When and Why Urine Testing Is Required in Outpatient Treatment
Enrolling in an outpatient treatment program is a way for patients to sustain their sobriety after recently completing inpatient treatment. These minimally invasive programs provide individuals with a more lenient form of rehabilitation to help continue their progress with long-term sobriety and relapse prevention. Outpatient drug rehabilitation methods typically consist of:
- partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
- individual therapy
- group therapy
Many individuals who are looking into these outpatient programs have questions surrounding mandatory drug screenings performed through urinalysis. Routine urine testing is one of the most reliable ways to measure the current stage of recovery that the patient is in. This regimented testing becomes even more crucial in outpatient therapy due to the newfound freedom that the individual is often experiencing after leaving intensive treatment.
Urine Testing During Initial Admittance
Most outpatient programs require patients to submit a urine sample for drug screening purposes at the onset of treatment. This is vital in assessing the individual’s current phase of sobriety, and it will help the clinicians develop a plan that is more accommodating to their current needs. For a program to cater specifically to a patient’s individual needs, there needs to be a reliable way for them to analyze their current state. A urinalysis given at the onset of treatment is the most foolproof way to gather this necessary information.
Why Routine Screening is Needed Post-Admittance
While the initial urinalysis that clinicians are provided with is key in developing the first plan of action, more screenings are needed to continue with the advancement of their individualized program. Recovery isn’t a straight and narrow path without any challenges or improvements, and a successful treatment plan will reflect these changes accordingly. Urine testing gives your clinicians reputable insight as to how your treatment plan is working for you, and allows them to make any necessary changes. These continuous testings can also benefit patients in terms of reinforcement by celebrating each negative screening during the recovery process. Not many patients are thrilled with the idea of participating in routine drug screenings, but this method of testing is the most reliable way to measure your successes overtime. Having a treatment plan that reflects your current needs will heighten your chances of long-term sobriety, as well as contribute to overall relapse prevention. If you’re interested in seeking out an outpatient program, contact our facility at (833) 762-3765.