Drug and alcohol addictions are complex conditions. People living with substance use disorder (SUD) typically require intensive treatment and support to overcome it and move forward.

People have different needs during addiction recovery. There are many types of treatment and recovery support to meet each person’s unique needs. It is crucial to find the treatment and support programs that can help you meet your goals in recovery and maintain sobriety.

Outpatient rehab programs and sober living are two forms of addiction recovery support. This article will explore how these programs support addiction recovery and the differences between them. You will learn:

• What to expect in an outpatient rehab program
• What happens in sober living programs
• The differences between sober living and outpatient treatment programs
• How to determine which type of support or level of care is right for you
• Where to find high-quality sober living programs

If you or someone you love needs support during addiction recovery, you are not alone. Contact the sober living specialists at New You Sober Living to learn about our programs. Reach out with questions or to start the admission process today.

What to Expect in an Outpatient Treatment Program

Outpatient addiction treatment programs provide comprehensive treatment to address substance abuse. There are several types of outpatient drug rehab programs, including:

• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient detox and rehab programs
• Outpatient mental health treatment programs

Outpatient treatment options provide evidence-based and holistic therapies that support the lifelong recovery process. An outpatient treatment plan may include:

• Behavioral therapies
• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Relapse prevention education and coping skills
• Medication management
• Medical and mental health care
• Holistic therapies like yoga, nutrition support, mindfulness, acupuncture, and more

Outpatient treatment programs allow people to receive high-quality, tailored treatment while living at home. People can engage in their everyday life while getting the help they need to overcome addiction.

Many people participate in outpatient treatment after completing residential or inpatient care. An outpatient program can provide education, mental health care, medical treatment, and more. These therapies can help people manage SUD while staying connected with loved ones and community support.

What Happens in Sober Living?

A sober living residence is a sober environment. People in recovery may spend time in a sober living home after completing rehab, but before returning to the complete freedom of daily life. For this reason, some people call sober living houses “halfway houses.”

A sober living facility offers a homelike environment, structure, and community that support sobriety. However, a sober living environment does not typically provide treatment. People in a sober living house may still attend outpatient treatment programs, 12-step meetings, and other recovery-related activities. However, people do not receive treatment in a sober house.

What is the Difference Between Sober Living and Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs provide tailored treatment for people with substance use disorder. People may attend several hours of treatment each day or follow a less-intensive schedule. The level of outpatient care people receive typically depends on their needs.

A sober living house, on the other hand, is a substance-free living environment for people in recovery. People in a sober house do not receive treatment in that environment. They may follow a schedule and live by house rules, but do not receive SUD treatment.

Sober Living vs Outpatient Rehab: Which is Right For Me?

Sober living environments offer many benefits for people in recovery. Here are some of the most significant benefits of sober living after rehab.

Community

Addiction recovery can be isolating or lonely. Many people in recovery have to cut ties with people from their past. Making new, sober friends can be challenging.

A sober living house provides a supportive community of peers working toward lifelong recovery. People often spend time socializing, eating, and engaging in recovery activities with their peers. Making connections with sober house peers can reduce isolation and shame during recovery. It can also create more accountability and support long-lasting sobriety.

A drug and alcohol-free environment

Sober living residents must follow strict rules to keep their environment drug and alcohol-free. A sober environment can support recovery by reducing relapse triggers. Residents can relax, socialize, and engage in daily responsibilities without the risk of encountering addictive substances.

Structure

Sober living residents typically follow a house schedule. This schedule may create time for chores, meals, relaxation, work, and other activities. Following this schedule can help to create structure in a person’s life. It ensures there is enough time for a person’s responsibilities, rest, and hobbies.

Support

Sober living homes often have staff members who enforce house rules and provide support to residents. Staff members may help residents find work, connect with community resources, and more.

A sober living house does not provide treatment. If you need treatment, schedule a substance abuse evaluation or explore local addiction rehab programs. Contact the New You Sober Living specialists to learn more about the differences between sober living and outpatient treatment.

Find High-Quality Sober Living Now

If you or someone you love needs support during recovery, you are not alone. Find sober living and support programs at New You Sober Living. Contact our specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake.