How Do I Choose Between Residential and Outpatient Drug Addiction Treatment
A person can only abuse drugs for so long before unexpected problems start to disrupt his or her daily life affairs. Addictive drugs have a way of luring the user in and perpetuating continued drug use without him or her even knowing it.
Once you reach a point where something’s got to change, the decision to enter drug addiction treatment becomes clear. Residential and outpatient programs offer the same types of services, but within different contexts.
Choosing between residential and outpatient drug addiction treatment becomes a matter of determining which level of care will best address your treatment needs.
The Course of a Developing Addiction
As a general rule, the longer a person abuses drugs the greater the effect on his or her physical and psychological well-being. While some drugs, such as heroin and cocaine can do more damage at a faster rate than others, the overall outcome remains the same when drug abuse persists on an continual basis.
According to Oregon Health & Science University, addiction progresses in stages, typically taking the form of physical dependence early on, only to evolve into psychological dependence over time. Physical dependence comes with uncomfortable withdrawal episodes, which play a pivotal role in driving continued abuse.
Once psychological dependence develops, the mind has reached a point where it “believes” it needs the drug to make it through the day. At this point, a full-blown addiction is at work.
Residential vs. Outpatient Addiction Treatment
Residential treatment programs require you to live at the facility for the duration of the program, whereas outpatient programs allow you to schedule treatment sessions around your existing schedule. The degree to which drug abuse interferes with your daily life should be the basis for choosing between residential and outpatient addiction treatment, according to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration.
Someone at the early stages of drug use may experience considerable discomfort from withdrawal episodes, but can still meet his or her daily obligations in terms of work and family life. Under these conditions, outpatient treatment can address your treatment needs while allowing you time and space to fulfill work and family obligations.
If drug abuse practices have a reached a point where its interfering with your ability to meet work responsibilities and/or causing problems in your relationships, residential drug addiction treatment is best equipped to help you overcome the effects of addiction in your life.
