Congratulations! Your child successfully completed residential treatment. So what now? While completing an adolescent residential treatment program is a huge step in the right direction, it’s not the final destination. Recovery is a continuous process and research is showing that the more time spent in a supportive, therapeutic environment, the better your teen’s chances are for long-term sobriety. Transitioning from a highly structured environment, like in-patient treatment, to an outpatient program can be highly effective in continuing treatment while easing back into normal life.
Understanding the Importance of Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment serves as the bridge between residential care and full autonomy. It provides ongoing therapeutic support that is necessary to maintain the progress made during in-patient treatment while allowing your teen to adequately reintegrate into their daily routines.
Why outpatient treatment is essential:
- Continued Support & Structure
Structure without 24/7 supervision. Outpatient programs provide accountability and support while allowing your teen to maintain a sense of independence. This helps your child keep a sense of routine and stability, which is vital in the early stages of recovery. Regular therapy sessions, group meetings, and scheduled activities can provide a framework that mimics the structure of residential treatment while offering more flexibility.
- Gradual Reintegration into Daily Life
It is not uncommon for relapse to happen after the completion of residential treatment. The transition from in-patient care to complete independence can be jarring and if someone is struggling with post-acute withdrawal symptoms or emotional setbacks, it can be easy to fall back into old behaviors.
Outpatient treatment allows for a gradual reintegration, giving your teen a chance to adjust to daily life pressures while still receiving professional support. This gradual transition can prevent relapse by ensuring your child isn’t overwhelmed by too many changes at once.
- Family Involvement & Education
Addiction is a family disease and if your son or daughter has been in treatment, you probably know that the entire family unit needs healing. Outpatient programs often include a family component to pick up where residential treatment may have left off. This ensures that the whole family is involved in the recovery process. Family involvement is important as it creates a supportive home environment conducive to recovery.
- Access to a Supportive Community
One of the greatest benefits of outpatient programs is the sense of community it fosters. Belonging is important for all humans but especially for teens. Being a part of a group of people who have been through similar experiences and are working towards a common goal can be incredibly validating and comforting. Group therapy and peer support groups allow your child to share their journey, gain insights from others, and build lasting relationships.
Types of Outpatient Treatment Options
Outpatient treatment comes in all different shapes and sizes. There are different levels of care designed to meet varying needs. Here are some common types of outpatient treatment options:
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
On the levels of care spectrum, PHPs are right below residential. An appropriate teen for PHP would be someone that needs significant support but doesn’t require 24/7 supervision. These programs usually involve daily treatment sessions, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, and medical monitoring.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
IOPs fall right after PHPs on the level of care spectrum and are designed for individuals who need a higher level of care than standard outpatient therapy but less than residential treatment or PHP. They typically involve several hours of therapy and support sessions per week, focusing on relapse prevention, coping strategies, and mental health management.
Standard Outpatient Therapy
This option is less intensive and involves regular sessions with a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. It is ideal for individuals who have made significant progress in their recovery and require ongoing support to maintain their progress. Outpatient sessions may occur once a week for an hour or two at a time.
Sober Living
Sometimes an individual may complete a residential treatment program but returning home still isn’t the best option. This is where sober living houses come in. “A sober living house is a peer-managed home designed to help people maintain sobriety. This is achieved through required sobriety, recovery group attendance, and household participation.” Sober living is often accompanied by participation in a PHP/IOP/or Outpatient Therapy program.
Making the Transition Smooth
It always helps to have a plan! Ensure a smooth transition into outpatient treatment by considering the following:
- Create an Aftercare Plan: Talk with your teen’s treatment team to craft a detailed aftercare plan that includes outpatient treatment options, supportive living arrangements, community resources, and psychiatric services (if needed).
- Maintain Open Communication: Keep the lines of communication open with your child. It’s their recovery and forcing them to participate instead of inviting them to have a voice will work better in the long run.
- Encourage Routine & Structure: Encourage a daily routine that includes healthy habits, such as regular exercise, balanced meals, and adequate sleep.
- Stay Involved: Participate in family therapy sessions and support groups to show your commitment to your child's recovery. Lead by example.
- Monitor Progress: Keep track of your child’s progress and be alert to any signs of relapse. Early intervention is crucial if setbacks occur.
Learn About Outpatient Programs at Sustain
Graduating from residential treatment deserves a “job well done!” but there’s still more work to do. If you have a child that needs ongoing support and outpatient treatment, call Sustain Recovery today. With multiple levels of dual-diagnosis support on an outpatient basis, we’re here to meet you where you’re at. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and Sustain is here with you every step of the way.
