The period of recovery for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse does not end when they are discharged from a rehabilitation facility; that is only the beginning of recovery. Continued treatment and outpatient aftercare are essential to reinforce the therapies and techniques instilled throughout inpatient rehabilitation.
Outpatient therapy occurs when the recovering patient is at home, after a formal course of inpatient treatment. This type of treatment is less intense as the recovering addict no longer requires around-the-clock supervision. Patients often have the option of scheduling treatments at their convenience, at times that do not interfere with normal daily activities.
Unfortunately, there is not a single or simple answer to recovery. Continuing outpatient treatment is essential to decrease the chances of the recovering addict reverting to alcohol or drug dependency, most often referred to as relapse. Luckily, there are a variety of outpatient treatments available to facilitate the recovery process including:
- Support Groups – These are meetings for individuals who have a similar history of drug or alcohol dependency. Members provide comfort, practical advice, and encouragement to maintain a life without chemical dependency. Support groups also ensure members do not feel isolated or scrutinized by allowing individuals to share personal experiences and offer moral support.
- Group Therapy – This type of therapy should not be confused with support groups. These one to two-hour sessions are conducted by a licensed therapist or psychologist with a group ranging from a few to 15 patients. The group focuses on improving self-esteem and developing social skills. Participants have the opportunity to connect with a variety of diverse individuals and learn new perspectives on common problems.
- Individual Counseling – These therapy sessions are more personal and provide the individual with privacy and discreetness. Individual counseling is led by a licensed professional who focuses solely on the patient, who is often more comfortable in a personal session instead of a group setting. Counselors offer an unbiased approach and teach mechanisms to cope with stress management.
Drug and alcohol abuse is serious, and an episode of relapse may prove devastating. Not only do these illnesses affect addicts, they also impact the lives of family, family, and possibly other individuals. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. If you or someone you know is battling one of these serious conditions, call (833) 762-3765 now to schedule an appointment.