Facts about Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

Most people with addictions such as alcoholism are of the opinion that they have to enrol in a residential treatment programme in order to have the best chance of overcoming their illness. However, the truth is that there are instances where an outpatient alcohol rehab programme may be a better choice.

There is no doubting that inpatient treatment offers some benefits to those who want to recover from alcoholism, but it is important to realise that this is not the only addiction treatment option available. In fact, outpatient treatment is often the more suitable choice for some individuals.

What is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment is similar to inpatient treatment in terms of the methods used to help patients overcome their addictions. These treatments typically include motivational interviewing, contingency management, 12-step work, cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy, one-to-one counselling, and family-based therapy.

However, where outpatient treatment differs is in the approach to recovery. It is less intensive, and there is no need for patients to stay overnight as they would with a residential programme. This means that outpatient programmes are less expensive.

A treatment programme in an outpatient alcohol rehab centre can vary depending on the actual facility. It could mean full-time attendance on weekdays or just a couple of hours twice a week. With fewer hours of treatment each week, outpatient programmes tend to run much longer than inpatient programmes do. While inpatient programmes typically last for between four to six weeks, an outpatient programme could run for a few months up to a year.

What to Expect from Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

Those who have opted for outpatient care can expect a full evaluation and assessment interview when they arrive for treatment. They may be given a physical examination, which would screen for liver disease, and may also include urine and blood tests.

An outpatient treatment programme might encompass regular visits with a doctor, and it will include a variety of therapy sessions. Patients will be expected to take part in regular screening for alcohol use, which will typically take the form of urine tests.

You will be expected to work closely with staff members to learn how to abstain from alcohol, but you will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own recovery. It is up to you to give one hundred per cent to the programme if you want to have a successful recovery. The staff will do everything they can to provide you with the knowledge and tools you require to overcome your addiction, but they cannot do it for you.

Who Will Benefit from Outpatient Alcohol Rehab?

If you have been abusing alcohol for a long time and have tried to quit in the past but have been unsuccessful, then an outpatient programme may not be the best option. Likewise, if you are close to relapse, then maybe you should consider inpatient care instead.

However, if you have been having problems with alcohol for only a short time, then outpatient care may be the ideal solution for you. Most people assume that alcoholics will only reach out for help when they have nothing left to lose, but the reality is that some people do realise quite early on that they need to take action to prevent their addiction from spiralling out of control. These individuals are perfect candidates for outpatient treatment.

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

Money and personal commitments can also determine the suitability of outpatient care for some people. Since outpatient programmes are less expensive than residential care, many individuals feel that these are the better option. They do not want to stretch themselves financially as this could cause undue stress when they return to sober living, potentially causing a relapse.

Family and work commitments may prevent those with alcoholism from attending a residential programme. Some alcoholics have young children with no one to care for them, so leaving them for residential treatment would be impossible. It is better for these people to enrol in an outpatient programme that they can attend when their children are in school.

If you have a strong home environment with a fully supportive family, then outpatient care may be the ideal choice. If your loved ones are prepared to get behind you and do everything they can to make your recovery easier, then you will undoubtedly find that outpatient care is a good option.

Choosing Outpatient Care

Finding the right treatment facility is often one of the main reasons those with addiction delay their recovery. They are unaware of how to access suitable treatments, and with the internet saturated with information, it can be difficult to sift through the good and bad programmes.

Here at Recovery.org.uk, we have already compiled a huge network of treatment providers around the UK and overseas. We can instantly match clients up with a suitable outpatient alcohol rehab clinic to suit their needs and circumstances.

Our goal is to enable as many people as possible to access treatments that will help them to achieve their dreams of a clean and healthy life. If you want to overcome alcoholism and are interested in outpatient care, contact us here today.

We can provide a free, comprehensive assessment of your addiction based on the answers you give to various questions. We will look at your current and past use as well as your family history and any attempts you have made in the past to quit.

We will be able to tell you if we think outpatient care is a good option based on what you tell us. All we ask is that you provide honest answers to our questions. We have a team of compassionate individuals, dedicated to helping those with addiction get the help they need to recover. They are ready to take your call now, and anything you tell them will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.