5 Signs Outpatient Drug Rehab is Right For You

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Drug addiction is a complex disease that affects your emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and everyday life. Oftentimes, the effects that addiction can have on you make it difficult to recognize that you have a problem. If you have decided to attend an addiction treatment program in North Carolina, you are one step closer to achieving the life you deserve.

Because there are so many options when it comes to addiction treatment, finding the right program for you can be difficult. Deciding whether you will attend an inpatient or outpatient rehab center can be a confusing process, especially if you have never been to treatment before.

Inpatient treatment is a recovery program that requires patients to live at the facility while they recover from addiction and learn how to live a happy, sober life. On the other hand, outpatient treatment allows patients to return to their homes after they complete their daily treatment sessions.

Outpatient drug rehab programs are beneficial for individuals who are self-motivated in their recovery. Additionally, outpatient treatment is the top choice for people who have to continue working, attending school, or caring for their families while they recover from addiction.

But how can you tell if outpatient drug rehab is right for you? Here are 5 indicators to consider.

1. You Have a Support System at Home

The most important thing to consider before choosing outpatient treatment is your home situation.

Do you live with people who drink alcohol or use drugs? Are the people in your household toxic? If so, attending an outpatient program may not be the best choice for you.

However, if you live with friends or family members that support your recovery, attending an outpatient program might be the better option. Being connected with your loved ones throughout treatment is extremely beneficial, as this allows you to receive support from people whom you are comfortable with.

2. You Are Motivated to Recover

While inpatient rehab programs offer 24/7 support and supervision, outpatient treatment requires a sense of personal accountability. Because of this, you need to be able to motivate yourself to attend daily treatment sessions.

The various treatment sessions you will be expected to attend include:

• Individual therapy
• Group counseling sessions
• 12-step or other forms of addiction support groups

Outpatient treatment can be extremely beneficial for individuals who are highly motivated to recover. However, if you think that you need supervision and outside motivation to get you to attend therapy sessions and group meetings, inpatient rehab is probably the best choice for you.

3. There are Outside Obligations You Have to Take Care Of

One of the main reasons individuals choose outpatient rehab over inpatient treatment is their need to continue attending work, school, or taking care of their families. If you are in a similar situation, outpatient drug rehab is right for you.

Outpatient treatment works around your schedule, allowing you to continue caring for the obligations you cannot neglect. In fact, most programs will meet with you to discuss your needs to create a treatment schedule that aligns with your daily work or school schedule.

If you need to attend work during the day, most programs have a night treatment option to help you recover while you keep up with your career.

4. You Have Completed a Detox and Inpatient Program

If you have been using drugs for a long time, you will likely struggle with withdrawal symptoms upon getting sober. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening depending on the type of drug you were addicted to and how long you were dependent on it. Because of this, attending medical detox before joining an outpatient program is of the utmost importance.

Additionally, individuals with severe addiction issues, co-occurring disorders, or medical conditions should attend an inpatient program before stepping down to outpatient rehab.

Completing an inpatient rehab program will allow you enough time to learn to manage your co-occurring disorder and addiction triggers before you attend an outpatient program that relies on self-accountability and motivation.

5. You Have Not Struggled With Relapse In the Past

If it is your first time attending treatment, you have not suffered from a relapse, and your addiction issues are not severe, outpatient drug rehab is right for you.

Individuals who have attended rehab in the past and suffered a relapse will require extra time in a treatment program to identify their triggers and develop positive coping mechanisms. If you have relapsed in the past, attending an outpatient program will not provide you with the intensive care and extensive rehab prevention planning that you need.

Who Shouldn’t Attend an Outpatient Drug Rehab?

The benefits of outpatient addiction treatment are extensive, however, if you relate to the following statements, outpatient treatment may not be the best option as a standalone treatment:

• You experience constant urges to use drugs or alcohol
• You have a hard time showing up to treatment sessions on your own
• Your home life is chaotic, toxic, or contains drug and alcohol use
• You need treatment for co-occurring disorders or medical conditions
• Relapse has been a part of your story in the past
• You suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings

While these signs indicate that outpatient treatment would not be beneficial as a standalone treatment, using it as a step-down program is recommended. For example, individuals with severe substance use disorders should attend a medical detox program, an inpatient treatment facility, and an outpatient rehab as a comprehensive treatment plan.

Get Connected With a Top-Rated Outpatient Drug Rehab Center in North Carolina

If you or a loved one suffer from drug addiction and are interested in attending outpatient drug rehab, you have come to the right place. Carolina Recovery Center is one of the top-rated addiction treatment choices in North Carolina.

Our program focuses on understanding the causes of your addiction, learning about your triggers, and developing relapse prevention techniques to help you remain sober long-term. Contact us today for more information on our outpatient drug and alcohol rehab services.