Creating a Safe Home Environment During Outpatient Treatment

Individuals participating in outpatient treatment programs for substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring disorders spend their nights at home. A safe home environment is essential to ensure continued healing and personal growth. According to the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), "Finding the right treatment option can be the key to a successful recovery journey." For many, outpatient programs offer the best combination of structured treatment and schedule flexibility. West Coast Recovery Centers uses evidence-based methods, including psychotherapy, to ensure individuals in recovery have a safe home environment. 

Creating a Safe Home Environment

People in outpatient treatment need to have a space they return to each day where they feel comfortable practicing the skills they learn in therapy. However, not everyone has a safe space. Creating a healthy home environment is possible with the help of the experts at West Coast Recovery Centers. The clinicians guide clients and their families through creating a healthy environment to support ongoing recovery. 

A safe space should include the following: 

• Emotional support, empathy, and compassion from loved ones or housemates  
• Physically safe housing 
• Privacy
• Access to clean clothes, healthy food, and other necessities 
• A drug-free space 

People in recovery benefit from spending time at home or with loved ones between treatment sessions. Clients should discuss any concerns about their home life with the care team and their support system. Family therapy and other services may provide essential support and help people develop healthier family dynamics. Speaking up about potential issues can stop them from further complicating recovery. Building a healthy space at home involves every member of the family. West Coast Recovery encourages family members to participate in the recovery process. 

Challenges and Benefits of Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is best for individuals with a strong support system, mild symptoms, and healthy coping mechanisms. The care team at West Coast Recovery Centers uses comprehensive assessments to match clients with the right level of care. Outpatient services allow individuals to continue working, going to school, or managing responsibilities at home while receiving treatment for substance misuse. 

Some of the primary advantages of outpatient care include: 

• Access to high-quality treatment and support services throughout the week 
• Referrals to outside experts and service as needed 
• Prescription medication and medication management to reduce or eliminate symptoms
• A dedicated care team  
• Case management during treatment and continuing care
• Schedule flexibility
• Alumni support services 

Clients in treatment learn to manage their condition by practicing coping skills every day in the real world. Instead of being housed in a recovery center, clients can attend to personal and professional tasks. The skills they learn in therapy allow them to find healthy ways to manage symptoms. Outpatient care makes it easier to stay motivated and accountable while learning to navigate the challenges of everyday life and long-term recovery. 

Using Lessons Learned in Therapy to Create a Safe Home Environment

A person's home environment directly affects their physical and mental health. Therapy helps people in recovery connect unhealthy behaviors with unwanted outcomes. The clinical team guides clients through learning to create healthier boundaries and routines. People in recovery can create a safer home environment by changing their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. 

Group therapy is an excellent tool for learning healthy ways to cope and manage symptoms at home. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), "Group therapy is a therapy modality wherein clients learn and practice recovery strategies, build interpersonal skills, and reinforce and develop social support networks."

Individual and group therapy provides lessons on how to improve life skills, including: 

• Conflict resolution between loved ones 
• Effective communication with family and close friends 
• Building a solid support system 
• Creating crisis management strategies
• Anticipating potential triggers and developing preventative measures

The skills and tools provided to clients during therapy sessions help them create a safer space at home. People who feel secure, content, and at peace during outpatient treatment are more likely to have better outcomes. West Coast Recovery Centers helps families thrive using outpatient programs and evidence-based therapies. The clinicians collaborate with each family to ensure they understand how to utilize the skills taught in therapy to manage their condition. 

Extended Support and Alumni Services

West Coast Recovery Centers offers extended support and alumni services. People with complicated home lives may benefit from the continued stability of ongoing support during early recovery. Creating a safe home environment involves finding healthy alternatives to maladaptive behaviors and relationships. The care team collaborates with clients to ensure they remain safe and comfortable at home during and after treatment. 

Family therapy and other services are available for people who need additional help establishing or maintaining healthier family dynamics during aftercare. Alumni can also return to the program for short periods if they encounter a significant life change and need help maintaining sobriety and emotional stability. West Coast Recovery Centers provides all clients with the tools and resources they need to feel safe at home. 

People in outpatient treatment need to feel safe and secure at home to reduce the risk of relapse during early recovery. A safe home environment ensures people feel loved, cared for, and supported during treatment and aftercare. Outpatient programs are flexible and provide people in recovery with personalized care. However, treatment is only effective if clients have an opportunity to practice the skills they learn in a safe space. The clinical team at West Coast Recovery Centers helps individuals and families identify potential problems at home and find healthy ways to create a sense of safety and comfort. To learn more about our services and programs, call us today at (760) 492-6509.