If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Fortunately, there are many options available. Outpatient alcohol treatment is an option that many have found useful.
What is Outpatient Alcohol Treatment?
Outpatient alcohol treatment is a popular option for addressing alcohol addiction and other substance use disorders. Part of the appeal of outpatient treatment is that it allows you to continue living at home. The flexibility it offers makes it a useful alternative to an inpatient rehabilitation program. But it also offers accountability. When enrolled in an outpatient program, you’re free to maintain work, school, and family obligations, but you have your outpatient program to help you stay focused on your recovery.
Outpatient alcohol rehab centers help you learn about your substance use and develop strategies for maintaining sobriety – identifying triggers, learning coping skills, and finding communities of support in the outside world. Some outpatient programs involve daily sessions at first, with meetings lessening as you continue along your path of recovery.
For these reasons, outpatient treatment can be a great option for you if you have a relatively stable home life. That said, for more serious cases, an inpatient stay may be the better option.
What Are the Different Types of Outpatient Alcohol Treatment?
When it comes to outpatient alcohol treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. There are different options available to you. In what follows, we’ll take a look at some popular forms of outpatient treatment.
Day Treatment/Partial hospitalization programs
Day treatment/partial hospitalization is an option when you need intensive care during the day. You participate in therapy, group sessions, and other recovery-related activities, and then go home. This is probably the most comprehensive form of outpatient alcohol treatment and can be a good option if your alcohol addiction has become severe.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive Outpatient Programs, commonly known as IOPs, are more flexible than intensive day programs. They typically offer meeting times during the day or evening, allowing you to plan around your other scheduled obligations. IOPs are especially beneficial for people who have a stable, effective support system at home. You’re free to meet with professionals, learn recovery strategies, and then return home to where you know you’re safe. During IOP sessions, you learn ways to prevent relapse and manage the stresses of daily life.
Standard outpatient programs
Standard outpatient programs are less intensive than the other options, usually involving a few hours per week of treatment. They focus on group therapy and counseling and are a good option for people with milder substance use disorders. They can also be helpful for people making the transition from more intensive forms of care.
Continuing Care Groups
Continuing care groups are usually the last step in the process. Ongoing support groups – including 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and other groups like SMART Recovery – provide accountability, mutual support, and a loving, supportive environment. The availability of such groups can depend on where you live, but most locales have their share of mutual aid fellowships and support groups. If you struggle to find one, there are online options available, as well. 12-step meetings are the easiest to find, with chapters all across the country. Every day, members of 12-step fellowships gather to share their experiences and support each other on the path of recovery.
What Are the Different Care Options for Outpatient Alcohol Treatment?
When you participate in outpatient alcohol treatment, there are different care options available to you. Let’s take a look at two examples.
Therapy
Therapy is a cornerstone of outpatient alcohol treatment and may include individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapy addresses the underlying causes of alcohol use and develops coping mechanisms.
Medication
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram to reduce cravings and prevent relapse. MAT is often combined with counseling for a comprehensive approach.
Does Alcohol Outpatient Treatment Work?
Outpatient alcohol treatment can be highly effective under the right circumstances. Success largely depends on the severity of the addiction problem being treated, the quality of the program, and the extent to which the participant sticks to the plan. Outpatient treatment is also most effective for people with stable, supportive homes.
What Are the Benefits of Alcohol Outpatient Treatment?
While alcohol outpatient treatment isn’t for everyone, there are some clear and important benefits to consider, including:
- Cost: Outpatient is typically less expensive than inpatient treatment.
- Flexibility: Participants can balance daily life with treatment.
- Proximity to home: Participants stay close to their support system.
- Support: Participants enjoy structured support, enabling them to rebuild their lives.
- Community Integration: Participants can apply the skills they’ve learned to real-life situations in the community.
How Long Is Alcohol Outpatient Treatment?
The length of outpatient treatment varies depending on your level of need and progress. Some programs are just a few weeks long, while others can last for months or years. It’s important to find an option that works for you and serves your longer-term recovery goals.
How Much Does Alcohol Outpatient Treatment Cost?
It’s always important to evaluate the cost of treatment. Outpatient treatment typically costs less than other, more intensive forms of treatment. Nonetheless, the cost of outpatient care isn’t negligible. Check with your insurance provider and review different program types, locations, and more. For those who lack insurance, some treatment centers offer sliding scale fees.
How Do You Choose Alcohol Outpatient Treatment?
When choosing an alcohol outpatient treatment program, there are some important considerations to weigh. You should assess your needs. Be honest with yourself. Will outpatient treatment work, or do you need something more intensive? Consult with your family, and remember that this is your time to recover. If you’ve decided that outpatient is the route for you, then look for accredited outpatient programs with experienced professionals. Think about location, schedule, and cost. You should be quick to seek recommendations from your healthcare provider or another trusted source.
What Are Alternatives to Alcohol Outpatient Treatment?
If outpatient treatment isn’t right for you, there are alternatives you may want to explore.
Do It Yourself/Build Your Own Team
If you pursue your recovery with focus and intentionality, you can build your own team of support. Find a therapist that works for you, join a recovery group, and avail yourself of self-help resources.
Telehealth
Telehealth is a popular option these days, offering remote therapy, counseling, and support groups. This is an especially good option for those living in remote areas or with limited mobility.
In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT)
Outpatient alcohol treatment, while good for many, is far from the only option. For some, an inpatient option might be called for.
Aware Recovery Care offers an In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT) program, which allows you to stay home while all treatment comes to you. IHAT employs the best technologies and evidence-based treatments to help you along your path of recovery, while risk and disruptions are minimized. This option allows you to start your recovery in your own way on your terms.
