by Kristen Furia

Created on: December 15, 2008

Have you been considering a rehab program for a drug or alcohol addiction? The first thing you need to consider is if you would like to use an outpatient rehab program or enter into an inpatient rehab facility. You should consider the differences carefully before making an educated decision. The type of rehab you receive depends entirely on your own personal situation and needs.

Outpatient rehab programs will usually involve a number of different programs for you, and you will have to attend a clinic on a regular basis. The programs will almost always include both individual and group addiction therapy sessions that you will be required to attend. Another program that you may find in outpatient rehab centers includes family therapy sessions aimed to educate both you and your family about the drug abuse patterns of addicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy will also be used as it helps you to recognize and possibly avoid situations where drug abuse is most likely to occur. This also helps to teach you coping skills to control your cravings if you find yourself in a situation where drugs are being used. And of course therapists are always available to provide positive reinforcement for you to remain drug free.

The downfall to outpatient rehab therapy is that it requires 100% dedication to the program from you to remain sober. You must be ready and willing to make the necessary changes required to beat addiction. It is all too easy to fulfill the
clinic's requirements only to walk out the door and go back to abusing. This mostly has to do with your environment. If you do not choose to make a complete lifestyle change, which may include cutting ties with your old friends who are still using, then the therapy from an outpatient rehab clinic may just not be enough for you to overcome your urges and addictions.

If an outpatient rehab program proves to be unsuccessful, then it may be time to consider a more drastic approach. Inpatient rehab therapy has proven to be quite effective, especially for those who have more acute problems. The programs here are more extensive and reach deeper into your drug addiction issues. You normally stay at the institution for a period of 6 to 12 months which makes it impossible for you to find the drugs or alcohol that you crave. Just like the outpatient rehab program, you will be required to attend group meetings. You will also meet with a therapist or doctor to discuss your addiction in greater detail. Medication may also be prescribed by the doctor on staff if there are behavioral issues either stemming from or causing your addictions in the first place.

The ultimate goal from either an outpatient rehab program or an inpatient rehab facility is to ensure that you can sustain a drug free lifestyle and become a functioning member of society. Successful treatment plans along with your cooperation and dedication should make this goal attainable.

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