Outpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Many people with addictions such as alcoholism believe that they have to register in an inpatient treatment programme in order to have the best possibility of overcoming their illness. If you have been abusing alcohol for a long time and have attempted to stop in the past without success, then an outpatient programme may not be the best alternative. Similarly, if you are feeling like you may be slipping, then you may need to consider inpatient care instead. However, there are certain circumstances where an outpatient alcohol rehab programme may be a better choice.

What is outpatient addiction treatment?

The techniques used in inpatient and outpatient programmes are the same. These treatments typically consist of detox, motivational interviewing, contingency management, 12-step work, cognitive behavioural therapy, group treatment, one-to-one counselling and family-based treatment.

The difference with outpatient treatment is in the approach to recovery; it is less extensive, and there is no requirement for clients to stay overnight as they would with an inpatient programme. Therefore, outpatient programmes are the more economical choice.

A treatment programme in an outpatient alcohol rehab centre can vary depending on the facility. It might require full-time presence on weekdays or simply a number of hours twice a week. With fewer hours of treatment weekly, outpatient programmes tend to run a lot longer than inpatient programmes do. While inpatient programmes normally last for in between four to six weeks, an outpatient programme might run between a couple of months and a year.

What to expect from outpatient alcohol addiction treatment?

If you select outpatient care, you can expect a full assessment and evaluation interview when you show up for treatment. You may be given a physical exam, which would screen for liver disease, and you may also need urine and blood tests.

An outpatient treatment programme might incorporate regular check outs with a physician, and it will consist of a variety of treatment sessions. You will be expected to participate in routine screening for alcohol usage, which will usually involve urine tests.

You will be expected to work closely with staff members to learn how to avoid alcohol, but you will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own recovery. It is up to you to offer 100% dedication to the programme if you want to have an effective recovery. The staff will do whatever they can to supply you with the understanding and tools you need to conquer your addiction. However, they can refrain from doing it for you.

Who will benefit from outpatient alcohol rehab?

Those who haven’t been drinking for long

If you have been having issues with alcohol for only a short time, then outpatient care may be the ideal option for you. Most people presume that those suffering from alcoholism will just call for help when they have nothing left to lose, but if you understand at an early stage that you require help to prevent your addiction from spiralling out of control, the you are the best candidate for outpatient treatment.

Those with no underlying health issues

Outpatient alcohol rehab is also ideal for those who do not struggle with mental health problems or those who have completed an inpatient programme but do not feel strong enough to move into aftercare treatment yet.

Those in financial difficulty

Cash and personal commitments can also influence whether you choose outpatient care. Because outpatient programmes are less expensive than residential care, many people feel that these are a better alternative, as financial pressure could cause undue tension when they return to sober living, potentially triggering a situation where the cravings become uncontrollable.

Those with important commitments

Household and work dedications might prevent those with alcoholism from attending an inpatient programme. Some people with alcohol addiction have childcare responsibilities, so leaving them for residential treatment would be impossible. It is much better for these people to register in an outpatient programme that they can attend when their kids are in school.
If you have a strong home environment with a helpful household, then outpatient care might be the perfect option. If your loved ones are prepared to support you and do whatever they can to make your recovery much easier, then you will undoubtedly find that outpatient care is an excellent choice.

Picking outpatient care

Waiting to find the ideal treatment facility is one of the primary reasons those with addiction postpone their recovery. They are unaware of how to gain access to ideal treatments, and with the internet filled with information, it can be hard to sift through the good and bad programmes.

Our objective is to make it possible for as many people as possible to access treatments that will help them to achieve their dreams of a clean and healthy life. We supply a free, thorough assessment of your addiction based on the responses you give to several questions. We will look at your current and past use of alcohol, as well as your family history and any efforts you have made in the past to stop.

We will be able to tell you if we believe outpatient care is a good alternative based on what you tell us. All we ask is that you offer sincere answers to our concerns. We have a team of thoughtful individuals, committed to assisting those with addiction get the assistance they need to recover. They are ready to take your call now, and anything you tell them will be handled in the strictest self-confidence.

NHS free outpatient services

The NHS provide therapy sessions, typically in the form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and there are a number of charities that provide additional support for those struggling with alcoholism.

However, the services that are available for treating alcoholism and addiction on the NHS are not intensive or specific enough to meet the treatment needs or the demands of those with severe alcoholism and addiction. The vast majority of treatment is carried out in the community, where the individual is likely to be mixing with those still very much active in their addiction.
The services that are available tend to be in the form of drop-in day centres and key working sessions, most of which are only accessible Monday to Friday and 9am till 5pm.

You can now self-refer for counselling through the NHS via your local NHS trust, although waiting times can be lengthy (sometimes 6 months to a year). Alcoholchange.org.uk and actiononaddiction.org.uk are two charities that can provide additional support for alcoholism.