-9030 if you have any questions about our Brentwood IOP program.

AUTHOR: Adam Mindel