Outpatient Drug Rehab

Outpatient Drug Rehab in Orange County, CA

Addiction is a common mental health disorder that millions of people suffer from in the United States. In 2020, 40.3 million Americans 12 and older struggled with drug or alcohol addiction. Without treatment, addiction can affect daily functioning and relationships negatively. 

Enhance Health Group in Orange County, CA, offers outpatient addiction treatment to help those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. Treatment includes therapy and medication management as needed. A customized treatment plan is developed to help fit individual needs and find long-term recovery. 

What Is Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

Substance use disorder (SUD), often called drug or alcohol addiction, is a mental health disorder that can affect the brain and behaviors. SUD can lead to an inability to control substance use and range from mild to severe addiction. Recurrent substance use can lead to work, school, or relationship problems.

Changes in brain function and structure can be the cause of intense cravings, changes in personality, and abnormal behaviors. Treatment and continued care are encouraged for long-term addiction recovery and relapse prevention. 

Symptoms of Addiction

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-V) is used to diagnose mental health disorders, including substance use disorder. The criteria laid out in DSM-V classify SUDs as either mild, moderate, or severe based on how many symptoms are present. Meeting two to three of the criteria qualifies as mild, four to five is moderate, and six or more is considered severe substance use disorder.

11 DSM-V criteria for substance use disorder include:

  1. Using drugs or alcohol even when it is physically dangerous
  2. Substance use interferes with obligations at work, school, or home
  3. Drug and alcohol use continues despite relationship difficulties
  4. Using larger amounts for longer of the substance
  5. Persistent desire or inability to control or quit use
  6. Craving or strong urges to use
  7. Obtaining, using, and recovering from drugs and alcohol takes up a lot of time
  8. Activities are given up or reduced because of substance use
  9. Continued drug or alcohol use despite physical or psychological issues
  10. Need more amounts of the substance to achieve desired effects
  11. Drugs or alcohol are taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact causes of addiction are unknown, but often, multiple factors play into the development of addiction. Psychological, biological, and environmental factors can increase the risk for addiction and substance use disorder.

Risk factors for substance use disorder can include:

  • Lack of family support
  • Trauma
  • Addiction among family members
  • Mental health disorders
  • Taking a highly addictive drug
  • Early use

Addiction can often accompany other mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Whether the addiction causes other mental health conditions or vice versa, treating the two disorders is vital. Dual diagnosis treatment can be used to treat addiction and mental illness simultaneously.

What Is Outpatient Drug Rehab?

Outpatient treatment is an option to help find addiction recovery. Outpatient provides less care than an inpatient or residential program. Outpatient treatment is often attended after a residential program or in less severe cases of substance use disorder.

Outpatient drug rehabs provide therapy and medication management at various times throughout the week. These kinds of programs allow for more flexibility, and often, working or school can be completed in addition to this program.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is an outpatient program where treatment is held at the facility, but patients do not live on-site. Sober living arrangements are often encouraged. PHP treatment provides a structured environment during the day to help achieve long-term recovery from addiction.

PHPs are a less intense treatment than inpatient or residential but are the next level of care. Treatment takes 25 to 30 hours per week for five days per week.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is an outpatient program similar to PHP programs but requires less time commitment. Treatment takes 15 to 20 hours per week for just a couple days per week. Less structure is provided in an IOP program, but access to licensed professionals is still provided. Attending support groups is encouraged. 

What Does Outpatient Addiction Treatment Entail?

Outpatient treatment, whether it is an IOP or PHP treatment, offers therapy and medication management when needed. Support groups are often utilized as additional help throughout the program. Treatment plans are customized to best fit individual needs and diagnoses. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that is the gold standard for substance use disorder treatment. CBT is based on the theory that emotions, behaviors, and thoughts are connected. Changing one of these can allow for changes with all. 

CBT helps with education about substance use disorder and learning skills to help with recovery. Skills can be taught in a group or individual therapy setting.

Dialetical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of CBT that focuses on teaching new skills to help with addiction recovery. Behavioral skills taught during a DBT session are emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.  DBT can be practiced on an individual or group level with a licensed therapist. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions are another helpful type of counseling used in addiction treatment. A mental health professional will facilitate these sessions. Mental health professionals may suggest topics for discussion and address the needs of the group and individuals.

Medication Management

Medication management can be utilized with specific drug addictions to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medication can also be prescribed when struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders. Medication is prescribed on an as-needed basis and will be determined with the help of a licensed psychiatrist.

Get Help with Outpatient AddictionTreatment

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a common struggle among Americans that can become a debilitating mental health disorder. With treatment, SUD symptoms can be reduced and long-term recovery can be found. Therapy and medication management, when needed, can be used to treat addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, reach out to Enhance Health Group in Orange County, CA today. Our team can answer any questions you may have and give you a better understanding of our outpatient drug rehab.