How to Choose the Right Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Programs

The right outpatient alcohol rehab program is one that matches your medical needs, your drinking pattern, your daily responsibilities and your preferences. A convenient schedule matters, but the first question is whether stopping or reducing alcohol can be managed safely outside a hospital.

People who drink heavily and regularly can develop dangerous withdrawal. A history of withdrawal seizures, severe confusion, or complicated medical problems makes a professional assessment especially important. NIAAA: Cutting down or quitting alcohol

Outpatient alcohol rehab programs can be a huge help on your road to recovery, and there are plenty to choose from. However, finding the right one to meet your needs can be tough.

What do you need to consider before you decide? Read this guide to learn how to choose the right outpatient program to treat an alcohol use disorder.

What is Outpatient Alcohol Rehab?

Outpatient alcohol rehab is a treatment option for people with a substance use disorder. Most of these rehab programs are available to anyone with substance use problems, not just alcohol.

The aim of these programs is to help people achieve and maintain sobriety. They differ from inpatient programs, where participants stay overnight. With an outpatient alcohol rehab program, participants live at home, can still work and go to school, and can schedule their treatments around their lives.

While some outpatient rehab programs are separate from inpatient ones, many outpatient programs occur within an inpatient facility. Sometimes, outpatient programs are a part of a hospital or mental health clinic.

Many of these programs offer evening and weekend sessions, making it easier to maintain your regular life. Outpatient programs also vary in intensity. Some programs have participants coming in every day, while others have participants coming in a few times a week.

Withdrawal management is a separate consideration. Some people need medical monitoring or inpatient treatment before or alongside ongoing outpatient care. Do not assume an outpatient counseling program can safely manage acute withdrawal.

How to Choose Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Programs

Choosing an outpatient alcohol rehab program requires some research. As we mentioned above, there are many different options out there. Depending on where you live, you may have dozens of outpatient facilities in your area.

A good way to begin your search is to write down a list of what is most important to you during treatment. This list may include:

• Types of amenities
• Therapies offered
• Ideal location
• Activities offered
• Ongoing sobriety maintenance resources

Here are some questions to think about while reviewing outpatient programs:

• Does the program assess withdrawal risk before recommending a plan?
• What treatment methods does the program use? (For example, some programs offer group therapy, individual therapy, and medication assistance.)
• What is the program schedule? Can I choose between a half-day or a full day? Are nights and weekends available?
• What certifications and credentials do staff members have? (You can check professional licenses through the relevant state boards.)
• Will my insurance cover the treatment facility? (We recommend speaking directly with your insurance provider for a list of options in your area.)
• How successful is the program? (Be cautious with a headline "success rate." Ask how success is defined, which patients are included, how long they are followed, and how missing follow-up information is handled.)
• Can family members and friends participate in some therapy sessions? (Many outpatient programs offer family therapy.)
• What types of amenities and services are available? (Some outpatient clinics offer art classes, workout areas, walking paths, meditation classes, etc.)
• What will happen after rehab? (Ideally, you want to find a program that will set you up with another ongoing recovery program, such as AA.)
• Is there a daily program structure?
• How flexible can the program be with my schedule?

By asking some of these questions, you should get a better understanding of which treatment facility is right for you. If you find a treatment facility that you really like but isn't covered by your insurance, make sure to inquire about payment options.

Some programs offer financial assistance or sliding scale payments to help offset the costs. Request a written explanation of costs. An in-network clinic may still involve deductibles, copays, separate medication costs, or limits on particular services.

You should also consider your ideal length of stay. Some people attend outpatient programs for a few months, while others go for a year. It depends on the severity of your alcohol use disorder and your progress.

You can compare options through NIAAA's Alcohol Treatment Navigator.

What Services Do Outpatient Programs Offer?

As mentioned above, it's important to take a look at the services an outpatient facility offers before you sign up. Some support services offered include:

• Medication assistance
• Individual, family, and group therapy
• Drug and alcohol education
• Other motivational and information sessions
• Medical care
• Ongoing recovery support groups, such as AA
• Recreational/occupational therapy

Evidence-based alcohol treatment can involve behavioral therapies and medications. In the United States, naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are approved medication options for alcohol use disorder, although not every option suits every person. NIAAA: Types of alcohol treatment

Behavioral counseling is also typically a part of an outpatient treatment plan. For example, many outpatient programs use cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a form of therapy where individuals develop behavioral tools to help them recognize and avoid situations that may lead to relapse.

Individuals will also learn stress management techniques and coping mechanisms for dealing with hard times. Additionally, many patients who struggle with substance use also have a concurrent mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. Ask whether the program addresses co-occurring mental health needs as well.

Who is a Good Candidate for Outpatient Rehab?

Those who attend outpatient rehab have often already completed a more intense form of rehab, such as inpatient rehab and medical detox.

Additionally, those with less severe or less complicated substance use disorders may find that outpatient rehab is the right fit for them. You can speak with your primary care physician or an addiction therapist to determine what level of rehab is right for you.

Outpatient programs involve less oversight, and those who participate in them have a lot of independence in their recovery process. This can work well for those who already have somewhat of a handle on their drinking, but it may not be enough for those who are still really struggling.

Outpatient care is not the right starting point for everyone. Seizures, hallucinations, severe confusion, or other serious withdrawal symptoms require urgent medical attention.

Keep this in mind when choosing an outpatient facility.

Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Programs: Time to Decide

Now that you know more about outpatient alcohol rehab programs, it's time to begin your search. Outpatient programs can suit people who want to get sober while still keeping up with their other responsibilities, provided withdrawal can be managed safely.

Bring your questions to the first assessment and ask what the next step would be if the initial plan does not meet your needs.

Looking for help with alcohol? Recovery Delivered is not taking alcohol treatment bookings yet. Get alerted when we launch this program