Outpatient rehab can last several months depending on what type of program you attend. Most people transition from inpatient rehab into an outpatient rehab program. This helps them maintain their recovery skills as they continue their treatment program.
In addition, sober living programs provide an additional level of accountability for those in outpatient rehab. Creekside Recovery Residences offers sober living programs for those in outpatient rehab.
What Are the Different Types of Outpatient Rehab Programs?
Different types of outpatient rehab programs vary in levels of care. Simply put, this means that some programs are more intensive than others. It is best to step down from each higher level of care to the next as you gradually build the skills needed for long-term recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Most people go from residential treatment to a partial hospitalization program (PHP). Furthermore, the programming in PHP is similar to residential treatment. As a result, you get a mix of individual and group sessions along with experiential therapy and psychoeducational classes on mental health, life skills, and addiction.
However, unlike residential treatment, you don’t live in a facility during your PHP program. But, you still get about six to eight hours of programming per day, five days per week. After that, you can move on to an intensive outpatient program.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) continue your treatment with a less restrictive schedule compared to PHP. You still get a significant amount of treatment and support, however, you can attend an IOP program while resuming everyday responsibilities. For instance, many IOP programs occur during the evening, allowing you to work full-time during the day.
Most IOP programs last three to four hours per session, four to five days per week. Some rehab programs offer IOP during both the daytime hours and evening so that you can choose which time is best for you. After IOP, you can continue with regular outpatient programs.
Outpatient Program (OP)
Following PHP and IOP programs, you can continue with a regular outpatient program. This is the most flexible type of rehab program because you get to choose what is right for you. This could be meeting with a therapist weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. You can also participate in group or family therapy sessions on a similar schedule.
Most sessions during regular OP will last about an hour. In addition, there are now several virtual options for outpatient rehab. Virtual outpatient rehab provides greater accessibility and flexibility to those in recovery from addiction.
How Long Do Outpatient Rehab Programs Last?
Different types of outpatient rehab programs last different amounts of time. Furthermore, you need to consider the total length of time as you progress from one type of program to the next. Therefore, outpatient rehab programs typically last at least 60 to 90 days from PHP to regular outpatient programs.
Lastly, you might be in regular outpatient therapy for several months or even years. That is because outpatient therapy is a tool to help you navigate everyday life as you build your recovery skills.
In addition, outpatient therapy helps to treat common underlying causes of addiction which is often a co-occurring mental health disorder. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), “More than one in four adults living with serious mental health problems also has a substance use problem.”
What’s the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab?
The primary difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is where you live during treatment. Throughout inpatient rehab, also called residential treatment, you live within the treatment facility. That way, you can stay safe from any relapse triggers during early recovery.
On the other hand, during outpatient rehab, you can live at home, with family, or in a sober living program. This allows you to resume some of your everyday responsibilities while in treatment. For additional support, you can consider a sober living program throughout outpatient rehab.
How Do Sober Living Programs Differ From Residential Treatment?
The key difference between sober living programs and residential treatment is that during sober living, you have more freedom to leave the home. But, during residential treatment programs, you won’t be able to leave the facility throughout your program. Of course, some exceptions may apply, like medical or psychiatric appointments, for instance.
However, this doesn’t mean that during sober living, you can come and go as you please. For example, while you can go to an outpatient program, work, or school, you might need to return to the sober living home right away. In addition, you will likely have a curfew and randomized drug testing as well as required programming within the home.
Which Type of Rehab Program is Right for Me?
Overall, you need to consider where you are in your recovery to determine which type of rehab program is right for you. The whole process, from inpatient to outpatient rehab, can last a long time, and it’s best to go in succession from higher to lower levels of care.
Additionally, many treatment programs require that you step down from one level of care to the next. Depending on the severity of your addiction and your treatment history, you might be able to start at a lower level of care. However, most treatment providers like to know that you have made progress before you advance.
Regardless of which type of outpatient rehab program you are in, you can choose a sober living program for additional support and structure.
Begin Outpatient Rehab and Sober Living Today
Creekside Recovery Residences provides sober living programs for those in outpatient rehab. You can remain in sober living no matter how long your outpatient rehab will last. In addition, some people continue sober living after active treatment as they get back on their feet in recovery from addiction.
Contact us to begin sober living and outpatient rehab today.
