How Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Works

Last Updated on Sun, 1 January 2023 | Addiction

Getting treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) doesn't always mean you have to abandon your obligations at home, work, or school while you recover. You can receive the support and guidance you require on a schedule that suits your needs by enrolling in an outpatient program for alcohol abuse treatment. Learn more to see if outpatient treatment can help you attain long-lasting sobriety.

What is outpatient alcohol treatment?

There are many options for outpatient alcohol treatment. These vary depending on the length of the program and their unique schedules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that an outpatient treatment doesn't require hospitalization and does not involve a resident. Many outpatient programs include group counseling. Some may also involve intensive treatment throughout the day.

Inpatient care requires you to put your life in jeopardy. An outpatient program, however, allows you to keep your job and continue with treatment without having to take a break. It allows you to receive treatment without interfering with your life," Sherrie Rader, PhD, a Pleasanton, CA substance abuse specialist tells WebMD Connect. Care.

According to Alcohol.org Inpatient Programs require an overnight stay and should be reserved for those who are constantly monitored. Individuals with an alcohol abuse disorder, who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or who might be suffering from suicidal thoughts, co-occurring mental disorders, people who have relapsed in the past, etc., could all qualify for this program.

When going through detox from alcohol, inpatient care is crucial. This treatment can be life-threatening and must be managed carefully. Inpatient treatment is also a crucial component. It includes the support and supervision of others who are recovering from an alcohol abuse disorder.

In cases where there are not immediate life-threatening risks, outpatient therapy can prove to be very beneficial. However, outpatient treatment is still considered serious even though it does not require a residence. Some cases require outpatient therapy to last more than nine hours each week. This allows the creation of a support group within the treatment program. There is no limit to the duration of the participation and, best of all, it permits those enrolled in treatment to carry on their personal and professional lives.

The Reasons People choose Outpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation

You can return to your home every day for outpatient treatment of alcoholism. While you are receiving treatment, you will have to stay in an institution. Outpatient treatment is more flexible for many.

Some people choose to go outpatient after having completed alcohol detox. If you're at this stage of your treatment for alcoholism, outpatient treatment can help you transition back into a normal lifestyle while avoiding a relapse.

If you require telehealth services, outpatient treatment for alcoholism is possible. Tele-health can assist you in reaching your goals.

You live too far from an outpatient program for alcohol treatment. Are unable to transport themselves. You are unable to make regular appointments. The severity of your addiction, your circumstances, and your need for medical detox are factors that your clinician (a health-care professional) will consider in order to determine whether outpatient alcohol treatment is best for you.

What is Outpatient Alcohol Rehab?

The cost varies from one program to the next. You can find this type of alcoholism treatment in:

Outpatient alcohol treatment varies in intensity. These programs can be divided into three categories:

The Standard Outpatient Program includes counseling sessions, which may include individual or group sessions. The meetings are usually once per week.

The Intensive Outpatient Program is a program that allows you to visit the treatment center three to five days per week. Each session lasts about 3-4 hours. The IOP program is more intensive than standard outpatient alcohol treatment programs. When appropriate, services may include individual and group therapy, family therapy, or medical management.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): These typically involve treatment for between 4 and 6 hours each day, over 3 to 5 days per week. This program provides outpatient care at the highest levels. It often includes medical services, family therapy and individual or group therapy. A PHP may be a good option for you after an inpatient treatment.

Rager says that outpatient treatment for alcoholism has the advantage of allowing you to immediately apply your knowledge to actual-life situations. Rager also explains,

What can you expect when receiving outpatient treatment for alcohol?

Outpatient treatment for alcoholism can help individuals increase their resilience and prepare them to maintain sobriety independently. You can consider it a more "acute" type of treatment that is not designed for detox.

"Outpatient treatment will be most beneficial for clients who can stop drinking without significant withdrawal symptoms. Outpatient treatment for alcoholism is an option that can help clients who are able to stop drinking without severe withdrawal symptoms. Chanel Johnson MA, LPC, CEO at Altus Home Counseling, tells WebMD Connect To Care. Clients who have completed a higher level treatment are able to receive outpatient alcohol therapy to develop their skills and support them at home. "

An outpatient treatment for alcoholism can be very beneficial in the short-term. It will help recovering people stay sober and provide them with social and medical support. They also allow them to carry on their daily obligations while encouraging a sense of accountability. Because they are not under 24-hour supervision, an outpatient treatment allows individuals to learn skills and apply them on their own.

Outpatient treatment for alcohol can also be continued. It doesn't matter if the program is successful. If an individual feels they are not going back to drinking, they can continue with the program for a longer time. The long-term goal of the program is to help an individual maintain sobriety.

Is there an average time spent in outpatient treatment for alcohol addiction?

You will need to spend a certain amount of time in an alcohol rehabilitation program. This will vary depending on your individual needs. You may be able to attend treatment up to 6 hours per day, depending on the level of your care. Johnson states that you will be able to work together with your team in order to identify your specific needs. "Depending on your treatment progress and dedication, this more intensive care level can be for several weeks or months.

Therapy may be reduced if the therapy is working well and there is less chance of relapse.

Even after you have completed outpatient therapy, there are still ways that can be used to encourage sobriety. Once you're ready for discharge, you can continue to meet with your therapist weekly to maintain sobriety. Johnson claims that your team may also be able to set you up for support groups or an outpatient psychiatrist.

Is it possible to become sober in a matter of days?

The time taken to sober up depends on several factors. These include personal and family circumstances, severity and length of alcoholism, level of addiction, treatment and degree of commitment.

Johnson states that "[it] all depends on you." Some clients are sober from the very first day of treatment. Some clients spend many years in treatment. Some clients take a while to become fully sober. However, most clients are ready to change. Your team should be open with you about your journey to sobriety to ensure they are able to best assist you.

There are many obstacles that may delay or prolong recovery and make it more difficult to attain sobriety. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, "Overcoming alcohol use disorder is an ongoing process." Things that can make sobriety more challenging and encourage relapses include:

These issues can often be resolved by ensuring that you receive treatment. Sobriety is possible with a consistent commitment and reliability to the recovery process. Work with your professional team to modify your treatment plan or address problems as they occur.

Can Someone Be Fired From a Job if they are in Outpatient Treatment for Alcoholism?

Many people may be reluctant to seek treatment for alcohol use disorder, in part for fear of being unable to meet social-or professional-obligations. One of the many benefits of outpatient treatment is that you have flexibility and can still meet your work obligations even while you're receiving treatment. "If you are in outpatient alcohol treatment, you may not need to take time off from your job, so they may not need to know," Johnson says.

But that isn't always the case. Even non-residential treatment programs might require a considerable time commitment. Johnson advises not to be alarmed. Johnson said that anti-discrimination laws and policies, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (which protects you against being fired for seeking treatment for any type of mental illness or medical condition), are in place. You can have documentation provided by your providers to ensure that you are covered. Johnson states that this is no reason to stop you seeking treatment.

Don't Wait. Receive Help Right Now.

It is never too late to get sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction, WebMD Connect to Care Advisors are standing by to help.

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