Deciding to stop using opioids can be a huge milestone and turning point in your life. However, there are many more decisions you’ll need to make along the way. It’s important to surround yourself with people you trust to support you and find a recovery-oriented program that aligns with your values.

Inpatient programs can be a great option for people who need around-the-clock recovery support. However, they aren’t accessible for everyone, and many programs have rigid policies that may not support individual needs. Outpatient rehab offers a flexible, evidence-based approach to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). But it still allows you to maintain daily responsibilities. It’s best for people who need a balance of social support and independence.

At Groups, we take a different approach than other outpatient programs. We understand that using again can be part of the recovery process, and we approach it with compassion and support. Treatment includes Suboxone and support, and it can be done in person or virtually. You’ll meet with a group of other people who are in recovery once a week. You’ll also consult with a qualified prescriber to help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms with medication. Our most commonly prescribed medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is Suboxone.

As we like to say, the only thing harder than quitting opioids is doing it alone. In this article, we’ll talk about five reasons why this option may be a good fit for you.

5 reasons outpatient rehab may be the right step toward opioid recovery

There are many possible paths to OUD recovery. We believe the best person to decide what route you should take is you. You’re already taking your first step by educating yourself about your options.

Aside from outpatient rehab, community-based support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are also available. Some individual groups may have an abstinence-only policy, which means they don’t allow members to take medication. These policies can unintentionally reinforce the shame and stigma that keep people from getting the help they need.

At Groups, we don’t punish members or kick them out for using. Instead, we listen without judgment and meet them with compassion.

The following are five reasons outpatient rehab may be the right step toward opioid recovery:

• You can keep your job and family responsibilities

Not everyone can afford to take time away from their life for an inpatient program. Outpatient programs are a much smaller time commitment. Treatment at Groups only takes a couple of hours one night a week. If you prefer virtual treatment, you can skip the commute and log on from home or work. See if there’s a Groups location in your state.

• You receive evidence-based medication treatment

We provide MOUD to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. People who take MOUD during recovery are less likely to use again. Suboxone is a popular choice because it’s generally safe and effective.

It’s less likely to cause an overdose than other opioids, and it doesn’t cause a significant high. It can be taken long-term under medical supervision, so many people continue to take a maintenance dose long after they finish treatment.

• You get comprehensive support beyond medication

Medication and counseling together have an even better success rate than MOUD alone. At Groups, we provide care for the whole person, which includes social support and group counseling. You’ll get to know other people who are in recovery during weekly sessions. With your group, you’ll learn techniques for managing cravings, regulating your emotions, building supportive relationships, and creating a life you love.

• Treatment is personalized to your specific goals

Recovery is about more than ending opioid use. Our outpatient rehab program is tailored to support your recovery goals. You’ll have access to Recovery Support Specialists who can help you meet basic needs like food security, housing, and employment, and work toward your life goals.

We use a mobile app to provide a more personalized experience. Use it to build and track your treatment plan, get tools and tips to help you reach your goals, connect with your counselor and care team, and more.

• You build long-term recovery skills in real-world settings

Building consistent routines and healthy relationships is a big part of recovery. This can be hard to do when you’re staying in a treatment center. Outpatient rehab offers the opportunity to apply new skills in your usual environments at home and at work. You connect with a local community and a support system that will always be there for you.

Learn more about outpatient rehab at Groups

The skills and relationships you build in outpatient rehab can help put you on the path to the life you want to live. Our program combines the most effective treatment methods with social support to help you jump-start your recovery process. You can download our Addiction Recovery Playbook guide to get a sneak preview of what treatment is like at Groups.

Ending opioid use is challenging, but we’ve seen many people come through their recovery process to live satisfying lives. Most are able to meet their recovery goals with proper support.

Are you looking for help with your recovery process? Or maybe you’re seeking help for a loved one. Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information. Let’s talk about the life you want to live and how we can help you make it a reality.

We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.