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Are There Outpatient Treatment Programs for Opioid Addiction?

Opioid addiction requires patients to attend rehab and detox in order to gain recovery. Recovering from opioids could have life-threatening withdrawals that require medical and expert attention.

For the most part, patients remain within the confinement of the inpatient rehab facility, but is there a way to get opioid outpatient treatment? Let’s find out!

What is Outpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction?

There are two ways in which an addict can receive addiction treatment in rehab, either via inpatient or outpatient treatment.

In an outpatient program, patients continue to live at home while receiving addiction treatment. This means that patients do not have to stay in a residential facility or hospital. Instead, they can attend outpatient opioid rehab or a hospital to receive counseling or medication and then go back home.

Many busy professionals choose an outpatient treatment setting as a way to gain sobriety while still attending to their daily responsibilities. 

Outpatient treatment could be more affordable than inpatient treatment, but it can also be riskier as patients are more susceptible to relapse.

How Does Outpatient Treatment for Opioid Addiction Work?

Opioid outpatient treatment typically involves the following:

  • Counseling and therapy: To address the psychological and emotional aspects of their addiction, patients typically attend individual or group counseling sessions. 
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): To manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, patients may also be prescribed medication. Counseling and therapy are often used in conjunction with this.
  • Monitoring and support: As part of the treatment process, patients will also be closely monitored by healthcare professionals and given medication to treat the side effects of withdrawals and MAT treatment.

Who Is Outpatient Treatment For?

Opioid outpatient treatment can be beneficial for:

  • Patients with mild to moderate addiction
  • Patients that have already completed a residential treatment program and are looking for ongoing support
  • Patients who are unable to take time away from work, family, or other responsibilities to attend a residential treatment program

It’s important to note that some patients may require a more intensive level of care than an outpatient opioid rehab can offer them. A healthcare professional can help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

In some cases, patients might want to opt for outpatient treatment out of comfort, or they might not wish to take time off from work due to financial difficulties. But these reasons might end up hurting their recovery in the end. 

In such cases, it’s best to speak openly with your admissions counselor and see if there are alternatives that can help you get into an inpatient treatment center.

For example, in such cases an addict might be able to take a sick leave from work, allowing them to recover with financial peace of mind.

Outpatient Treatment Programs for Opioid Addiction

Opioid outpatient treatment is possible, but not always recommended by professionals. Opioid withdrawals can be life-threatening. Therefore, detoxifying outside of the supervision of medical help can be dangerous.

Opioids are one of the most addictive substances known, and the risk of relapse during opioid treatment can be high. 

In fact, a study carried out in 2016 shows that 27.7% of patients that participated in the study in an outpatient treatment setting receiving buprenorphine/naloxone dropped out.

Getting Help

Choosing to go to an outpatient opioid rehab could be a tempting choice. The ability to get in and out of the facility might be compelling for addicts that wish to maintain their lifestyle.

But the decision should be ultimately based on the medical needs of the addicts and whatever will benefit them in their path to recovery.

Therefore, it’s always best to consult with a professional. At Outpatient LA our admissions team can help guide you through the decision-making process and provide you or your loved ones the help you need. 

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn whether outpatient opioid rehab is for you or not.

Get Real Help for Addiction Right Now.

Outpatient Los Angeles is available day or night to help you find the best treatment options that meet your personal needs.