What is Couples Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

A critical addiction to certain substances, like as heroin or oxycodone, is normally best treated in an inpatient residential program to help manage detoxification and withdrawal.

But, mild substance abuse issues caught in the early phases can often be successfully treated in a couples outpatient rehab program.

Outpatient drug rehab is less restrictive than couples’ inpatient programs. Outpatient recovery programs ordinarily require 10 to 12 hours a week spent visiting a local treatment center, however, differ case by case. 

These gatherings focus on drug abuse education, individual and group therapy, and teaching addicted couples how to cope without their drug. Couples 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 that tend to last for a few years. Outpatient drug rehab can last three to six months — something similar to inpatient treatment — or over a year depending on the issue of the couple.

Outpatient Detox Programs for Couples

Couples with mild-to-moderate drug withdrawal symptoms might discover outpatient detoxification as a fitting alternative to residential detox. Outpatient detox is safe, effective and takes less time to finish than inpatient detox, and tends to be done in the comfort of your own home. Each Couple will differ.

What Is Couples Outpatient Rehab?

A couples outpatient rehab schedule offers drug and alcohol treatment sessions that can be scheduled for different times throughout the week. This schedule allows couples and families  to continue with their regular responsibilities and continue living at home, but they are obligated to check into treatment at their allotted times for counseling and medication in order to complete the courses.

Outpatient programs for couples come in a mixture of programs, differing levels of intensity and offer a collection of services — but the general focus is on counseling, education and providing a network of support for the couple to have for the long run. 

Couples with a strong will to succeed in recovery and who have a committed, disciplined approach may benefit from an outpatient treatment program, yet if one of the members is directed to attend an inpatient program because of the severity of the addiction, couples will have to participate separately according to their program.

Types of Outpatient Rehab for Couples

Couples Day Programs:

Outpatient day programs for couples have the greatest level of care and structure provided within an outpatient setting. In a day program, clients commit to meeting 5-7 days per week at an outpatient facility for multiple hours each day. In this time, couples will participate in ongoing therapy, group counseling, biofeedback, and other adjunct therapies, such as art or music therapy.

Patients may return home after each session, either to their families or a sober living home. Couple’s day programs require a considerable time commitment, which can limit an individual’s availability to work or go to school until the program is finished. Couples will have a personal day plan.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs establish a treatment plan with defined, measurable milestones in place to indicate progress. As these milestones are met, the time commitment required per week decreases.

The IOP is a good option for those serious about abstaining from drugs and alcohol, but that still need to be able to work and perform daily responsibilities. An IOP may require multiple sessions for a few hours each week to conduct counseling sessions, group therapy, relapse prevention education, and attendance in a 12-step or similar recovery support group.

After Care For Couples

Continuing care groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are ongoing support resources to help an individual solidify their commitment to sobriety. The groups are typically facilitated by a licensed therapist and meet weekly. Some continuing care groups may be gender-specific or age-specific, and others may focus on a particular aspect of recovery.

Benefits of Outpatient Rehab

For mild to moderate addictions, outpatient rehab is usually an ideal treatment choice. These programs are more accessible and flexible than an inpatient program.

Some of the biggest reasons to consider outpatient rehab include:

  1. Affordability. Because you’re able to live at home during outpatient treatment, you don’t have to pay the costs of lodging at an inpatient facility — making it more affordable than inpatient.
  2. Flexibility. Outpatient programs can usually work around your schedule. This is beneficial for those who feel like they can’t leave their job or family for an extended period of time.
  3. Access to family. Throughout the outpatient rehab program, family involvement and support is emphasized, as loved ones can help encourage you to stay on the path to sobriety.