Outpatient Alcohol Treatment

Outpatient treatment for alcohol misuse helps individuals begin the road to recovery. To get on a sober path, a person learns how to recognize triggers and to develop healthy coping mechanisms that maintain recovery. Both inpatient and outpatient programs provide necessary therapy and counseling to individuals who want help. Usually, an outpatient treatment program is less intensive. It is a solid option for a person with a stable home environment and work responsibilities. Instead of hospitalization, a patient attends therapy sessions for a set amount of time each day.

When you are looking for substance misuse help, it is essential to work with experienced professionals. These experts understand the most effective methods of treatment. In fact, professional assistance heightens a person’s chances of recovery.

Long Island Interventions is ready to help you or a loved one begin the healing process. When you are considering outpatient treatment, it is essential to take a closer look at what is involved.

Benefits of Outpatient Alcohol Treatment

There are many benefits that a person gains with outpatient alcohol treatment.

Flexibility and Convenience

A person in outpatient treatment experiences great flexibility and convenience, which is wonderful when he or she has a busy schedule. Clients can change between various kinds of therapies and attend meetings at convenient times of day. This offers a nice balance.

Continued Ability to Work or Attend School

The Family and Medical Leave Act uphold a person’s rights to attend treatment for an alcohol or drug misuse disorder. However, there is often a stigma attached to rehab. Thanks to outpatient treatment, it is possible to attend work like normal and visit treatment during off time. No one will know that a problem exists. Also, this allows a person to keep earning money for his or her family. This is especially important in a one-income home. Parents with children will be able to attend treatment while they are in school and will be home at night. Students can schedule treatment around classes as well.

Low Cost Compared to Inpatient Treatment

The expenses associated with rehabilitation facilities vary according to location, amenities, level of care, and offered treatments. Although certain insurances cover part of the cost, not everyone has this luck. Overall, outpatient rehab is cheaper than inpatient treatment. It is best to consult with different outpatient facilities for prices. Many offer affordable payment plans.

Opportunity to Practice Recovery Skills in a Real-World Setting

The environment of an inpatient substance misuse clinic helps a patient detox and begin the path to recovery. However, it is completely sheltered. Individuals are constantly monitored. Relapse is common after leaving the facility.

Outpatient treatment allows clients to practice recovery in real-world settings. Through therapy, individuals learn ways to avoid temptations. Also, they are taught positive coping mechanisms. Long-term recovery requires the ability to maintain learned cognitive and behavioral changes that are part of treatment. As a person returns to regular life, he or she has a chance to put sobriety into practice. If necessary, a person must be ready to leave friends and places that encourage negative behavior.

What to Expect at Outpatient Alcohol Treatment

Usually, regular outpatient alcohol treatment last weeks or months. Therapy, mental health counseling, and medication management are all parts of the recovery journey. It is common for a person to attend sessions for 10 to 12 hours each week. At the beginning of treatment, a case manager gathers a person’s information and goals. A specialized plan is developed. This may include family, individual, and group therapy sessions.

Individual counseling involves one-on-one contact with a licensed therapist who helps to uncover the root of the problem. If a co-occurring mental condition is present, it is addressed as well. “Talk therapy” is quite effective at helping a patient explore reasons behind addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person examine the relationships between his or her thoughts, emotions, actions, and substance abuse. A patient learns skills to cope with cravings and triggers.

Family therapy is a necessary part of healing. Addiction affects the person using alcohol and the people who are close to him or her. When loved ones understand the situation and how to encourage positive behavior, support can help maintain sobriety.

Group counseling helps individuals learn that they are not alone. Patients communicate and socialize in a sober setting, which offers useful feedback. With a strong system of support, stress and guilt are lessened. It becomes easier to work through problems and to continue recovery.

Since not everyone responds to conventional therapies, certain facilities offer alternatives that bring help. For example, outpatient treatment may include meditation classes and yoga, which teach mindfulness. Dancing and painting activities may also be used to build confidence, lower stress, and raise self-awareness.

Finally, certain outpatient alcohol treatment programs monitor substance use. A person may be tested without notice. Self-reporting may be practiced as well. This provides accountability and helps a person stay on the right path. Since alcoholism is an ongoing battle, punishment is never imposed. During relapse, support is offered.

Choosing the Right Outpatient Treatment

To be sure, a good facility should be accredited and have a certified staff. There are many other factors to consider when selecting an outpatient alcohol treatment center.

Program Structure and Treatment Approaches

Most alcohol treatment clinics use a 12-step recovery approach, which has been proven to bring success in the long-term. Also, programs should contain evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and family therapy. If a co-occurring disorder is present, both the addiction problem and the mental condition should be treated simultaneously.

Cost and Insurance Conditions

A person’s budget is often a roadblock to recovery. Attending treatment for alcohol misuse can be extremely costly. Some insurance policies cover this type of care. However, many people are forced to pay out-of-pocket. Luckily, outpatient treatment is usually less expensive than inpatient care. It is advisable to find a place that has a positive reputation and offers convenient payment plans.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Outpatient Alcohol Treatment

Unfortunately, there are some challenges that must be overcome with outpatient alcohol treatment.

Managing Cravings and Triggers

Inevitably, a person will experience cravings and triggers outside of treatment. An outpatient program should teach patients how to develop positive coping strategies, especially in high-stress situations. This means that when a trigger occurs, an individual does not return to destructive behavior.

Addressing Underlying Mental Health Conditions

Many times, a person self-medicates to deal with an underlying mental condition. The cycle continues until the mental issue is addressed. When this problem is under control, it is likely that the substance misuse problem can be successfully treated as well.

Building a Support System for Ongoing Recovery

Since conventional outpatient treatment is less intense than inpatient treatment, it is essential to have a support system in place. Recovery is filled with temptations. Stumbles are not uncommon. Having a source of support helps an individual get back on a sober path. Healthy support teams improve long-term outcomes.

After Outpatient Alcohol Treatment: Next Step in Recovery

When outpatient alcohol treatment is finished, the journey of recovery continues. It is important to comprehend the next steps.

Importance of Ongoing Treatment and Therapy

Following initial outpatient treatment, cravings and temptations remain. To avoid relapse, many people attend group meetings or therapy sessions for mental conditions. Oftentimes, local communities have helpful resources that aid with ongoing treatment. In most instances, aftercare is just as important as original treatment.

Addressing the Underlying Causes of Addiction

Outpatient therapy will help a person get to the root of alcohol addiction. Both environmental and genetic factors may lead to alcohol misuse. Stress management, medication, and self-awareness are key ways to handle underlining causes.

Working with Long Island Interventions

It can be dangerous to quit drinking alcohol cold turkey. Also, attempting to quit bad habits without professional help often ends in relapse. Long Island Interventions offers beneficial outpatient treatment for alcohol misuse. Seeking help provides a strong system of support so that successful recovery is possible. The compassionate and knowledgeable staff provides a number of therapies that are specialized to meet individual needs.

Outpatient treatment is flexible and more affordable than inpatient care. An individual experiences minimal disruptions to everyday life and attends counseling sessions that teach how to change negative behaviors. When you have work, school, or family obligations, this may be an excellent way to receive assistance for alcohol misuse.

To take the first step on the road to sobriety, contact the experts at Long Island Interventions.