6 Benefits of Outpatient Rehab for Teens

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Addiction in teens is becoming an increasingly alarming epidemic in the US and around the world. In fact, current research shows that one in seven teens struggle with some kind of addiction, according to teen addiction statistics. In light of this harsh reality, many parents seek proactive solutions to get young adults the help they need and deserve. If you are a parent or know someone with a teen struggling with addiction, read further for insights and benefits of outpatient rehab for teens.

How is Outpatient Different from Inpatient Addiction Treatment?

The most obvious difference is that inpatient treatment involves teens staying over a period of time at a treatment facility. Centers typically provide accommodations so teens can sleep, eat, and get the recovery they need while away from home.

Alternatively, outpatient for teens does not require a child to leave the comfort of their homes to get the treatment they need. Outpatient treatment has proven to be just as effective as inpatient rehabilitation – but there are some big differences. Read further to learn about the benefits of outpatient rehab for teens.

Continuity

Unlike inpatient treatment, outpatient rehab provides teens the ability to get the help they need without having their whole world overturned. Inpatient rehab is often very jarring for teens, and in some instances, being removed from their comfort zones may even hamper a teen’s recovery. Therefore, inpatient rehab is often a good option for teens who need the continuity, stability, and familiarity that is already established at home.

Uninterrupted Education

Because inpatient treatment requires a teen to be sequestered, teens may sometimes miss out on time in the classrooms. This is where outpatient rehab could be a better solution – especially if a teen is already doing well in school – even while struggling with addiction. Outpatient treatment can help teens deal with their addiction while they can still attend class, maintain their studies, and keep their grades up.

Very Flexible

Unlike inpatient treatment, an outpatient program provides a lot of flexibility for both parents and teens. Because you are not confined to a facility-driven schedule, you and your child have more freedom to schedule therapy around your daily routine. Furthermore, some outpatient programs offer online therapy sessions, which can be extremely helpful for your child’s recovery as well as your schedule.

It’s Typically a Cheaper Form of Treatment

Inpatient treatment can skyrocket into thousands of dollars because of the added expense of living facilities, dining services, and all the costs that go along with housing teens while in recovery. Once those residential service costs are eliminated, you’ll find that outpatient treatment can be a far more affordable alternative. Therefore, outpatient rehab for teens is often a better choice for families who might be struggling financially, but still need that top-notch mental health care for their teens.

Opportunities for Family Bonding

Outpatient rehab for teens allows the whole family to stay together and unite as a teen receives treatment. On the other hand, a teen is away and removed from the family during inpatient treatment, which prohibits the ongoing bonding of a close-knit family unit. Every family is different, but many families prefer to have their child within the fold while he or she is on the journey to recovery and sobriety.

Parents and teens who have close connections and families who have healthy, strong bonds may find outpatient rehab more appealing. Furthermore, teens staying within the family unit during recovery may find their experience with rehabilitation easier to cope with as they have easy access to the support of loved ones.

Personalized Monitoring

Outpatient rehab also affords parents and family members the opportunity to get involved first-hand with their teen’s progress and development through recovery. This can be particularly beneficial as a teen progresses through the stages of recovery from addiction.

Additionally, the schedule and pattern of outpatient treatment are already established. Therefore, if there is a threat of relapse, parents can see this immediately because their teen is at home, and more intense therapy can be reestablished to avoid slip-ups in recovery.

In conclusion, we hope these benefits of outpatient rehab for teens have proven to be helpful in finding the right treatment for your young one. Ultimately, getting your teen the treatment they need will ensure a happier, healthier life for them long into the future.