Being a single parent isn’t easy, but it’s even harder when you’re struggling with an addiction to drugs and alcohol. You may be reluctant to go to rehab because you are solely responsible for your kids or because of financial reasons, but there are flexible, affordable recovery programs that can help you.
Outpatient rehab is the least intensive level of care in addiction treatment. It allows you to go to a treatment facility several times each week for your scheduled therapy sessions, but you can do whatever you need to do in your free time. Outpatient rehab is a great option for single parents who are struggling with addiction.
How Can Outpatient Rehab Help Single Parents?
Single parents may be stretched thin when it comes to time, money, and patience. Many single parents do not realistically have the luxury of putting their lives on the back burner while they attend a residential treatment program. However, they still need to do what is best for themselves and their kids by seeking treatment.
Here are 5 reasons an outpatient rehab is a great option for single parents.
1. A Budget-Friendly Treatment Option
Many single parents are taking care of themselves and raising one or more kids on a single income. With high inflation rates and increasing prices of virtually everything in 2022, more people than ever are struggling financially–especially single parents.
Inpatient rehab can be expensive because you are paying for 24-hour care, housing, food, and more, but outpatient rehab can be extremely affordable. Outpatient rehab is also covered by insurance, so you may be able to get the majority of your treatment paid for.
2. Rehab During the Day; Time With Your Kids at Night
If you are a single parent, you may have to get your kids ready in the morning, take them to school, then pick them up at the end of the day before making dinner, doing laundry, cleaning, and getting everyone ready for bed. You have a busy day, so you may think you don’t have time for treatment.
Outpatient rehab can happen during the day or the night. If your kids are in school, a daytime program that allows you to go home at night can help you get sober. If your kids are too young for school, a nighttime IOP can provide you with a few hours of treatment in the evening while a family member or babysitter watches your kids.
3. Flexibility for Your Busy Schedule
Single parents frequently have to plan for the unexpected. A sick kid, a school event, or a parent-teacher conference can interrupt your plans last minute. If you go to an inpatient program, you don’t have the freedom or flexibility to tend to these kinds of responsibilities. However, an outpatient rehab will help you recover on a flexible schedule so you can take care of your family when you need to. Outpatient treatment is extremely flexible so you can find a program or therapist who works with you based on your needs and schedule.
4. Get Sober Without Missing out on Your Kids’ Lives
Even though they know deep down that the best thing they can do for their family is to get sober, parents may be hesitant to seek treatment because they don’t want to spend time away from their kids or miss out on their changing lives. In reality, continuing your addiction will cause you to miss out on far more than you ever would when going to rehab.
Drug and alcohol abuse makes you emotionally disconnected. While you may be physically present, you aren’t emotionally present when you are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Whether you realize it or not right now, continuing your addiction will only harm your kids and your relationship with them.
Fortunately, you don’t have to miss out on your kids’ lives at all when you choose outpatient rehab. Due to the flexible schedule, you will have plenty of time to spend with your kids and watch them grow.
5. Family-Focused Recovery in Real Time
Addiction is sometimes referred to as a family disease because it affects everyone who loves the addict, including children. As a result, it’s important to involve your kids in the recovery process and learn how to be the best parent you can be.
Outpatient rehab centers typically encourage family therapy sessions to give everyone time to heal. They also teach you practical skills that will help your current situation in everyday life.
If you go to inpatient rehab, you won’t have as much time with your kids. This means you won’t have as much time to practice healthy skills in recovery or healthy communication with your kids in real-life situations. Then, when you leave rehab, you may face unexpected challenges when it comes to your family.
Outpatient rehab allows you to receive treatment on a limited basis while living at home with your family. You can apply what you learn in treatment to your life at home, see what works and doesn’t work, and bring your feedback back to the group during your next treatment session. Inpatient rehab shields you from the real world, but outpatient rehab forces you to integrate your recovery into your daily life immediately.
Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Find Out if Outpatient Rehab is Right For You
Outpatient rehab may not be right for everyone. People with severe substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions may benefit from a more structured, residential program. Woburn Addiction Treatment offers a number of adaptable outpatient rehab programs in the Boston area. Our Outpatient Program is beneficial to those living at home, at school, or in a recovery residence to help guide a person to a life of purpose. This level of care is ideal for people who are unable to take the time off from work or school but feel a need to engage in treatment to prevent the typical adverse events or escalation of maladaptive substance use. Call today to learn more about starting outpatient rehab.
