Outpatient programs vary in their daily time commitment and duration, according to the needs of each patient. An intake counsellor evaluates the patient, considering factors such as the type and severity of addiction, as well as the length of time the patient has been addicted. Also considered are the patients’ health and other life circumstances such as family and work. Thus, according to the patient’s needs, outpatient programs can vary from 8 hours per day to 1 or 2 hours per day.
Outpatient rehabilitation employs some of the same treatment practices as inpatient care, such as individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, medication-assisted treatment, and life skills workshops. Some outpatient programs will require patients to take weekly drug tests to reduce the probability that they relapse when they are away from the treatment center.
