Weekend Rehab

What is Weekend Rehab?

Weekend rehabs are short-term in-and-out programs to treat drug and alcohol addiction. It’s a form of continuing care that works best for people seeking flexibility in their treatment because it happens over the weekend.

Weekend rehab makes it easier for people to attend sessions as they continue other responsibilities like work or school. The frequency and length of sessions depend on how a person responds to treatment.

Weekend programs may occur in an inpatient or outpatient setting, requiring a minimum of 9 hours per week, often combined with weeknight sessions. However, not all rehab facilities offer weekend rehab programs.

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What Happens During Weekend Rehab Programs?

After intensive treatment, a person recovering from substance use disorder (SUD) may transition to regular outpatient treatment. They may attend fewer sessions for shorter periods, such as weekend rehab programs.

Like other rehab programs, weekend rehab programs provide therapy sessions to help you understand the root of your addiction. They assist in identifying triggers so you can develop coping strategies to manage a triggering event.

Most weekend rehab programs involve:

• Educational sessions on addiction topics and coping strategies
• Learning coping strategies and relapse prevention
• Learning about the neurological impact of alcohol
• Developing and improving relationship skills
• Practicing effective communication
• Individual and group therapy
• Identifying, avoiding, and dealing with triggers

These sessions also allow people to join a community for support and share experiences while staying sober with others. It helps them form bonds with people experiencing similar struggles.

Who Should Attend Weekend Rehab Programs?

A weekend rehab program is best suited for people with a solid support system who don’t require constant supervision. It can also accommodate people who don’t have the time to go on treatment plans with long commitments.

These include:

• Working professionals
• Executives
• Pregnant women
• Working single mothers
• Older adults

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Are Weekend Rehab Programs Effective?

Weekend rehabilitation programs are just as effective as other substance abuse treatment programs. Going to treatment on weekends may also help people who usually drink during this period.

The main advantage of weekend rehab centers is that they’re not as disruptive as other long-term inpatient or outpatient programs. However, weekend rehab programs may not always be the best option.

Other rehab programs may be more effective than others for certain situations, especially for first-timers seeking help. Work with your doctor to find the right treatment plan and increase your chance of recovery.

Limitations of Weekend Rehabs

In severe addiction cases, weekend rehab may be less effective in treating alcohol addiction than more intensive options. Comprehensive care is the standard solution to help maintain sobriety and support recovery.

Although weekend rehab programs provide many benefits, some people require more supervision. If you need more intensive treatment, consider looking for inpatient treatment.

You may need more intensive drug rehab options if you struggle with:

• Severe addiction problems
• Relapses
• Co-occurring disorders

Inpatient treatment offers around-the-clock care at a treatment facility, which suits those needing more care. These programs typically last around 30 to 90 days, but the length can vary on your needs.

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How to Join a Weekend Rehab Program

You can consult a healthcare professional or an addiction specialist to find a rehab facility that caters to your needs. However, online resources can help you find local rehab centers near you. For example, American Addiction Centers offer drug and alcohol rehab options nationwide.

Other Treatment Options

Recovery from addiction is a long-term process and may require several treatment efforts. Since every person’s road to sobriety is unique, you should explore different treatment programs to find one that meets your needs.

Various options throughout the U.S. offer inpatient and outpatient treatment, including weekend rehab.

Here are other types of alcohol and drug addiction treatment:²

• Medical detox: It uses medically supervised detoxification and may require medication to prevent harmful withdrawal symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs).
• Inpatient treatment: Involves checking into a hospital or rehab facility for an overnight stay to receive intensive treatment and 24-hour medical supervision.
• Outpatient treatment: It is a healthcare service where participants can receive medical care, therapy, or treatment without getting admitted into the facility.
• Intensive outpatient treatment: These programs are similar to outpatient programs that provide 9-15 hour treatment sessions 3-5 days a week.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): It is a short-term therapy technique that utilizes a therapeutic approach by examining the connections between a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to reach positive mental health outcomes.
• Medication-assisted treatment: It involves using medication, counseling, and therapy to treat addiction.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHPs): A treatment program where you stay at a rehab facility for a day and return home at night.
• 12-step programs: Support groups that follow a 12-step process designed to help guide individuals through the recovery process and maintain sobriety.
• Dual diagnosis treatment: A treatment program that addresses co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction.

Summary

Weekend rehab programs are short-term treatment options that take place during the weekend. Although it can be an effective treatment program, it’s not for everyone, especially people with severe addictions. 

If weekend rehab isn’t enough, various treatment options can help you recover from alcohol dependence and reach sobriety. These include inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs, etc.