Addiction Recovery

7 Ways To Maximize Your Recovery With The Outpatient Program

May 16, 2022

An outpatient program is an effective treatment for people who are struggling with addiction. Here’s how to maximize recovery with this program.

Sobriety can be a difficult journey, but with the right treatment and support, it is certainly possible to achieve and maintain. When it comes to addiction recovery, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best treatment plan for you will depend on your unique circumstances, including the severity and type of your addiction, your current health and medical needs, and your personal preferences.

If you are seeking an effective treatment regimen that doesn't require you to be hospitalized, then the outpatient addiction treatment program is a great option. 

outpatient alcohol treatment program
Source: Pixabay

What is an Outpatient Program?

The outpatient program is a great way to get continuous treatment and support after attending a partial hospitalization or inpatient program. It helps a person stay on track with their sobriety and maintain a clean and sober lifestyle. Basically, outpatient programs allow you to continue living at home and participating in your usual activities while receiving quality treatment for your addiction.

Even after completing an inpatient treatment program, it’s important to stay engaged in some form of treatment to help prevent a relapse. 

Am I a Good Fit?

A good way to tell if an outpatient substance abuse program is a good fit for you is to consider how well you were able to stick to your treatment plan while you were in an inpatient program. If you feel like you need more structure and support, then this may be a good option for you.

It could also be a great choice for people who have a stable living situation and a strong support system. If you have a job or family responsibilities that you can’t or don’t want to leave for an extended period of time, this program can allow you to continue meeting these obligations while still getting treatment.

Maximizing Your Recovery With the Outpatient Program

outpatient substance abuse treatment program
Source: Unsplash.com

While professional staff at rehab and detox facilities will do everything they can to help you recover, your participation and effort are essential to your success in the outpatient program. 

Here are seven ways you can make the most of your outpatient recovery experience:

1. Follow Your Individualized Treatment Plan

One of the most important things you can do to maximize your recovery is to follow your treatment plan. This means attending all of your scheduled appointments and completing any assigned homework or tasks. If you are struggling to stick to your plan, talk to your therapist or counselor about ways to make it more manageable.

This is the best way you can continue with your progress and avoid cravings, personal triggers, and any other potential relapse.

2. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Another way to maximize your recovery is to make healthy lifestyle choices. This includes getting quality sleep, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active through regular exercise. These healthy habits will help to reduce stress and improve your overall mood and well-being.

Also, it is crucial to avoid any sorts of possible triggers that can lead to relapse during your outpatient addiction treatment program.

Some people who finished their inpatient program think that they can resume their drinking or drug use in moderation. But this is not the case – moderation is not possible for those in recovery. In reality, any use of alcohol or drugs can lead to a relapse.

3. Incorporate Sober Activities Into Your Life

This can help to provide structure and support during early recovery when things may feel overwhelming. The best way is to have these activities with other people in recovery. This can create a sober support system and help you stay accountable to one another.

Some examples of sober activities include support groups, exercise classes, arts, outings with your group, and so on. 

It doesn't always have to be meetings or group activities; it could be anything that you enjoy doing and will help to keep you sober. Plus, engaging in social activities can help to reduce stress and improve your overall mood.

Source: Freepik

4. Create a Support System

A strong support system is vital for anyone recovering from addiction. This could include close friends, family members, or other people in recovery. These people can offer emotional support and help to keep you accountable.

It’s important to find people who will understand what you’re going through and who won’t judge you. If you don’t have a support system, there are many options available, such as 12-step meetings or therapy.

5. Avoid Negative People and Situations

In early recovery, it’s important to avoid negative people and situations. This includes anyone who is not supportive of your sobriety or who may trigger your addiction.

Some examples of negative people and situations include

  • People who still use drugs or alcohol
  • Environments where drugs or alcohol are present
  • People who enable your addiction
  • Anyone who is not supportive of your progress

Many people in the outpatient program often relapse because they don’t have a solid support system to help them through tough times. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, remove yourself from it and reach out to your support system for help.

6. Talk to Your Therapist Or Counselor

If you are struggling in any way, make sure to talk to your therapist or counselor. They can offer guidance and support to help you through difficult times. They understand what you’re going through and can help you find healthy ways to cope.

It’s important to be open and honest with your progress and struggles. It’s the only way your therapist can help you maximize your outpatient addiction treatment program.

7. Reflect on Your Progress

Remember that everything starts within your headspace. Make sure you give yourself the time to reflect on how far you’ve come. This includes both the good and the bad. You can start by simply asking yourself the following questions:

  • How have I grown since starting treatment?
  • What progress have I made?
  • What challenges have I faced and how did I overcome them?
  • What did I learn about myself during treatment?

Answering these questions can help you to see how much you’ve grown since the outpatient program began. It can also help to motivate you to stay on track with your recovery.

Consider keeping a journal or writing down your thoughts and feelings. This can be a great way to process your thoughts and map your progress more clearly over time.

Start Your Journey to Recovery Today

Overcoming an addiction is a difficult process, and it does not happen overnight. However, it is possible to achieve sobriety and live a fulfilling life in recovery.

If you are ready to start your journey to recovery, we can help.

At Another Chance, we offer an outpatient treatment program that can be customized to meet your needs. We also have a team of experienced and caring professionals who can help you every step of the way.

To learn more about our program and how we can help you, call us now at (971) 272-8263 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to working with you to take that important step to recovery.