How Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Works

An outpatient alcohol treatment program may be your ticket to recovery!

Outpatient alcohol treatment isn’t for everyone and it is important to know exactly how it works to determine if it is the right choice for you or your loved one. When entering into an outpatient alcohol treatment center there will be steps that will need to be taken. The steps are very similar to a residential program but you are in a less structured environment. It is important to have a strong support system at home to allow this program to work the best for you.

Assessment and Evaluation

When a person is first admitted into an outpatient alcohol treatment program they will be evaluated. The evaluation will be done by a trained and licensed professional. The treatment professional will be able to assist the person with treatment plans and goals throughout recovery. Typically this will be the person that the patients will come back to for check ups and times when bumps in the road occur throughout the recovery process.

The Detox Process

Just like a residential program, the patient will need to go through the detox process during outpatient alcohol treatment. When going through this process, the patient will come into the clinic on a daily basis for treatment and therapy. It is important that the person has a strong support system to be able to support them when they are away from the clinic. The support system can be friends or family but they need to be positive and let the process take place without being judgmental or pushy.

During the detox process, the outpatient alcohol treatment center will be able to give resources and tools to help the patient bare through the pains and withdrawal symptoms while they are at home. Most programs also have a hotline that the person can call when they need help and can’t get to the clinic in time or after hours.

Counseling and Group Therapy

Outpatient alcohol treatment programs offer counseling and group therapy to their patients. These sessions can be a on a daily basis or they may attend them only a couple times per week. The amount of time the person will join these types of sessions will vary depending on their addiction and individual situations. The counseling and group therapy sessions will have a licensed and trained professional present to help the individuals work through some of their emotional and physical problems.

Educational Resources and Classes

It is highly encouraged for a person going through an outpatient alcohol treatment program to find things to do and learn while recovering. Educational courses are often provided on site or at sister sites. They will have a variety of different courses that can help the person learn a new skill, ways to overcome addiction and how to live free from addictions.

Aftercare

Aftercare is an important part of the recovery process because it gives the person a place to go in times of weakness and for encouragement. Aftercare also works well for the person experiencing long term emotional and physical problems that occurred from the alcohol addiction. Aftercare will be a resource for those in recovery to move on and overcome these problems.

Get Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing a problem with alcohol it may be time to talk to a trained professional and get treatment. Talk with the professional about your addiction and see if an outpatient alcohol treatment program is right for you. They will be able to help you find a treatment center that will work for you individual needs. Don’t be afraid to take the first step, we are here to assist you.