4 Things You Can Gain From An Outpatient Substance Abuse Program

Addiction is not a moral failing. Instead, addiction can best be understood as a disease. When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they may find themselves unable to stop using these substances, even if they'd like to get sober. Substance abuse programs can provide the practical support that people need to triumph over their addictions. Outpatient substance abuse programs can offer this support in a flexible outpatient environment that forgoes the need for residential treatment. Here are four things you can expect from an outpatient substance abuse program.

1. Frequent Addiction Counseling Appointments

During outpatient substance abuse treatment, patients will have the freedom to live at home. In order to receive the counseling and assistance they need to overcome their addictions, patients will attend frequent appointments to undergo intensive counseling. At the beginning of your treatment, you can expect to attend counseling sessions on a daily basis. This type of frequent counseling can ensure that you get the support and accountability you need to avoid backsliding into addiction.

2. Urine Testing

Some outpatient substance abuse programs provide regular urine testing for patients. Urine tests can provide accountability, giving patients a reason to avoid drug use when they are alone. If your attendance at a substance abuse treatment program has been mandated by a judge or employer, these urine tests may also be a condition of your treatments. If you fail a urine test, this information can be used to further tailor your counseling appointments to prevent further relapses.

3. Gradual Reduction Of Care

At the beginning of intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment, you can expect daily counseling sessions. As you progress further along the road to recovery, you'll be able to manage more and more of your life on your own. As this happens, the clinical care you receive will gradually reduce in intensity. You'll be given more freedom well still attending weekly counseling sessions to provide the mental health care you need to maintain your sobriety.

4. Confidentiality

Unfortunately, substance addiction can be a sensitive topic that comes with some stigma in society. However, the treatment you receive at an outpatient substance abuse treatment program will be completely confidential. Your doctors and counselors will never reveal the circumstances or specifics of your treatment. You can confidently seek counseling for your drug or alcohol addiction without fear that your treatment will negatively impact the rest of your life. 

For more information on an outpatient substance abuse program, contact a professional near you.