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Outpatient Program (OP) Wilmington, NC

What is an Outpatient Program? (OP)

Drug and alcohol treatment programs tend to fall into one of two categories – inpatient or outpatient facilities. While each type has unique benefits to offer, it is important to note that both the addicted person and their loved ones must familiarize themselves with the differences before selecting a treatment program with the help of their medical or counseling professional. Finding the right treatment program is vital to helping you or a loved one on the road to sobriety.

Brighter Start's Outpatient Program (OP)

An Outpatient Treatment Program, or OP, is a service for individuals seeking support for substance abuse or mental health concerns who do not require frequent or intense support or safety monitoring. This level is appropriate for people with less severe disorders, or as a step-down from more intensive services.

At Brighter Start Health, OP is available for individuals aged 18 and above. It consists of basic treatment services offered in individual and group format and totals to less than 9 hours a week. Both virtual and in-person options for attending are available. OP is conducted by treatment professionals licensed to serve individuals with mental health and substance use disorders within North Carolina.

OP helps individuals address a broad range of psychological and interpersonal challenges including:

Substance Related Disorders

Behavioral Addictions

Anxiety

Depression

Trauma and Stressor Related Issues

PTSD

Parenting and Family Issues

Relationship Issues

Stress

Self-Esteem

Bipolar Disorders

Life Transitions

Personality Disorders

ADHD

Grief and Loss

*Brighter Start health is proud to offer specialized treatment services on an outpatient level including, EMDR, Marriage/Family Counseling and Christian Counseling 

Why Choose an Outpatient Program?

Maintain A Personal Life While Seeking Treatment

An outpatient program allows people to stay within their own environments while they seek treatment. The patient has the freedom to maintain a regular commitment to their family, work, or school. This freedom of movement also allows the patient to maintain their privacy and anonymity. There is no prolonged absence that needs to be explained to friends, coworkers, or family members.

Build A Support Network

The OP is run by addiction professionals and clinicians who provide professional treatment to facilitate long term recovery. A standard program may include group or individual therapy sessions each week, educational services, and participation in self-help groups. OPs are designed so that individuals are provided with a strong network of peers and sponsors along with family support and encouragement. This is to ensure that they are never alone in their recovery. Patients will also benefit from participating in a Twelve Step program, which studies have shown that this leads to higher rates of abstinence than those who do not participate. 

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What Types of Treatment are Used?

Counseling is the main form of treatment in outpatient programs. There are generally three types of counseling:

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Individual

This provides a one-on-one clinical relationship throughout the course of the treatment. Patients can work with a professional on their specific needs.

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Group

Facilitated by a qualified clinician, group therapy offers a support system of peers and the opportunity to share experiences.

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Family

The goal here is to educate about family dynamics, relationships, issues, and the aspects of these relationships and how they contribute to and have been affected by addiction.

Additional services may include:

  • Treatment Planning
  • 24-Hour Crisis Management Services
  • Education Services
  • Self-Help and Support Group Orientation
  • Discharge and Transitional Planning Services
  • Program and Outcome Evaluation
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Brighter Start's Mission

Our Mission is to help each client find life-long recovery, health, and a purpose filled life. You will see yourself, others, and your experiences in a new and positive light after completing treatment.

Learn more about what sets us apart.

Call Us Today to Begin Your Addiction Recovery

Who Is a Good Fit for An Outpatient Program?

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Almost everyone who seeks treatment for addiction and substance abuse will participate in an OP at some point in their recovery. However, outpatient treatment programs alone are not suitable for every user. When faced with the decision of selecting the right treatment program, a medical or counseling professional is best equipped to decide which level is ideal for the individual’s situation. The patient will need to undergo a full clinical evaluation and medical assessment in order to determine if an OP will work for their needs. 

An individual transitioning from an inpatient or intensive outpatient program to an OP will be provided with the additional counseling and skills needed to avoid being tempted to fall back into their old habits. Those who do not need the intensity of a SAIOP may experience long-term success with the right OP. If the time commitment to a SAIOP does not suit the your needs at this time, an OP is an excellent place to start.

Problems and Challenges

It is important to note that, unlike inpatient treatment programs, the individual does not have a safe and secure environment isolating them from factors that may be a negative influence. This can be a challenge for some individuals when they return home at the end of each day, as they will continue to face the stressors of home life, work, and other problems that they may not be fully capable of coping with. This ability to voluntarily abstain from drug or alcohol use requires a greater amount of diligence. Honesty is the best tool here – how dedicated can you or your loved one be to an outpatient program? How likely are you to give in to temptation once you return home or to work? Do you require a complete medical detox before receiving treatment? If so, you may require a higher level of care before transitioning to an outpatient program.

Retention is one of the greatest challenges of outpatient treatment. A greater responsibility falls on the patient who is required to make a daily decision to return to treatment. The potential for exposure to drugs and alcohol, as well as a lack of supervision and support outside of the program can lead to relapse. When an individual has a craving, but does not have someone to help them through it, the chance of relapse is high. This may also lead to the individual feeling as though they have failed in their attempt to get clean. Individuals who have a prior history of relapse, are a danger to themselves or others, or who do not have a stable home environment would benefit from more intensive and more structured program. 

How Does Outpatient Lead to Long Term Sobriety?

Addiction is a chronic disease and there is no cure. It can be managed and a lifetime recovery is certainly possible, but no treatment will make addiction magically disappear. That being said, long-term recovery and sobriety are achievable for everyone who is struggling with addiction or substance abuse.

For those who participate in an outpatient program, aftercare is important. The months spent in treatment may not fully address every issue, and aftercare provides a continuation of this support once the process is completed. Detox only begins the process of getting clean and the relapse rates are highest in the first 12 months following a program. Social activities, ongoing group sessions, and Twelve Step meetings can be attended indefinitely. This stage is the bridge that helps patients apply what they have learned – the new skills and the coping mechanisms – to their recovery process. It also allows for continued accountability and a commitment to staying sober, as one of the most important factors in recovery is social and community support. The outpatient program builds a sober community for the individual that continues on throughout their lives.

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A Life Worth Living

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, an outpatient program may be the right choice. If you are considering treatment and an outpatient program sounds like it is the right fit, now is the time to arrange a visit with the nearest rehabilitation centre. Ultimately, any form of drug and alcohol treatment is worth it. It’s worth it for your health, your job, your family, your relationships, your safety, and your life. Your life is worth living and now is as good as time as any to start living your best one.