utpatient rehabilitation offers the benefit of providing intensive care and support services structured around the regular lives of patients seeking treatment. This can make treatment more accessible for people who cannot “drop everything” to enter treatment. Typically, services are offered on evenings and weekends to accommodate people with full-time jobs or parental duties.

Outpatient programs typically last from several weeks to more than a year. While outpatient programs don’t involve 24-hour care, they provide access to doctors, certified counselors and other support professionals. Behavioral therapy is usually a component of outpatient treatment. Through therapy, a patient can identify how behavior patterns are contributing to a cycle of addiction.

In many cases, outpatient programs integrate family life and dynamics into the overall treatment plan. This setup allows patients to address their addiction issues while staying in touch with family and paying bills. What’s more, outpatient programs typically last for much longer periods than full-time rehab options. This can help a patient to align their recovery with “real world” situations. Graduates of these programs often take on mentorship roles down the road.