Outpatient Program in North Carolina - FAR

Focus Addiction Recovery > Drug Treatment Centers in North Carolina > Outpatient Treatment Near Wilmington North Carolina

Addiction rates have been on the rise in North Carolina for the past several years. In 2017, there were more than 2,000 overdose deaths in the state. That was a 32% increase from the previous year’s total. The pandemic started in 2020, and addiction rates increased significantly across the entire country. Officials said that an average of nine people died every day from opioid and other drug overdoses in North Carolina in 2020.

Recently, a $26 billion lawsuit settlement was reached with drug companies for their roles in the opioid epidemic. North Carolina will receive $750 million to spend over the next 18 years. State officials and rehab centers hope that some funds will go to outpatient treatment programs for substance abuse. If you are looking for a substance abuse treatment program near Wilmington North Carolina, it helps to understand what outpatient treatment is and what to expect.

What Is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Outpatient treatment is a therapy structure that involves a person remaining at home most of the time and being treated for several hours each week. It differs from inpatient treatment, which is also called residential treatment. With inpatient treatment, a person stays in a facility 24/7 for up to a month and may even stay several months. Outpatient therapy usually takes place in a treatment facility or virtually. Professionals use a variety of proven therapeutic approaches, and they help people learn how to overcome addiction.

Outpatient Treatment?

There are a few different levels of outpatient treatment, and it helps to understand them to see their differences. Each outpatient program offers a different treatment plan that can be structured to your specific needs. Drug abuse is different for everyone, therefore addiction treatment must be structured to provide specific treatment services to match the patient.

It’s important to note if someone is suffering from drug and alcohol withdrawal they should attend a medical detox program to minimize the impact of the withdrawal process. Medical detox offers specific clinical services and addiction medicine to help eliminate the more uncomfortable drug and alcohol addiction symptoms.

Professionals often recommend an IOP for someone who has a significant substance use disorder, has co-occurring mental health disorders or does not require 24/7 medical supervision. An intensive outpatient program may be a potential alternative for inpatient rehabilitation. Its purpose is to build psychosocial support, aid in relapse prevention, and help people learn coping skills. IOP structures vary from one facility to another. As a rule, an IOP usually includes between three and five weekly sessions, and they may last between four and six hours. Sessions and frequency vary based on a patient’s addiction treatment needs and therapist recommendations.

Intensive outpatient programs can be utilized by people that still need to attend outside responsibilities like work and school, however, the program leaves little time to attend any other activities. Treatment centers also utilize an IOP as a step-down approach from residential addiction treatment or a PHP. An intensive outpatient program offers a great balance for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addiction that have found their situation to be unmanageable.

In contrast to an IOP, a standard outpatient program (OP) usually involves one to three weekly treatment sessions. They usually last between one and three hours each. As it is with an IOP, an OP involves teaching people coping skills and how to deal with triggers. Most facilities also incorporate both group and individual therapy, and there may be other supportive therapies as well. Another difference today between an IOP and an OP is that an OP may involve virtual treatment. An IOP primarily takes place in a facility.

A standard outpatient addiction treatment program is perfect for individuals that need to continue to go to work or school around their treatment services. Outpatient clinics offer behavioral therapy and support groups during the day and evening so people can attend them around their schedule. This form of outpatient rehab is best for people that are stepping down from an intensive outpatient program, or do not suffer from serious substance use disorders.

Think of a PHP as more intensive than an IOP. It is like a bridge between inpatient and outpatient rehab. A partial hospitalization program takes place in a facility and not virtually. It usually involves a minimum of five weekly sessions, and the minimum time for each session is five hours. However, some IOP sessions may last between six and eight hours. Therapists determine the duration and frequency of sessions for the needs of each person. The design of the addiction treatment program involves direct supervision and the environment of a professional treatment facility, and it is ideal for someone with a higher risk of relapse.

PHP can also be a good option for individuals suffering from co-occurring disorders. PHP can provide additional support like mental health services for those that require it. Treatment centers that offer PHP are designed to handle more intense substance abuse treatment.

Due to the commitment related to a PHP, this form of outpatient rehab is not recommended for individuals that need to keep up with responsibilities like school or work while enrolled in treatment. This form of outpatient addiction treatment is intensive as that is what is required for the individuals to find long-term recovery.

When Is Outpatient Treatment Not Preferable?

The outpatient care structure is not ideal for everyone who struggles with substance abuse. In some cases, inpatient treatment is better for a variety of reasons. These are some examples of when a residential treatment program may be ideal:

An individual needs a 24/7 structure and cannot maintain outpatient appointments.
A person has a long history of addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder.
A person has the ability to stay in a treatment facility for a month or longer.
The therapist determines that a person has a high risk of relapse, and the person lacks a supportive living environment.

Outpatient structures are better for people who have a safe and supportive living environment. Also, an outpatient structure is better for someone who does not have the funds or time to stay in a facility. Many people have jobs or family commitments, and they may prefer an IOP or a PHP. If a therapist determines that a person has a lower risk of relapse, the professional may be more comfortable recommending a treatment program with an outpatient structure.

Used in Outpatient Programs?

Therapists use a variety of evidence-based approaches in any treatment structure. In many cases, therapy programs usually occur after a person goes through detox, and some start during detox.

CBT is a therapeutic approach that helps people learn more about the causes of their behaviors. Also, they learn about what triggers them. This therapy helps people better understand themselves and others.

This approach treats addiction and mental health issues simultaneously. Many people feel emotional distress with mental health disorders, and they may seek substances to cope. A report from the NIH in 2018 showed that nearly 40% of people in treatment for substance abuse had a co-occurring mental health disorder. Without treating the mental health issue and substance abuse at the same time, a person is more likely to relapse.

A 12-step program is a peer-led support group that uses the famous 12 steps of recovery. There are groups for drug addiction, alcohol addiction and other forms of addiction. These support groups are introduced during outpatient programs and can continue to be utilized while someone is in sober living or once they are in long-term recovery. 12-step meetings offer additional support to keep people from substance addiction relapse.

Outpatient Program Cost?

Different rehab centers may have varying prices and programs. Today, health insurance companies that sell plans in the marketplace must offer mental health and substance abuse treatment coverage. Rehab centers can discuss insurance and check a plan’s provisions. Also, there are some state programs available. There are crisis services, counseling treatment programs and some other options for addiction treatment.

Near Wilmington North Carolina

If you are looking for outpatient treatment near me in Wilmington, we are here to help. We offer outpatient treatment programs for a variety of need levels. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, our therapeutic and medical care team is ready to assist you on your recovery journey. Please contact us to learn more about our addiction treatment programs near Wilmington North Carolina.