In a phrase, outpatient drug rehab is not a scam. The comprehensive, evidence based programs are quite the opposite. Structured outpatient drug treatment, when adhering to an underlying personalized program, is a highly effective treatment option for individuals with substance abuse and addiction “disorders.” This is especially the case for those who have been through conventional treatment before (only to relapse soon after), come to realize what they are up against and in following, have made a new commitment to go to any lengths to get drugs and alcohol out of their life, for good. For those so motivated, their chances at recovery in an outpatient environment are favorable.

There are a few reasons why some people believe that outpatient drug treatment isn’t effective.

Myths about Outpatient Drug Rehab Being Ineffective

  • Clients are able to be out and about in the real world every day.
  • Clients are faced with many triggers during treatment.
  • The relationships formed in the outpatient drug treatment program are sometimes not as strong as with the inpatient drug treatment program.
  • Here are some myths regarding addicts:
  • Drug Addiction is Voluntary
  • Drug Addiction is a Character Flaw
  • Willpower is all You Need
  • You Need to Hit “Rock Bottom”
  • Treatment with Any Medications Exchanges One Addiction for Another (though absolutely true with certain opiate blockers like Suboxone and Methadone)
  • Punishing an Addict Helps
  • One Treatment Should Be Enough
  • Once Addicted, You Can Never Have a Normal Life

Why Outpatient Drug Rehab Actually Does Work

While outpatient drug treatment is structured quite differently (deliberately) from inpatient drug treatment, it is a viable option for individuals struggling with addictions. Patients are able to freely go into the outside world each day, go home, develop healthy routines…all while integrating the principles of recovery in their regular lives—in real-time, real-life. True they are faced with many triggers that do not exist inside the cocoon of inpatient drug treatment programs, and these are increased challenges, but for the motivated individual working a program, they do not have to disrupt treatment. And in all reality, addressing “life on life’s terms” is what lays the groundwork for a lasting, fulfilling life in recovery.

Patients undergo the many of same effective treatment methods in the outpatient drug treatment program as those in the inpatient drug treatment program, but not in an artificially protected environment (no doubt this is the right choice for many). These tried and true methods include psychotherapy, support group meetings, relapse prevention strategies, lifestyle counseling, the principles of sincere self-work, experience sharing, speaker meetings, motivational storytelling, to name just a few.

Life does not stop or become abusive simply because someone has an addiction. It can and often does of course, but that doesn’t always have to be the case…especially if loved ones can intervene at the first signs of danger. It is a part of their individual journey, a major (and many times massive) challenge they must learn to overcome, but does not necessarily have to prevent them from having a career, children, passions, hobbies, and dreams. These are often what leads to the necessary motivation to change. Humans make mistakes, small ones and huge ones, and recovery is a stark and humbling reminder to many people of what is truly valuable in life. Recovery helps people truly evaluate their priorities from the ground up, and redirect their energy into doing the next right thing, taking the next right step…whatever that may be.

Getting Help

If you or someone you love is suffering from the effects of alcohol abuse, substance addiction or any other type of addiction, please call us today.

At igotsober Recovery Center we use an innovative Outpatient Treatment Program, developed by BioCorRx , which is centered around the non-narcotic, non-addictive Naltrexone pellet implant. The medicine in this 100% biodegradable implant safely and quickly stops not just the desire for drugs and alcohol, but blocks their ‘pleasure effects’ as well. Because it lasts for about 6 months, you now have an unprecedented opportunity to integrate the concepts of recovery into your everyday life, and at a time when the risk of relapse is highest.

We combine this Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) approach with a multi-phase program of 16 sessions of 1:1 personalized therapy, and up to 12 months of work with our Recovery Coaches (who have gone through recovery themselves) and certified Peer Recovery Specialists. A real-life, real-time program where you continue working, living at home, and caring for your family and responsibilities. This is the only program of its kind, and becoming the new Gold Standard for Outpatient Recovery .