How Do I Know if Outpatient Drug Rehab in South Carolina is Right For Me?

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Choosing the right addiction treatment program can be challenging. While there are many options to choose from, it’s important to find the one that meets your specific needs. One of the first choices you may need to make is what level of care you want to attend.

The two most basic levels of care are inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient rehab is the highest level of care and consists of 24/7 support, supervised and sober housing, and intensive therapy. Outpatient drug rehab, on the other hand, is a type of addiction treatment program where you attend scheduled therapy sessions and return home afterward.

Inpatient and outpatient care are very different. While many people prefer outpatient rehab due to the lower cost and flexible scheduling, not everyone is a good fit for outpatient addiction treatment. So how do you know if outpatient drug rehab in South Carolina is right for you? Understanding what outpatient treatment is like and who it best serves can help you make an educated decision in regard to your recovery.

What is Outpatient Drug Rehab Like in South Carolina?

Outpatient care is a type of addiction treatment that operates on an ambulatory, appointment-only basis. If you enroll in this type of program, you do not have to live at the treatment facility and you are able to spend your free time as you please. You only have to be at the rehab facility for your therapy sessions which are usually scheduled for one to two-hour blocks a couple of times each week.

A major focus of outpatient rehab is relapse prevention and life skills training. You will learn how to cope with triggers and prevent relapse while practicing your new coping skills in real-time. Most therapy sessions will be held in small or large groups but you may also have an individual therapy session each week. Outpatient is considered a more budget-friendly and flexible form of addiction treatment.

Who Should Go to Outpatient Addiction Treatment in South Carolina?

Outpatient drug rehab is not right for everyone. People who struggle with co-occurring disorders, severe addictions, or homelessness may be better suited for a residential treatment program. With that said, there are several types of people who can benefit from an outpatient rehab program in South Carolina, such as:

People Who Have Already Completed Inpatient or PHP

For many people, outpatient rehab serves as a transitional care approach that helps ease the transition from residential treatment back into the real world. If you attend inpatient rehab for any amount of time, you may begin to rely on the around-the-clock structure and support. There is a chance you could leave a residential program, become overwhelmed by the change, and resort back to using drugs or alcohol.

By attending outpatient after a higher level of care such as inpatient or PHP, you give yourself an opportunity to continue growing in recovery while receiving a lower level of care. This can make the adjustment from residential care back to real life much easier and reduce your risk of relapse.

People Who Need to Balance Rehab With Work, School, or Family

Many people who struggle with addiction or alcoholism are still functioning members of the community. You may have a job that has a paycheck that you and your bills or family rely on or an education that has already been paid for. Or, you may be a single parent or caregiver who has children and dependents who rely on you for their well-being. The truth is, not everyone has the luxury of putting their responsibilities to the side while they attend a residential addiction treatment program.

If you are seeking sobriety but cannot sacrifice time away from your work, school, or family, outpatient drug rehab in South Carolina may be right for you. Outpatient rehab is flexible and not time-consuming, so you can work around your other obligations while still getting the care and support you need to embark on a sober lifestyle.

People With Mild Substance Use Disorders

Not everyone who struggles with addiction experiences addiction the same way. In fact, the medical community refers to addiction as “substance use disorder,” a mental or behavioral health condition that is diagnosed on a scale of mild, moderate, and severe. In other words, some people have more severe addictions than others.

While people who are diagnosed with a severe substance use disorder can benefit most from residential care, those with mild substance use disorders can successfully recover with the help of an outpatient addiction treatment program.

It can be difficult to determine how severe your addiction is–especially if you are the one experiencing it. After all, denial and justification are two things people who struggle with addiction often battle. Instead, it’s best to speak with an addiction specialist for a comprehensive evaluation. A professional substance abuse evaluation will be able to give you a recommendation, based on your situation, of which level of care is right for you.

Start Outpatient Drug Rehab in South Carolina Today

Here at South Carolina Addiction Treatment, our team of dedicated addiction specialists is standing by to take your call and assess your needs. We’ll evaluate your situation, learn about your goals, and help you make the right choice for you.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, recovery is just a phone call away. Call now to get started.