Patients in outpatient alcohol rehab can expect to complete a thorough assessment of their alcohol use and participate in individual and group counseling.

Article at a Glance:

Outpatient alcohol rehab is suitable for patients who have a supportive living environment and are stable enough to live at home while undergoing treatment.

Patients in outpatient alcohol rehab typically participate in individual and group counseling. Some programs may also provide medications.

Completing an outpatient alcohol rehab program requires a thorough assessment and a willingness to learn and set boundaries.

The Benefits of Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

When choosing an alcohol treatment program, some people opt for an inpatient setting because it allows them to live in a more controlled environment. However, others prefer outpatient alcohol rehab, which lets them live at home and continue to work and care for their family.

[elementor-template id="4848"]

Outpatient care allows you to recover from alcohol addiction without having to “press pause” on your life like you would for inpatient treatment. It also tends to be more affordable, as there are no costs associated with staying in a facility and paying for food, housing and other amenities. However, it’s important to understand that outpatient care may not be effective for people in certain circumstances.

Who Is Outpatient Alcohol Rehab For?

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)recommends outpatient rehabfor people whose addictions are less severe. Patients in outpatient rehab should have a supportive home environment, and they should be stable enough to continue living at home and participating in life within the community.

Outpatient alcohol rehab typically involves individual and group counseling that teaches patients how to cope with stressors without turning to alcohol use. People with more severe addictions will likely require inpatient care before they can successfully participate in outpatient rehab.

Outpatient alcohol rehab is not appropriate for patients who live in an environment that makes recovery difficult. For example, if you are living with a partner who also abuses alcohol but is not ready to stop, outpatient care is probably not suitable. In addition, if you have significant medical or mental health needs and do not yet have the skills to avoid relapse while living at home, it may be more appropriate to begin recovery in an inpatient setting.

When Should Someone Consider Outpatient Alcohol Rehab?

Some people may drink moderately or only on special occasions, which does not constitute analcohol addiction. Others may find that they are unable to stop drinking, even when it causes serious consequences in their lives. When a person loses control over drinking and begins to show signs of an alcohol use disorder — theclinical termfor alcohol addiction or alcoholism — it is time to consider outpatient alcohol rehab.

Alcohol use disorder symptomsinclude:

Types of Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Programs

There are several types of alcohol rehab programs available, and each can vary in the services they provide. For instance, some programs may involve individual counseling services, while others may focus on group interventions. Many programs offer a combination of individual and group counseling.

Some rehab programs may provide medications as part ofalcoholism treatment. Medications like naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram can help people to stop drinking (See:Medication-Assisted Treatment). Outpatient alcohol rehab may offer medications in combination with counseling.

Mutual support groups are another form of outpatient alcohol rehab. In many cases, mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous are free to attend.

At-Home Detox vs. Medically Assisted Detox

Another thing to consider is the detox process; some people choose to detox at home, while others participate in a medically assisted detox program, also calledmedical detox. When people stop drinking after developing an alcohol addiction, they are likely to experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms liketremors, headache and upset stomach. In cases of severe alcohol withdrawal, a person may experience hallucinations or a potentially fatal condition called delirium tremens.

Patients who experience mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms can often complete detox at home. Conversely, those who experience more severe symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens should be treated in a medically assisted detox program. This helps them avoid life-threatening consequences related to alcohol withdrawal.

Medicaldetox provides around-the-clock observation and support from medical professionals. Doctors working in an alcohol detox facility will often prescribe benzodiazepines to treat severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, a patient may begin with a medical detox and then transition to outpatient alcohol rehab when they become medically stable.

Outpatient Programming at The Recovery Village

If outpatient alcohol rehab sounds like it might be the best choice for you, The Recovery Village is here to help. We have rehab centers located in various states around the country, and we also offer teletherapy services so you can complete outpatient alcohol rehab from home. Contact us today to learn more about an outpatient program that can work well for your needs.

Visit the following websites to learn about The Recovery Village’s network of rehabilitation facilities. Call today for admissions. Each center is ready to help people learn how to cope with their Ambien addiction and uncover the root causes for their substance use disorder.