What Are Addiction Treatment Programmes?

If you have been thinking about the question of what are addiction treatment programmes like, then you may be interested to know that there are quite a few options for those who find themselves affected by addiction. Addiction treatment is available in the form of inpatient programmes and outpatient programmes; the one ultimately chosen will depend on how severe the illness is and several other factors including age and whether there are any underlying medical health issues. So, what are addiction treatment programmes like? Below we offer up a brief guide of what to expect from all options.

What Are Outpatient Programmes?

In the UK, most outpatient programmes are provided by organisations such as the NHS and charities. These programmes run on a day care basis and require patients to attend regularly, but there is no overnight stay involved.

In general, outpatient programmes are not as intensive as inpatient programmes because they are not condensed over a period of a few weeks. Instead, they tend to run for much longer. Some programmes will continue for several months while others can last for longer than a year.

In most cases, outpatient programmes will not begin until you are clean and sober, so it is likely that you will have to complete a detox first. The reason for this is that you will be unable to absorb much if your mind is still clouded by drugs or alcohol. Rehabilitation can be a traumatic and emotional experience, and so if you were still struggling with a mood-altering substance, it could alter your perception of things being said.

The number of treatment hours that you have each week in an outpatient programme will vary from one provider to the next. For example, you might be required to attend a number of hours each day or it could be the case that your counselling sessions happen once a week for just a couple of hours each session.

What About Inpatient Programmes?

An inpatient programme is different to its outpatient counterpart in terms of its intensity. Most residential programmes are run over the course of four to six weeks. This makes it much more concentrated and because all counselling and therapy sessions are condensed into this short timeframe, it is likely that you will spend most of each day in treatment.

With an inpatient programme, you will leave your home and daily life for the duration of your treatment programme. You will move into the clinic and stay there with other recovering addicts in an environment where there are no distractions and no temptations.

You will be completely immersed in your recovery programme and in learning all about addiction and the ways in which you can overcome it. You can expect the clinic to be comfortable and quiet, giving you the opportunity to fully overcome your illness without the worry of everyday life issues.

What Type of Treatment Programme Should You Choose?

If the question of ‘what are addiction treatment programmes like?’ is something that you have often wondered about, you may also have speculated about which one is most suited to your needs. Choosing between an inpatient and outpatient programme can be overwhelming, particularly if this is the first time you have ever tried to tackle your addiction.

If you are interested in an outpatient programme, it may be suitable for you if you have only been dealing with an alcohol or drug problem for a short period of time and consequently not having developed a severe addiction. You might also consider an outpatient programme if you would find it extremely difficult to be away from your family or your job, and you have plenty of support at home to help you stay on the right track.

On the other hand, an inpatient programme might be preferable if you have a severe illness and you have already experienced severe withdrawal symptoms when in need of alcohol or drugs in the past. You should also consider residential care if you have previously tried to quit using an outpatient programme but failed to stay sober afterwards.

If you have underlying physical health problems such as chronic lung disease, heart problems, diabetes, or hepatitis C, or if you have a history of mental health problems such as depression, suicidal tendencies, or severe anxiety, then an inpatient programme might be your best option.

An outpatient programme can be a risky choice for someone with a severe addiction to alcohol or drugs just because of how emotional the whole process can be. Dredging up past experiences and memories can be enough to send you straight back to your dealer or lead you to drop into the nearest pub on the way home from an outpatient counselling session. In an inpatient facility, you will not have this opportunity.

You might also find it hard to fully focus on recovery while also dealing with work and family as well as any other issues that exist in your life. However, for some, an outpatient programme provides the perfect real-life platform in which to recover from addiction.

Either way, when it comes to choosing the right programme, it is all a matter of finding the one that suits your needs, preferences, and budget.

Where to Get Help

If you are still undecided about which treatment programme to choose, call us here at Recovery.org.uk for some assistance. It can be hard to tell which programme is right for your needs if you don’t even know what those needs are. For example, you may be aware that your use of mood-altering substances is out of control, but you may not realise the severity of your problem.

By calling us today, you can talk to one of our advisors who has been fully trained in all types of addiction. We can provide you with a full assessment of your situation to determine exactly what you are dealing with. We will take several factors into consideration, such as the type of substance you are addicted to and how long you have been using it. We will also ask questions about the frequency with which you use this substance and if you have ever tried to quit before.

This will give us a clear understanding of how severe your illness is. We will then inquire about your personal circumstances, such as whether you have any commitments at home or at work, and what kind of budget you have for a treatment programme. This will allow us to match you to the most suitable treatment provider for your needs.

We work with all providers of detox and rehabilitation in the UK, including the NHS, charities, and private clinics. Moreover, it is our mission to make sure that whoever we recommend is the best provider for your needs and one that you are completely comfortable with.

What Happens After Rehab?

Now you know what addiction treatment programmes are like, you might also be interested to know what happens when any treatment option has concluded. Many people believe that when treatment programmes conclude their journey is over, but this is not true.

The reality is that your journey will never really be over because sobriety is something that you must maintain for the rest of your life. As there is currently no cure for addiction, it is important that you remain vigilant to the threat of relapse and do all you can to prevent it.

With that in mind, you are likely to be encouraged to get involved with a local support group where you can develop a network of like-minded individuals who will be there to help and support you as you adapt to sober living. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are a vital resource and one that you should make a point of utilising when you leave rehab. Most individuals who stay sober permanently do so with the help of a local fellowship support group.

If you would like more information on addiction programmes and what they are like, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Recovery.org.uk. We will be more than happy to answer all your questions and offer information that will help you decide which programme is best for you.