An FAQ on outpatient drug rehabs in Dallas

While North Texas has avoided some of the worst consequences of the current drug problem, local rehab and treatment centers have had to adjust over the years to meet changes and new threats as they happen. Outpatient drug rehabs in Dallas have taken on a wider range of roles since the start of the opioid crisis, which continues to be the biggest drug problem in North Texas.

Below we’ll answer questions Dallasites ask about outpatient drug rehabs, especially the facilities within the Dallas Metro.

What are outpatient drug rehabs?

Outpatient drug rehabilitation or recovery programs are substance use disorder (SUD) treatment plans that do not require patients to stay in a facility for an extended period. Patients typically only stay in the facility for as long as they need for a specific treatment. This is in contrast to inpatient or residential programs, which require patients to stay at a facility for closer monitoring.

Previously, outpatient programs were usually only recommended for continuing care after a patient has completed a residential program. Today, they are often presented as a low-cost alternative to residential treatment.

Are outpatient programs all the same?

All outpatient programs are similar in that the patient is free to leave the facility after their treatment. However, not all outpatient programs are alike. Different programs can offer a varied treatment approaches and specific goals.

For instance, not all outpatient methadone clinics offer group therapy onsite. Conversely, not all psychiatric care programs for SUD will offer drug replacement therapy.

Some outpatient programs also offer a wide selection of treatments, while some only specialize in one treatment type. Others may even group patients with people enrolled in a residential program for the duration of some treatments.

Are there outpatient detox programs?

Yes, and they are becoming more common than they used to be. Medically-assisted detoxwithdrawal management, and similar terms refer to the process of facilitating a patient’s withdrawal from drugs and other harmful substances.

Traditionally, this process was almost always done as a residential procedure. This is because withdrawal symptoms can often be too difficult for most individuals to deal with, unattended. Withdrawal from some substances such as opioids and alcohol can be fatal, necessitating around-the-clock monitoring in a controlled facility.

However, as substance use disorders began to be better understood, it’s now generally accepted that some patients may get the same benefits by having an outpatient detox. They can also be an option for patients whose insurance does not cover residential detox programs.

In any case, it’s important to consult with a qualified physician before you choose a detox program. Outpatient detox may not be sufficient for everyone and can lead to higher relapse rates without proper aftercare and support.

What are the benefits of outpatient programs?

Compared to residential programs, outpatient programs tend to offer the following advantages:

1.) Lower cost

In most cases, outpatient substance rehab costs far less than residential equivalents. Outpatient programs don’t usually need to incur the types of expenses residential programs do. They don’t require a budget that covers the cost of three daily personnel shifts, lodging, and secured facilities. As a result, they tend to be cheaper to operate, and their facilities can be situated virtually anywhere.

Residential programs, on the other hand, will need to include the cost of lodging, food, and 24/7 staffing. They are also often located away from city centers to facilitate a quieter environment for recovery. However, this can increase operating expenses, which necessarily have to be reflected in the cost of the program.

2.) Less disruptive to day-to-day life

It can be difficult, if not impossible, for patients to continue work or school once they enter a residential program. Their time and contact with the outside world will likely be restricted, making it difficult for most to continue these activities.

Outpatient programs, on the other hand, are usually quite flexible. For instance, in Dallas, you could find group therapy and counseling sessions scheduled in the evening, which make it possible for people with regular jobs to attend. Even in cases where individuals are required to attend daily treatment sessions, such as for opioid replacement therapy, it’s usually possible to still include time for work, school, and leisure activities.

3.) Patients could more easily maintain their privacy

The absence caused by entering a residential program can leave opportunities for others to learn about their substance use disorder. Joining outpatient programs, on the other hand, allows one to keep up appearances and prevent divulging one’s condition until such time that it’s convenient.

4.) Less isolation

Feelings of isolation can increase the chances of relapse in some individuals. Some people simply need to be with supportive friends and family to have a reason to recover. Outpatient programs allow patients free access to friends and family, something that wouldn’t be possible in a residential program.

5.) Access to a selection of recovery programs

Once someone signs up for a residential rehab program, they are usually restricted to the specific types of treatments offered in the facility. Outpatient setups, on the other hand, allow individuals to freely try out other treatment approaches, including alternative treatments that are not readily available in many residential programs.

Are outpatient substance rehab programs enough to cure addiction?

In most cases, complete cures for serious psychiatric conditions such as SUD are rare, regardless of whether one chooses residential or outpatient treatment. However, virtually all SUD cases can be treated to a point that they are no longer a hindrance to a person. In other words, a complete recovery is almost always possible.

While it’s true that residential rehab programs can be better at treating some severe substance use disorder, they are not always necessary. In some circumstances, they might even be a poor choice. Be sure to consult a qualified psychiatrist before you commit yourself or a loved one to any rehab program.

Do I have job protection if I enter a rehab program?

Business owners in Texas are within their rights to terminate the employment of workers caught doing drugs. However, the federal Americans With Disabilities Act protects individuals who are currently getting treated from termination.

Note that these scenarios can be complex legal matters. To learn more about your rights as an employee in Texas, you can consult a qualified legal expert.

Should I travel away from Dallas for outpatient rehab?

Moving away from the places where you frequently misused substances can be a good strategy for reducing the number of potential relapse triggers. Residential rehabs purposefully control your contact with the outside world for that very reason.

However, in an outpatient setup, the potential that one will encounter these triggers will always be there, as there is no reliable way for others to control an individual’s behavior outside the facility. This is especially true if one enters an outpatient rehab program in their hometown.

Choosing an outpatient program elsewhere few advantages. Patients can still work, albeit remotely or at new jobs, wherever they move to. They can also potentially avoid triggers much as they would have at a potentially more expensive residential program. Lastly, they can still find support through friends and family, including ones who may already be in the area.

There are also some disadvantages to this approach. Some individuals may still find ways to get access to substances wherever they might be. Moving away may also be disruptive for many people’s careers, even if there are more remote work options today. Moving away can also be expensive, though perhaps not as expensive as a residential rehab program can be.

It’s worth noting that Dallas and the rest of North Texas are home to a wonderful selection of drug rehab programs. You might not have to move far to enjoy the benefits of getting away from it all.

To find outpatient drug rehab options in North Texas, contact our team at Dallas Drug Treatment Centers at +1(214) 935-2287.

What kind of therapy can I expect at outpatient rehab programs?

This all depends on the specific program. Not all programs may offer the same breadth of services. In fact, most outpatient programs are specialized to perform only a certain set of treatments, though there are exceptions.

At outpatient programs based in full-service health clinics, hospitals, and similar facilities, you may expect a wide range of SUD-related therapeutic approaches all under one roof. At other smaller facilities, only one treatment may be available.

Mainstream therapeutic approaches may include but are not limited to:

A large percentage of outpatient programs in Dallas may also include program components rooted in Christianity. Prayer services may be offered alongside more conventional group and individual therapy sessions. Other programs may include professional training and alternative therapy to supplement mainstream approaches.

Get in touch with our team at Dallas Drug Treatment Centers at +1(214) 935-2287 to learn about what treatments are available at outpatient facilities near you.

Will outpatient drug rehab programs also treat co-occurring psychiatric disorders?

Not always. It’s always recommended that you consult with a psychiatrist before choosing any drug rehab program for you or a loved one.

Knowing the existence of co-occurring psychiatric conditions can help clinicians provide better care for patients. Directly treating these other disorders will, in most cases, also help the individual recover from their SUD.

While more rehabs than ever before are directly treating co-occurring disorders, this is by no means universal throughout North Texas. Guidance from a psychiatrist and our team here at Dallas Drug Treatment Centers may help you find outpatient programs that are more sensitive to the special needs of dual diagnosis cases.

How long should I stick with an outpatient rehab program?

According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, the rehab process should last at least 90 days. That is to say, you should take as much time as needed.

For some people, recovery may only take a few months. For others, such as individuals that need drug substitution therapy, the recovery period may take years.

Recovery from substance use disorders is often a matter of waiting things out and, in the meantime, finding strategies to cope with cravings and destructive behavior. This may mean that you have to try out a selection of different outpatient options before you find a collection of treatment approaches that work.

Finding the right set of outpatient rehab and recovery programs can give you the tools you need to stick things out and thrive. Get in touch with Dallas Drug Treatment Centers at +1(214) 935-2287 to find outpatient drug rehab programs that work for your recovery needs.

What should I look for in an outpatient rehab program?

If you believe that you or someone close to you can benefit from outpatient drug rehab, make sure to assess each program you find on the following:

1.) Specific services

The needs of the recovering individual should be prioritized over everything else. A qualified psychiatrist should be able to help recommend treatment approaches that are better suited for a specific case. Co-occurring mental illnesses and the use of multiple drugs should be noted.

2.) Cost

Outpatient drug rehab programs are generally much more affordable than residential programs. However, you can usually look around and find some programs that offer more value than others. Try to work with your insurance company to find which programs you could afford.

3.) Convenience

Convenience is an often overlooked quality in drug treatment programs. The most effective rehab usually ends up being whichever one is easiest to go to. Most individuals with a substance use disorder will also do better if they have access to a selection of different treatment approaches in one facility.

4.) Certification

If the program has a website, make sure to look for proper certification. You can also call them and ask for this information. Make sure to double-check their claims when possible. This will ensure that the patient will receive safe, evidence-based treatment at the selected program.

Find outpatient drug rehabs in the Dallas area

If you’re in the Dallas-Forth Worth-Arlington metro, outpatient rehab and treatment are just a phone call away. Our team at Dallas Drug Treatment Centers can put you in touch with treatment specialists and facilities in your neighborhood. Call us at +1(214) 935-2287 for a listing of outpatient drug rehab options near you.

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