Treating a drug or alcohol addiction often requires more than just a one-time counseling session. It's also important to get regular treatment sessions to learn coping skills, develop a support network and discover how you got addicted in the first place. If you are unable or unwilling to attend inpatient treatment programs, Outpatient addiction treatment may be the perfect option for you.
An Outpatient alcohol addiction treatment program works around your daily responsibilities and schedule. You'll meet for weekly individual or group therapy sessions, with homework to complete between meetings. This treatment option is best suited for individuals with mild to moderate alcohol abuse problems, including AUD (alcohol use disorder). It's especially good for people who work full-time or have family responsibilities and commitments.
Outpatient alcohol addiction treatment is often more affordable than inpatient addiction treatment programs. While you'll still be required to pay for things like your doctor visits, any tests that are performed and facility-based fees, these charges tend to be less than what you'd spend on inpatient treatment.
Most outpatient alcoholism treatment programs are offered during evenings and on weekends, allowing you to keep up with work and school responsibilities. In addition, you can also take advantage of additional services that may be available through the treatment facility that you choose to enroll in, such as case management or nutritional guidance.
Depending on the type of outpatient alcohol addiction treatment that you choose, the intensity and duration of your treatments will vary. For instance, intensive outpatient alcoholism treatment programs may require a higher degree of commitment from the client because they generally involve more frequent and longer therapy sessions each week. In some cases, an IOP can even last up to four months and require attendance for many hours each day at the treatment facility.
Another type of outpatient addiction treatment is the day rehabilitation program. This is typically considered a step down from a partial hospitalization program and involves more intense therapy sessions during the day. These sessions can last up to three hours a day, five days a week. They may include psycho-educational groups, alcohol education groups, men's or women's groups, co-occurring disorders educational and process groups, and managing anger groups.
If you're unsure about which type of outpatient alcohol or drug abuse recovery program is right for you, speak with a doctor or a professional counselor. They will be able to provide you with more information about the various treatment options available and recommend a program that would best suit your needs. Getting help now will put you on the road to long-term recovery!