Starting outpatient rehab and not sure what happens next?
Take the first few weeks. That’s the most crucial time of the ENTIRE process. It determines how things will go from there on out. The good news? They’re not nearly as intimidating as you imagine.
Here’s the problem:
In 2024, only 19.3% of people who required treatment received treatment for a substance use disorder. Fear of the unknown often stands in their way.
When you know what’s coming, it’s much easier to show up.
Learn this system step by step, starting from day 1. Learn what skill is most important… relapse prevention planning.
Let’s jump in!
Here’s what’s inside:
- Week One: Intake And Assessment
- Building Your Relapse Prevention Plan
- Weeks Two To Four: Finding Your Rhythm
- Common Challenges In The Early Weeks
Week One: Intake And Assessment
Your first week is all about getting to know you.
The care team needs to know where you are starting from before any treatment begins. That’s why there is an intake appointment to discuss your health history, your substance use history and your goals.
Expect questions about:
- Your physical and mental health
- How long you have been using and what substances
- Your home life, work and support system
- Any past treatment you have tried
There are no wrong answers. Just be honest and the care team will help you build a plan that works for your life.
After your evaluation you will be given your schedule. Many outpatient programs will meet several times a week for just a few hours. This allows you to continue working, studying or caring for your family.
Pretty cool, right?
Building Your Relapse Prevention Plan
This is the part most people don’t expect in week one…
Relapse prevention planning begins almost immediately. It is not something you save for the last week of treatment. A quality outpatient team will guide you through the development of a written relapse prevention plan in your first few weeks of treatment and continue to refine and strengthen that plan throughout treatment. If you are located near Woodstock and are looking for an outpatient team that weaves relapse prevention planning into your care from day one, visit https://innervoyagerecovery.com/areas-we-serve/woodstock/ to learn how local care can help you safeguard your recovery between sessions.
Why does this matter so much?
Addiction is a chronic disease. Studies show that relapse rates for individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders range between 40% and 60%. This is comparable to other diseases such as asthma and hypertension.
A relapse doesn’t mean treatment failed. It means the plan needs to change.
Your relapse prevention plan will usually include:
- Your triggers: People, places, feelings and situations that trigger your desire to use.
- Warning signs: Small changes in your mood or behavior that indicate you may be falling.
- Coping tools: Healthy activities to do when you get cravings such as calling a friend or going for a walk.
- Your go-to list: People and numbers you can call anytime.
It’s like a map. If you run into trouble you won’t have to wonder what to do. The plan will show you.
Weeks Two To Four: Finding Your Rhythm
By week two, things start to feel more normal.
You will become familiar with the faces in your group. You will know the schedule. And you will begin to recognize small victories, such as making it through an entire day without a craving or getting a good night’s sleep.
The majority of your time will be taken up with therapy. This will typically be a combination of group and individual sessions with a counsellor.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is where a lot of the magic happens.
Just being around others that “understand”. You talk about whats going on. Listen to what everyone has to say and realize you are not alone. Lots of people say this is the part of rehab they look forward to the most.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions go deeper.
Here you will focus on your reasons for using substances. A counsellor may work with you using evidence-based techniques, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to help you identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier ones.
This is also when your relapse prevention plan is tweaked. You’ll review each week what was helpful, what wasn’t and what needs adjusting.
Family Involvement
Some programs invite family members to join certain sessions.
Recovery doesn’t occur in isolation. When those around you know what you are experiencing, they can be there for you in a much better way.
Common Challenges In The Early Weeks
Let’s be honest…
The early weeks can be challenging. Learn what obstacles you may face.
Here are the big ones:
- Intense urges: It’s okay, they’re normal, especially in the beginning. Remember you have tools for times like this.
- Mood swings: Your brain and body are getting used to each other. Ups and downs are normal.
- Places you used to visit often: Driving by the same places or seeing the same people will trigger you. That’s what your trigger list is for.
- Doubt: Some days you may wonder if it’s working. Stick with it.
But here’s the thing…
Each one of these struggles has faced your care team many times before. You are not alone in figuring them out. Take them to your sessions and work on them together.
Keeping a brief daily journal is one uncomplicated practice that can be enormously beneficial. Note how you were feeling, what cravings you experienced and how you dealt with them. You will begin to see patterns that can help you further strengthen your relapse prevention plan.
The Road Ahead
The beginning weeks of outpatient rehab revolve around creating your foundation. Here’s a quick rundown:
- An honest intake and assessment
- A personal relapse prevention plan from the start
- A steady mix of group and individual therapy
- A few tough days (and plenty of good ones)
Keep it simple. Show up, be honest and use your plan.
Road to recovery is rarely linear. However, with proper aftercare and a comprehensive relapse prevention plan in place, those first few weeks can begin your journey to life transforming change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does outpatient rehab last?
Most outpatient programs last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It all depends on your needs, how well you progress and what type of program you enter.
What is relapse prevention planning?
Relapse prevention planning involves writing down your triggers, warning signs, coping skills and support contacts. It creates a concrete plan for you to follow when recovery is difficult.
Can you work while in outpatient rehab?
Yes. Since outpatient rehab allows you to schedule sessions around your day, most people continue to work or go to school.
