Outpatient drug rehab is less restrictive than inpatient programs. Outpatient recovery programs usually require 10 to 12 hours a week spent visiting a local treatment center.

These sessions focus on drug abuse education, individual and group counseling, and teaching addicted people how to cope without their drug. Outpatient drug rehab can be a good standalone option for someone with a mild addiction, or it can be part of a long-term treatment program. Outpatient drug rehab can last three to six months — something similar to inpatient treatment — or over a year.

Outpatient Detox Programs

Patients with mild-to-moderate drug withdrawal symptoms might find outpatient detoxification a fitting alternative to residential detox. Outpatient detox is safe, effective and takes less time to complete than inpatient detox.

The average outpatient detox period lasts 6.5 days.

Patients must visit a hospital or other treatment facility for physical and mental check-ups during outpatient detox. Clinicians or doctors might administer medications on-site to soothe withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression and increased heart rate.

Social Support During Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient drug rehab allows recovering addicts to remain at home during treatment. Those undergoing outpatient drug rehab can continue working and remain close to family and friends. Outpatient treatment centers usually conduct meetings at night or in the early morning, helping those in the program maintain their normal schedules.

Twelve step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) may be used as part of outpatient treatment. Studies show that participating in recovery groups like AA and NA helps recovering addicts stay sober. Many recovering addicts also turn to outpatient treatment after completing an inpatient program as part of their continued recovery.

Inpatient treatment programs typically cost more than outpatient drug rehab. The on-hand medical care and psychotherapy available to residential rehab patients increases treatment costs. The price difference should not encourage or discourage someone from choosing the best treatment route for them.