Outpatient Alcohol Treatment in the United States
If you or a loved one can’t stop drinking, outpatient alcohol rehab is one method of treatment that can help you stay sober. While most people who suffer from severe alcohol addiction attend inpatient programs, outpatient programming offers a less intensive option for people who:
- Don’t need alcohol detox services.
- Have a supportive home environment.
- Are diagnosed with a mild alcohol use disorder.
- Cannot sacrifice taking time away from family or work to attend a residential program.
- Have already completed a residential rehab program.
Alcohol is heavily built into American society, so much so that it is readily available almost anywhere. While many people are able to control their alcohol intake, some can not. When a person is incapable of controlling their alcohol intake, they inevitably develop an alcohol use disorder. This condition often leads to the neglect of personal, social, and financial responsibilities – causing a person’s world to seemingly fall apart.
Outpatient treatment for alcoholism may serve as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program or a standalone option for rehabilitation. These programs work by offering a variety of therapies, techniques, and support systems that help people progress in their recovery.
What is Alcoholism?
In today’s world, it’s difficult to find someone who doesn’t know someone who struggles with alcoholism. It may be just as hard to find someone who has never experimented with alcohol or who hasn’t developed alcoholism themselves. This is because the disease of alcoholism is something that is currently affecting more than 15 million people including their friends, family, and loved ones.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines alcohol use disorder as “problem drinking that becomes severe.” This definition is extremely vague when you consider all that alcoholism is. Of course, someone who is an alcoholic is going to experience uncontrollable drinking patterns and a preoccupation with alcohol. All of that being said, there is so much more that accompanies the disease of alcoholism.
There is no doubt that when someone consumes alcohol, they experience changes in their mood and inhibitions. For millions of people, the effects that alcohol produces are highly desirable. The more a person drinks, however, the more the structure of the brain begins to change.
The structural changes that occur in the brain are what eventually lead to the inability to control one’s drinking. This describes alcoholism by definition. Thankfully, being an alcoholic is not a death sentence, as there is treatment available.
Am I An Alcoholic?
Of the millions of Americans who struggle with alcoholism, only a small percentage of them obtain professional help. While there are many reasons for this, the most common is that some people do not believe they are an alcoholic or need professional treatment. While some people are quick to deny their drinking problem, others get to a point where the consequences of their drinking outweigh the benefits.
- Using alcohol for longer than intended.
- Unsuccessful attempts at stopping or cutting down on drinking.
- Spending an excessive amount of time obtaining and/or using alcohol.
- Continuing to drink alcohol despite any consequences that stem from drinking.
- Withdrawing from others and/or giving up on previously enjoyed activities.
- Recurrent use of alcohol in dangerous situations (such as while driving).
- Persistent cravings.
- Needing to increase the intake of alcohol in order to achieve the desired effects.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to drink.
- Drinking in secret out of fear of judgment from others.
- Drinking even if it is worsening a pre-existing mental or physical health condition.
If any of these symptoms apply to your situation, reaching out for help is the first and most crucial step. When you contact our treatment center in the United States, our admissions team and intake coordinators will help you determine which level of treatment best suits your needs. For some, that treatment might come in the form of outpatient alcohol rehab.
How Can an Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Help Me?
There are two types of treatment when it comes to outpatient care: IOP and OP.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programming (IOP) usually serves as a bridge between inpatient treatment and outpatient rehab. These programs require patients to come to the facility several days a week for several hours at a time. IOP treatment services are usually accompanied by sober living homes, alumni programs, and participation in a 12-step program.
Outpatient Programs (OP)
Outpatient treatment is the most relaxed version of professional substance abuse treatment available. Upon enrollment, we provide a schedule that outlines when you will begin and end treatment. Typically, these programs require patients to go to the rehab facility at least once per week for a few hours at a time. Upon attendance, you will begin to benefit from this highly-regarded form of care.
The Benefits of Outpatient Alcohol Treatment in the United States
The benefits of any program depend partially on your involvement and effort. However, evidence-based programs use a variety of different therapies and techniques to help people overcome their conditions.
- Providing you with a community of other recovering alcoholics who can understand what you have gone through and can offer their support.
- Connecting you to mental health professionals and addiction specialists who offer evidence-based therapies designed to address the core issues of your alcoholism.
- Allowing you the freedom to continue to maintain your everyday life all while receiving the care that you need.
- Helping you develop relapse prevention skills needed to stay sober from drugs or alcohol.
- Allowing you to slowly phase out of treatment, especially if you have already completed other forms of addiction treatment.
- Helping you heal broken or strained relationships with friends or family members.
Outpatient treatment is both structured and flexible all at the same time. While you are thriving off of the structure provided at the facility, you are also beginning to live your life with less fear, more skills, and a positive outlook.
Outpatient Alcohol Rehab and Therapy
Outpatient alcohol rehab treatment is therapy-based. When you go to the facility to obtain care, you will participate in different types of therapies. All outpatient programs focused on treating alcohol abuse conduct the majority of their therapy sessions in a group setting. However, individual therapy is also available, as are other forms of evidence-based treatments proven to help treat alcohol use disorder.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Experiential therapy (e.g. art therapy, music therapy)
Depending on your specific needs, you may participate in some or all of these therapies, and possibly even more. Not all therapies need to last for months at a time — some therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, only take a short period of time in order to be effective. Be prepared to remain in group counseling sessions from the beginning to the end of your treatment plan, though, as program completion the foundation of this type of program.
Outpatient Alcohol Rehab in the United States
Alcoholism will make a person’s life increasingly difficult. Although life certainly becomes easier after getting treatment, there are still challenges that you are going to face. Do not let the fear of getting help or what life might be like without alcohol steer you away from getting the help you need.
At A Forever Recovery, our alcohol rehab is dedicated to helping you stop your active drinking and begin to develop the skills needed to maintain long-term sobriety. We understand the challenges you are facing and are ready to offer our expertise, guidance, and support so that you can live alcohol-free.
So, do not wait one more minute. Contact our United States outpatient alcohol rehab center today to learn more about how we can help you. You have the potential to build a strong, lasting recovery. We can help.