Outpatient Alcohol & Drug Rehab in Orlando

After detox, participants in an outpatient program will undergo different forms of rehab, which may include:

• Individual psychotherapy
• Group counseling
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Recovery groups
• Family therapy
• Complementary therapies

Psychotherapy is considered the cornerstone of substance abuse treatment, both at the individual and group level. In individual therapy, a qualified counselor takes a methodological approach to help the patient stop or reduce drug abuse, understand the origins of the drug abuse and environmental triggers, develop a sustainable recovery plan and build communication and social skills. This helps the patient have a better life experience overall.

Some of the most common psychotherapy methods that have proven effective in this area are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management and motivational enhancement therapy. When considering an outpatient program, patients and their loved ones can learn more about the methodologies used during psychotherapy sessions.

Group counseling usually occurs in addition to individual counseling. This form of treatment is effective in helping patients develop and sharpen communication and social skills as they interact with one another. In a group, members must exercise social etiquette, listening skills and patience. The combination of individual and group therapy provides an intensive form of treatment and can help prepare recovering individuals for successful drug-free lives.

Each recovering person has a unique history of drug use. Depending on the type of drugs used, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be used to prevent a relapse or to block the drug’s effects if it is consumed after detox. Drugs used in MAT can also make withdrawal symptoms more manageable and reduce drug cravings.

MAT is often used for an opioid use disorder, including drugs like heroin and prescription painkillers. The FDA has approved three prescription drugs for use in medication-assisted opioid treatment: methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine. Although these drugs are available, it is important to note that not all outpatient programs provide MAT. Those who suffer from an opioid use disorder will need to inquire with the treating Orlando outpatient program to see if MAT is available.

An outpatient program that offers MAT can be beneficial, as these programs have been found to reduce illicit drug use, keep patients in treatment and reduce the risk of death.

Substance abuse is often called a family disease among addiction specialists. For this reason, outpatient programs may incorporate family therapy and educational elements into the treatment program. Family therapy can gather the resources and strength of the patient’s family to support the recovery process.

As the family heals and replaces old unhealthy patterns with new healthy ones, the individual with an addiction is less likely to relapse. In fact, research of family therapy interventions suggests that these methods should be routinely included in addiction treatment because of their effectiveness in reducing drug use.

An Orlando addiction program that offers family therapy allows the patient’s entire family unit to recover from the effects of addiction. Relatives of the individual with a substance use disorder can learn more about their unique condition, and develop the knowledge necessary to support their loved one.

Aftercare planning is a mainstay of effective addiction treatment, as it allows patients to receive ongoing support after successfully completing an outpatient program. Aftercare can entail different types of services, including sober living homes, periodic meetings with a drug counselor and psychotherapist, and ongoing attendance at group recovery meetings. The key is to have a sustainable plan in place after discharge from a structured treatment program, follow that plan, and modify it as necessary.

As NIDA reports, longer-lasting treatment tends to produce better outcomes for patients, so aftercare programs can be quite beneficial. Aftercare provides individuals in recovery with continued access to treatment that supports their ongoing sobriety.