Before deciding if outpatient treatment is what you need, you should be well aware about what outpatient treatment actually is.
Outpatient treatment lets the patient carry on with their daily activities without binding them to a treatment center 24/7.
The outpatient treatment is suitable if the problem of addiction is still in its early stage.
But that is not the only deciding factor.
Here are some factors to help you decide if outpatient treatment is the right choice for you or not:
1. Feasibility And Practicality
One of the important factors while choosing outpatient treatment is to ensure how practical and feasible the program is to YOU.
Is the outpatient treatment program designed in a way to cater your personal needs?
Does the program outline coincide with your sobriety goals?
Is your addiction at such a severe stage that it needs you to sign up for 4/7 treatment? What does your doctor recommend?
How would you manage your work schedule with it?
All of these questions will help you decide if you should go for outpatient treatment or not?
2. Affordability
The sad thing is that some people choose not to seek recovery since it can be expensive.
While there are government as well as private funded rehab centers it can still be a burden on your wallet.
Leaving your job and signing up for a full-time rehab might land you in financial trouble. But that doesn’t stop you from seeking help.
If you ultimately decide that outpatient treatment is the right choice for you, then you should seek some financial help from the organizations that offer financial help for recovery and rehab.
3. Phase Of Addiction
A very important thing to consider before choosing any sort of treatment program is the phase of addiction.
Understanding how severe your addiction is will help you choose a more suitable program.
It is important that you assess your own condition first and then allow a medical expert to examine your addiction.
Outpatient treatment is helpful in case of mild to moderate addiction.
Only then, under the right conditions, such as support groups, self-awareness about one’s condition and motivation to get back to a healthy life, Outpatient treatment can be the right choice.
But if your addiction is very strong, then you might have to go for inpatient treatment. But who helped you decide that?
4. Your Doctor
Yes! Your doctor helps you decide whether an outpatient treatment will be helpful for you or not.
Your doctor knows your medical history, has all the data about your history with drugs and is an expert at taking necessary tests.
If your doctor reaches the conclusion that your case is getting severe by everyday and now you need extra medical care, then you’ll have to sign up for in-patient treatment.
But if your doctor confirms that your addiction is mild and can be recovered with a little nudge, then sure, go ahead with the outpatient treatment.
5. Privacy
Unfortunately, the stigma in our society regarding mental health, or issues like addiction and seeking professional help are a big hurdle for those in need of help.
And it can be harmful for an individual’s mental and emotional health along with being difficult to complete or even consider an inpatient program.
Some people might be subject to societal pressure. But that shouldn’t stop you from getting help.
Fight off the stigma and sign up for what’s better for you.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, an Outpatient program is a very good way of receiving the necessary help while keeping the matter confidential and your privacy intact.
To sum it all up, if you think you have an addiction problem, it should not be ignored, and getting professional help is a must.
Be it inpatient or outpatient, one must consider whichever of it fits the diverse criteria of selecting the type of treatment depending on your situation to ensure a healthy, happy and prosperous life and well-being of the society.