Outpatient Treatment Services and Continuing Care in Hawaii

There is a traditional Hawaiian saying that goes, “No Keia La, No Keia Po, A Mau Loa.” This translates to “From this day, from this night; forever more.” It also symbolizes what outpatient treatment services and continuing care at Hawaii Island Recovery are all about. Recovery is about staying in the moment while also preparing for the future. Yes, it is about “one day at a time” and knowing that “the future is friendly.” Ultimately, it is about recovering and staying that way in the long term.

Outpatient treatment is a flexible way of connecting to one’s recovery while also being able to keep one foot in everyday life. The reality is that it is not for everyone, but for those with busy schedules (career, academics, family responsibilities), it can be ideal.

Outpatient treatment is also an exceptional choice for those looking to “step down” in recovery. This may be individuals who began their journey with a medically supervised detox and inpatient care and now feel comfortable enough to transition to outpatient care.

The benefits of outpatient treatment can be vast and varied. As previously mentioned, perhaps the biggest benefit is its flexibility, but it also tends to be more affordable and more often covered by health care or insurance. It also allows an individual an opportunity to more readily connect to external recovery groups in the community, such as 12-Step groups. Outpatient treatment also often allows for a smoother transition back into everyday life after the program concludes.

Many people are under the misconception that outpatient treatment services are somehow less intensive than residential care. This is simply not the case. The primary difference is that, in outpatient treatment, the individual has flexibility in their movements.

However, they are still required to engage in intensive treatment modalities throughout the week. Generally, outpatient treatment plans involve a multi-angled approach that involves psychotherapeutic, experiential, and holistic recovery options.

Most recovery plans utilize evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as a foundation. This is not only because they have been proven effective but also because they tend to be the best options for getting to the underlying issues that are often the core causes of substance use disorder and/or addiction.

Working with others is an essential component of addiction recovery. In fact, there is even a chapter in the primary text of 12-Step Recovery (most commonly referred to as the Big Book) entitled “Working With Others.” The chapter states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much ensure immunity from drinking [and using] as intensive work with other [people in recovery]. It works when other activities fail. You can help when no one else can.”

This is a core concept of group counseling. It brings people together in a safe, non-judgmental space to connect with shared experiences and help one another recover. A trained professional helps to guide and move this process along.

Many people fail to recover from the disease of addiction because they have never been taught the intricacies of the disease. Effective education sessions can help bring important information to light that can ultimately be used when an individual is feeling “triggered” down the road in their recovery.

Some individuals may experience ongoing substance use and/or drug withdrawal symptoms or intense cravings. Therefore, continued use of medication may be required. Outpatient treatment and continuing care can help ensure that this process is closely monitored for efficacy and safety. 

It is important to remember that addiction recovery is about a lot more than simply putting down the drink or the drug. Recovery is about getting to the underlying reasons why that drink or drug was picked up in the first place.

It is only when these underlying issues are addressed that continuing care can truly work because a healthy foundation has been built for that care to stand upon. That care often includes consultations with an addictionologist, continued psychotherapy and experiential therapy, addiction coaching, and connections with recovery communities like 12-Step programs.

Perhaps the most important aspect of continuing care for a substance use disorder is its focus on relapse prevention. After all, long-term sobriety and healthy recovery are the ultimate goals.

Many people don’t realize just how common and costly relapses are in the U.S. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Addiction Relapse Prevention, by Doctors Guenzel and McChargue, their research shows that “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.” Continuing care can significantly lower this relapse potential.

There is another traditional Hawaiin maxim that goes, “Kulia i ka nu’u,” and it means you must always strive to reach the highest peak with any endeavor. This is what we focus on here at Hawaii Island Recovery: a strive for excellence.

Here at Hawaii Island Recovery, we are a community that understands that treatment and therapy can feel scary. But, on Hawaii’s Big Island, it doesn’t have to. Here, there is hope, and here, we can help you address the underlying cause of mental health and substance use disorder.

Outpatient drug treatment and continuing care are essential components of long-term successful sobriety. They make the process more enjoyable and manageable, as well as help to avoid relapse. For more information, please reach out to a health professional at Hawaii Island Recovery today and call(866) 390-5070.