What to Expect During Outpatient Alcohol Treatment

A person suffering from alcoholism and unable to commit to inpatient treatment can enroll in an outpatient alcohol treatment program. While inpatient treatment requires you to live at the facility for the duration of your treatment, outpatient treatment allows you to live at home. You can continue working or attending school while receiving treatment.

Most outpatient alcohol treatment programs last between 12 and 16 weeks, and they usually meet three to five times a week for two hours each. These sessions include therapy, counseling, and educational classes. You will also be able to share your experiences with others who are also struggling with alcoholism in the program.

What Happens During Outpatient Treatment?

With outpatient alcohol treatment, you will work with a team of professionals who can help you identify the root cause of your addiction. They will develop a strategy to overcome it. In addition to individual and group therapy sessions, you’ll also take educational classes. You may also be prescribed medication to help with withdrawal symptoms or cravings.

Developing a support network of people who can assist you in staying on track after you leave outpatient alcohol treatment is one of the most critical aspects of outpatient alcohol treatment. Outpatient treatment programs often include your family and friends in your treatment plan because they can play a crucial role in your recovery.

What Happens After Outpatient Treatment?

You are likely to feel relieved, accomplished, and hopeful after completing an outpatient alcohol treatment program. However, you must remember that recovery is a lifelong process. You will have positive days and challenging days but having a strong support system will help you keep going. If you’re looking for additional support after an outpatient alcohol treatment program, consider attending Alcoholics Anonymous or another 12-step program. When going through hard times, these programs can provide accountability and camaraderie. It may also be helpful to see a therapist or counselor regularly. As you navigate life after alcoholism, you will be able to receive ongoing support.

Benefits of Outpatient Treatment

For people with families and strong support systems, outpatient treatment is ideal. It doesn’t require you to take time off from work, and you can usually keep up with your other responsibilities.

Additionally, you can speak with your therapist or counselor in a more relaxed setting, such as their office. This can make it less like therapy and more like a conversation with a trusted friend.

Therapy Available in an Outpatient Program

There are different types of therapy available in outpatient programs. The most common type is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people change their thinking and behavior. During talk therapy, you learn how to change negative thinking patterns and behaviors that may contribute to your depression. In this approach, you are encouraged to talk with your therapist about your feelings and thoughts, as well as get feedback on how realistic your beliefs about reality are. It may seem that everyone hates me, but your therapist can help me realize that this isn’t likely to be the case.

If your therapist does not use CBT, they may use another approach just as effective for addiction issues. For example, you may receive psychoeducation, interpersonal therapy, or family therapy to deal with family conflict or learn more about mental illness.

Why You Need the Right Support System for Success With Outpatient Treatment

It is essential to have a strong support system for outpatient alcohol treatment to be effective, and without it, outpatient alcohol treatment will be ineffective. It is helpful to have a support system that holds you accountable for attending treatment, following through with aftercare, and staying sober. People who provide practical help, such as transportation to and from treatment or childcare assistance, can also be included.

In sum, a support system provides emotional stability and positive reinforcement. If you don’t have one before you begin outpatient alcohol treatment, you should do so as soon as possible. Otherwise, you won’t benefit from the treatment and might even relapse.

It is essential to get the support you need to recover from alcoholism. You can call a counselor at 833-846-5669 to learn more about outpatient alcohol treatment and how it can help you.