Unfortunately, addiction needs to be cured; a person suffering from an addiction cannot function properly in a society. The purpose of the rehab is to put the addicted back on their feet and help them re-integrate in the society, get a job and forget about the alcohol, drugs or the other substances that have brought them in the addictive state. Inpatient rehab is a very advantageous method to treat the addicted. But, many people do not afford going into a clinic and spending weeks maybe even months there. It is too expensive, and it takes a lot of time off. The solution for these patients is to take up outpatient rehab. If done seriously, the outpatient rehab can give excellent results as well.
The outpatient rehab contains group sessions. You have to join a group, which is conducted by a doctor, and visit this group on a regular basis. Usually, these groups meet once or twice a week. As a rule, these groups are formed round one single addiction. So, those addicted to alcohol will meet in one group, those addicted to drugs in another and so on. In this manner, specific problems may be discussed. An alcohol addict is different form a drug addict and must be treated differently. During a therapy session you will be able to discuss issues linked to the addiction, things such as how to cope with the temptations, what are the difficulties that one faces when going out in the world, to work, to a bar etc., issues linked to family acceptance and so on. As a matter of fact, one can discuss just about everything that needs to get off of one's chest, so as to be able to continue staying sober or drug-free.
The outpatient rehab has many plusses. On of them is that it really helps to meet people that face the same problems. Discussing these problems can make them seem easier to solve. You can make friends among the people who attend the same group as you. The doctor can help you, but other patients can help you as well. As a matter of fact, you can help other people too, and this feeling that you can do something will help you a lot in regaining your self esteem.