Graduating from an inpatient program is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of, but your recovery journey does not end after residential rehab; it’s actually just beginning. Your chances of sustaining long-term recovery from drug or alcohol addiction increase when you follow residential rehab with outpatient treatment.
The transition from recovering in a facility to recovering at home is not always smooth. Relapse triggers and temptations may appear or your mental health might begin to suffer, and not having the safety net of 24/7 support can make you feel alone and lost. Continuing to receive professional care through outpatient treatment can help bridge this gap and make the transition much easier.
Do I Have to Continue Treatment After Residential Rehab?
While still in residential treatment, your medical provider will discuss with you what options are available for continued care after completing the program. The first step is enrolling in some form of outpatient treatment where you can continue receiving all of the intensive care you need, including therapy, support groups, case management, education and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Partial Hospitalization Programs
A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is an ideal transition tool for those who have completed detox, withdrawal and inpatient treatment but continue to require a high level of focused care for their substance use disorder.
PHP acts as a day program which allows you to live wherever you choose, whether it be your own home, a sober living house, or even in the facility under certain circumstances. PHP is more demanding than intensive or normal outpatient treatment, typically requiring daily visits to the treatment facility.
At Landmark Recovery, PHP is held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and maintains a similar structure to inpatient treatment, with comparable programs like group therapy, activities, meals, and other
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are an extremely effective form of outpatient care for those who have previously completed inpatient care. IOP requires multiple sessions per week, but is flexible enough to allow you to continue meeting professional and personal obligations throughout treatment. The program includes therapy, case management, 12-Step programs, SMART Recovery, education and similar programs.
Landmark Recovery’s IOP is held three hours a day, four days a week, in the morning or the evening depending on the facility.
Continuing Care After Rehab
Continuing care, aftercare and step-down care all refer to long-term treatment received after intensive programs such as residential, PHP and IOP. Engaging in these programs and other forms of continued care is a proven indicator of long-term success in recovery. Studies have shown that receiving post-residential care increases the abstinence rate by 50%, and long-term continuing care is especially beneficial to those who have previously relapsed or do not have a strong support system outside of treatment.
Types of continuing care include the following:
- Sober living
- Individual therapy, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Support groups such as 12-Step and SMART recovery
- MAT
- Recovery Coach Program
Relapse Prevention - Case management
- Alumni Programs
How Long Do I Need to Continue Treatment?
Data indicates that outpatient treatment should be attended for a minimum of three to six months, with the ideal duration being 12 months. However, many aspects of outpatient care are beneficial and effective far beyond the first year, such as therapy, support groups, and recovery coaching. Studies have also shown that longer, more active continuing care consistently produces more positive results.
How Can I Get More Information?
Landmark Recovery provides a full continuum of care, providing you with all the tools you need to succeed long-term in your recovery. To speak to a recovery specialist about your outpatient treatment options, call (888) 448-0302 or visit a location near you.
Choose Recovery Over Addiction
We're here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live life on your terms, without drugs or alcohol. Talk to our recovery specialists today and learn about our integrated treatment programs.
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