top of page
Search
sinarachildcom

Alcohol Outpatient Treatment Programs: How They Work and Who Can Benefit



Outpatient rehab is a form of alcohol or drug rehabilitation that allows patients to live at home (or in another safe and therapeutic environment, such as sober living) while still working or going to school. In outpatient rehab, patients typically visit a treatment center, hospital, mental health clinic, or behavioral counselor on a regular basis during specific hours and days of the week.1,3 Some outpatient rehab programs offer evening and weekend sessions, making it easier for patients to balance treatment needs with personal, family and professional responsibilities or obligations.1


There are different levels of intensity of outpatient rehab programs. Outpatient treatment settings can also vary, and may take place in substance abuse treatment centers, community health clinics, mental health clinics, hospital-affiliated clinics, office settings, or residential facilities that provide outpatient clinics.1




Alcohol Outpatient Treatment Programs



In general, outpatient drug or alcohol treatment for recovery from a substance use disorder can be preferable due to its flexibility and reduced expense, and it is generally as effective as the services provided on an inpatient basis. There are several situations where getting treatment as an outpatient may not be the preferred form of care initially, but most individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder will find that they eventually need to transition to outpatient treatment.


According to Treating Addiction: A Guide for Professionals, with only a few exceptions (such as specific types of medical procedures and for conditions where individuals need to be monitored around the clock), outpatient drug and alcohol programs can essentially provide the full gamut of treatment services that are provided by residential treatment units. These include:


While both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs offer a wide variety of therapies to help patients overcome substance use disorders, there are two main factors that differentiate the two types of programs, such as:


Outpatient alcohol rehab is a popular and effective way to treat an alcohol use disorder (AUD). With outpatient rehabs, individuals have the opportunity to get help for their AUD without interfering with daily responsibilities like work, school and family obligations.


While each outpatient program offers various services, many involve medication-assisted detox, alcohol counseling sessions, different types of therapies and support groups. A comprehensive treatment plan treats the whole person, rather than just the disease. This provides the greatest chance for overcoming potential triggers and achieving long-term sobriety.


If you suffer from a drinking problem, you are not alone. Treatment providers can discuss rehab options and discuss through the entire recovery process. You owe it to yourself to live a healthy, fulfilling and alcohol-free life. Call a treatment provider to learn more about alcohol treatment facilities nearby.


Outpatient alcohol rehab centers help individuals overcome a dangerous drinking behavior, and learn how to recognize and prevent triggers. Many outpatient programs meet every day for the first several weeks or even months. Afterwards, the number of meetings will begin to lessen based on how far along an individual has come in their recovery.


There are several types of outpatient alcohol rehab programs offered around the country. The three most common types are day treatment, intensive outpatient and continuing care groups. Depending on your specific needs, your doctor or treatment professional may recommend certain programs over others. Sometimes you can even start with one program and move to another during your recovery journey.


Intensive outpatient programs are often much more flexible than day programs. They usually include meeting times during the day or evening, which is extremely beneficial for individuals who have other scheduled commitments. When a person first starts an intensive outpatient program, meetings are frequent. However, as they achieve various recovery goals, meetings will be held less often.


  • Some questions to think about while reviewing outpatient rehab options are:What types of treatment methods does the facility use?

  • What does the rehab schedule look like? Is there an option for half or full day?

  • Are staff and treatment providers properly certified?

  • Does insurance cover treatment or does the facility offer financial assistance?

  • How successful has the program been with other recovering alcoholics?

  • Are family and friends allowed to participate in some therapy sessions?

  • What happens after rehab? Will they refer you to local recovery groups?

  • What types of services and amenities are provided?

  • Is the program structured or more flexible? Will staff help create a recovery plan timeline?



National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Types of Treatment Programs. December 2016. -drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states/types-treatment-programs


Why do people become addicted to alcohol and other drugs? How effective is addiction treatment? What makes certain substances so addictive? The Butler Center for Research at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation investigates these and other questions and publishes its scientific findings in a variety of alcohol and drug addiction research papers and reports.


Different levels of outpatient rehab are available at Hazelden Betty Ford treatment centers so that you can transition progressively from more frequent and intensive therapy to less intensive therapy as you gain the insight and skills to manage your recovery with less clinical support.


Outpatient drug rehab programs vary in the number of days per week and hours per day of attendance. The right outpatient program for you depends on your treatment needs. Here are the most common outpatient options to consider:


Also known as day treatment or partial hospitalization, this is the highest level of outpatient drug and alcohol rehab available, with programming that typically meets five to seven days a week for up to six hours a day. Some people start drug rehab in our high-intensity level of care and others transition into this program after completing inpatient addiction treatment.


Outpatient treatment works the same way inpatient does, with the main difference being that inpatient treatment programs run 24/7 and often begin with a supervised detoxification period while outpatient programs meet for a set number of days per week and hours per day.


The main components of outpatient treatment at Hazelden Betty Ford include one-to-one counseling with an addiction professional, group therapy and educational sessions. At Hazelden Betty Ford, both inpatient and outpatient rehab incorporate evidence-based treatment practices such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), medication-assisted therapies and Twelve Step Facilitation. During inpatient rehab, spiritual care, wellness and mental health services are incorporated into the care you receive whereas in outpatient programs, these services are provided separately.


The goal of outpatient care programs at Hazelden Betty Ford centers is to stabilize your health and equip you with the knowledge, skills and resources to help you reclaim your life from addiction and prevent relapse.


Substance use disorder treatment programs generally fall into 1 of 2 categories: inpatient or outpatient. While equally focused on rehabilitation, each type has unique attributes and benefits to offer. Inpatient treatment programs, also known as residential treatment programs, are intensive and are designed to treat serious substance use disorders and addictions. Outpatient treatment, on the other hand, are part-time programs that allow for some level of flexibility so a patient can attend treatment without missing work or school responsibilities.


Inpatient recovery programs require patients to admit themselves into a controlled environment to address substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and other behaviors that may be causing them difficulty. During this time, patients stay in a residential treatment center where they receive 24-hour medical and emotional support.


Outpatient treatment is generally considered to be less restrictive than inpatient programs. Outpatient recovery programs fall into 2 different levels of care: partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient. Each level typically occurs after a residential treatment stay or if assessed as the appropriate level to start off at by a behavioral health professional.


Partial hospitalization programming (PHP) is the most intensive type of outpatient treatment, which focuses on stabilizing behaviors in early recovery. Most residential programs have a PHP that patients commonly transition to if they live locally. PHP programs are generally 5-6 hours of treatment per day, usually for 5-6 days a week. This level of care is often done while not working, as the treatment itself can be as time consuming as residential treatment.


Intensive outpatient programming (IOP) is a step down from PHP, in which patients begin to return to their daily lives by attending services for 3 hours of treatment per day for 3-5 days a week. This allows more flexibility for work and life needs, as well as an opportunity to readjust into the world with support.


Patients with mild to moderate substance withdrawal symptoms might find outpatient detoxification a fitting alternative to residential detox. Outpatient detox is safe, effective, and can be more flexible for those that are deemed ready by a treatment specialist.


Unlike residential detox, patients must visit a hospital or other treatment facility for physical and mental check-ups during outpatient detox. Clinicians or doctors might administer medications on-site to soothe withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, depression, and increased heart rate.


Outpatient treatment allows those in recovery to remain at home during treatment or at a sober living home that may be connected with the treatment program. Those undergoing outpatient treatment can continue working and remain close to family and friends. Outpatient treatment centers usually conduct IOP at night or in the early morning to help those in the program maintain their normal schedules outside of treatment. 2ff7e9595c


0 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page