Inpatient and outpatient programs have several differences that can make one more suitable to certain individuals than the other. At the heart of outpatient treatment is the goal of making treatment as accessible as possible, and its benefits mainly lie in its broad reach and unobtrusive nature. For those looking into potential treatment solutions, determine how well the five major outpatient program benefits align with your needs, daily life, and priorities. If you or a loved one are battling a substance use disorder, know that professional help is the safest and most effective means of recovering.
Clear Steps Recovery offers a personally tailored outpatient program center in New Hampshire’s woodlands. Located in Londonderry, Clear Steps Recovery is a short drive from Boston, the beach, or the White Mountains. We are located just minutes from Exit 4 on I93 but comfortably set back and situated in a private, peaceful environment. Call us today at 603.769.8981, or reach us online to ask questions and learn more about our outpatient program benefits.
The 5 Major Benefits of Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs are becoming more popular by the year due to their accessibility and adaptiveness. The strength of any outpatient program is that individuals with a full-time job, an academic life, or a family to attend to can still make room for periodic visits for wellness.
1. Flexibility
Most outpatient programs only require a few hours out of the day, for 3-4 days a week. This figure can be adjusted depending on work/other extenuating life circumstances, but 3-5 hours 3 times a week is the standard minimum. Scheduling is also highly flexible.
2. Connections
Family and friends are invited to play a major role during outpatient treatment. The staff is committed to creating a strong support network. In contrast to inpatient care, where full-time hospital stays can feel totally isolating, remaining close to your loved ones is an essential part of outpatient care.
3. Cost
Given the reduced amount of time and accommodations required for outpatient treatment, the cost is almost always lower than an equivalent inpatient program. Accessibility doesn’t just mean availability—a high price point shouldn’t prevent someone from receiving aid in treatment for substance use disorder.
4. Transition
Outpatient recovery functions well as a step into higher levels of treatment if necessary and a step down to resuming life as usual. Often, jumping back into the deep end after an extended period of tightly supervised and scheduled treatment can lead to relapse, so these transition steps are essential.
5. Practical Application
Since outpatient treatment emphasizes the importance of life as usual, it can allow for highly practical skill application. This ties into the abovementioned point about how relapse is common among a cold reentry into daily life. Applying the skills and habits formed in therapy alongside everyday living can help significantly in the long term.
Outpatient Benefits vs. Disadvantages
Outpatient therapy has significant upsides, but it’s essential to remember that it’s not the solution for everyone. Outpatient program benefits really shine in situations where home life is secure and drug/alcohol-free. How well outpatient vs. inpatient programs work is highly subjective to the individual, so be sure to communicate all relevant details. The main reasons why an outpatient program would not be suitable include the following:
- Home environments – Outpatient addiction treatment can be ineffective if the home environment is not conducive to sobriety. If an individual’s home contains triggers that lead to substance abuse, such as the presence of drugs or alcohol, then participating in outpatient treatment may be counterproductive.
- Limited supervision – With outpatient addiction treatment, an individual is not supervised 24/7. This can be a significant disadvantage if an individual does not have the self-control or motivation to avoid drugs and alcohol while in recovery.
- Intensive therapy – Outpatient programs offer fewer hours of therapy than inpatient programs, which may be beneficial for some people but too limited for those with severe addictions. Inpatient programs provide more intensive therapy, which can benefit those with long-term addictions.
For a great many clients, an outpatient program works. Outpatient program benefits include much greater accessibility and flexibility than inpatient treatment, as well as a smaller financial burden and the ability to remain close to family and friends. If an individual’s home environment is conducive to sobriety or if they are dealing with a mild addiction, then an outpatient program may be the ideal treatment option.
Find the Right Outpatient Program in New Hampshire at Clear Steps Recovery
Understanding the benefits of the outpatient program can greatly inform how one approaches recovery from substance use disorder. Ultimately, the decision as to which works best for you or your loved one will be made between you and the treatment center professionals. To learn more about outpatient treatment, contact the team at Clear Steps Recovery and determine whether our outpatient program in New Hampshire is right for you.
