How to Choose the Right Outpatient Program for Your Recovery

There are lots of addiction recovery programs out there. Choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Sometimes keeping all the different types of programs straight might seem impossible.

But finding the right program for you is the real key to success. Treatment is something that you only want to have to do once.

Do some research before committing to a program. Talk about your options with friends. Here are some things you should consider during your selection.

1. Cost

For most people, this is the main priority.

Rehab programs are not cheap. Unfortunately, most insurance programs don’t cover rehab. And if they do, they might not cover the type that is the best program for you and your needs.

Check with your insurance first if you need to. Then go from there and see what your options might be.

IOPs, intensive outpatient programs, are much more affordable than inpatient rehab facilities. This is because the costs are so high.

Rehab centers need money to stay in business. They have to pay their staff, and working at a recovery facility isn’t easy.

There are medical costs, food costs, and therapy costs. That’s not mentioning the rent that has to be paid and the utilities.

IOPs are much cheaper because they have lower costs.

2. Timing

You have to schedule time for treatment.

Most people don’t have the luxury of spending weeks or months away from their friends and family. That’s not to mention commitments at work.

Do some research into how long rehab lasts. Here is some information on the usual lengths of treatment programs.

Most facilities offer programs of varying lengths. IOPs often offer the most flexibility.

Even if you choose an IOP, be prepared for a time commitment. For at least several weeks, you will need to spend several hours a day in therapy. You will probably have to spend a few days away from work.

If you have big plans, you might have to cancel them. The start of recovery isn’t a great time to do anything life-changing anyway.

Your family’s time commitments are things to consider, too. If you have kids, you’ll have to see about getting extra childcare. Your family will probably have to come to therapy as well.

Generally, an IOP offers the best flexibility when it comes to scheduling.

3. Location

You will have to get to your IOP treatment somehow.

Some facilities have transportation options, but most don’t. And public transportation is not always reliable.While recovering, driving yourself isn’t always a good idea. Driving in traffic can be stressful. And when you’re detoxing, you’ll need someone to help.

If you choose a place that is far away, see if someone can drive you. These drives can be a great time to talk through things.

If you can afford it, use a ride-sharing app. Use this time to meditate or think. Or get some rest and just sleep.

You might actually want somewhere farther away from home. You might not be ready to tell your friends about what you’re going through. Or you might need some distance and time to yourself.

If you need to, book a hotel room and spend some time alone. There’s nothing wrong with taking a break from things.

4. Community

You don’t need to go through things alone.

Look for a treatment program that has group therapy sessions. Being in a group might sound silly, but it works.

Everyone needs to talk about their problems. And only other addicts can really understand what you’re going through. They can help you find new ways of coping like a hobby from this list.

You’ll want to find a community after you’ve stopped treatment. Ask the facility what connections they have with support groups outside their program.

In your support group, you might find friends whom you keep for the rest of your life. And they can help deepen your existing friendships.

5. Success

Most addicts relapse at some point.

This is something you need to think about and be prepared for. When searching for a program, ask about their success rates.

If they don’t want to share this information, something is probably wrong. However, success rates are unfortunately relatively low.

But addicts who seek professional treatment are far more likely to recover than those who don’t. So, even if the rates are low, receiving treatment is better than not seeking help at all.

Conclusion

No program is right for every person. Take the time to find the right program for you.