Outpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Choosing to change the relationship you have with drugs or alcohol is the first step to recovery and sobriety.

Recovery is not a short or linear process, but it is a process that rehabilitation is there to guide you through.

This can be done through a variety of treatments such as counselling and detox, which fit into two categories, inpatient and outpatient rehab.

Both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation will guide you through alcohol or drug recovery.

Your needs and severity of addiction will determine which type of rehab will best suit you.

This does not mean one type of rehabilitation is ‘better’, it merely means that one type will be best suited for you in order for you to become sober and reduce the risk of relapse.

What is it?

There are usually two kinds of rehabilitation centres when choosing to seek help for your drug or alcohol addiction, inpatient and outpatient.

They are both slightly different, with pros and cons for each, depending on the nature of your addiction.

Inpatient treatment (residential rehabilitation) for addiction is usually intensive and designed to treat the most severe addictions quickly and efficiently.

Outpatient treatment is usually best suited for early or mild addiction. This is ideal for those who feel motivated to stop or cut down on using, where the flexibility of sessions works around their lifestyles.

This does not mean outpatient rehab is any less effective – outpatient treatment is purposely designed so that you may still live at home.

This offers part-time programmes, allowing you to go about your regular daily life whilst receiving help.

There are different types of outpatient treatments, these are the main three:

• Outpatient (OP)
• Intensive outpatient (IOP)
• Partial hospitalisation (PHP)

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

For more information about outpatient rehab, simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programmes are specifically used to address addiction, mental health disorders, eating disorders and other dependencies. [1]

This does not require detox from the substance, nor does it involve 24/7 supervision.

This intensive programme is also used alongside inpatient treatment, as a smooth transaction back to daily life.

This is a well-structured non-residential psychological treatment, using an array of therapies:

• Group psychotherapy
• Individual psychotherapy
• Family counselling
• Educational group talks

Intensive outpatient treatment is a relatively small-scale programme that doesn’t require any intensive residential treatment or partial day services.

Intensive outpatient programmes usually ask for 6-30 hours a week of participation, also available online in some clinics.

For those people that have family and work commitments that stop them from attending full-time inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment is the best option.

This is usually used as a transitional style of treatment for those who have previously attended psychiatry hospital or inpatient residential treatment.

The ideal candidates for the intensive outpatient programme already have a safe and supportive home environment, where family and friends are ready to motivate and support the patient through every step.

Intensive outpatient programmes are generally not recommended for those that suffer from severe addiction, or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and addiction.

For those suffering from a mental health condition and addiction, partial hospitalisation is a better option.

Partial Hospitalisation (PHP)

Partial hospitalisation is a mental health treatment programme, but a step down from care in a psychiatric hospital (inpatient).

You will receive a formal evaluation from a professional, who will determine whether you are right for the programme, or if you are best suited for another form of outpatient treatment. [2]

If you are suitable for partial hospitalisation, you will satisfy the following criteria:

• You find it difficult to function at work or school
• You are medically stable and not at risk of harming yourself or others
• You have adequate support at home
• You are self-motivated to participate in the outpatient programmes
• You suffer from a mental health condition and a substance use disorder

This is a short-term treatment, helping you improve enough to be transferred into outpatient treatment.

The length of treatment and therapy used will depend on your personal progress, this could be a few weeks to several months.

During partial hospitalisation, patients remain living at home but commute to treatment centres. This includes:

• Group therapy
• Psycho-educational therapy
• Skills education and building
• One-to-one counselling
• Psychopharmacological assessments

It is crucial that you explore both inpatient and outpatient treatment for your addiction, as the nature of your challenges will dictate what kind of help you need.

Selecting the right programme for you increases the chances of a successful recovery, and significantly reduces the risk of relapse.

Outpatient Programme (OP)

Outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation is less restrictive and less intense than inpatient rehabilitation.

Outpatient programmes usually require that you spend around 10 – 12 hours per week visiting a centre of your choice, but you are not required to stay.

The time to complete your course can range from 3 months to over a year, dependent on how much free time you have to work on your addiction, and how severe it is.

What treatment you receive at the centre will depend on your programme. The outpatient rehabilitation centre will offer you a range of sessions, such as: [3]

• Detox (7 days minimum, recommended for 28 days)
• Substance abuse education
• Individual or group therapy and counselling
• Education on addiction
• Relapse prevention techniques

Often, these centres will be connected to local health department offices, mental health clinics, hospitals, or counsellors’ offices.

You can attend these treatment options whilst returning home each night, but each outpatient centre will have different attendance requirements. This has a variety of benefits, outlined below.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

For more information about outpatient rehab, simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

Affordability and Flexibility

The cost of inpatient and outpatient treatment centres varies based on: [4]

• Type of centre
• Location
• Treatment offered
• Amenities
• Medication

Inpatient rehabilitation centres are often deemed as ‘too expensive’, as they are not offered through the NHS, and you will be asked to pay out of pocket.

Inpatient treatment can range from £14,000 to north of £80,000 a week, but this is all-inclusive.

Outpatient treatment will be referred to you through the NHS and a GP appointment, so this is the easier financial option.

There are other things to consider when discussing the price of rehabilitation. Inpatient centres are costly due to their abundance of amenities, private treatment, and fast-paced results.

One example is detox medication, such as Librium for alcohol detoxification.

This is included in the price of inpatient treatment, but you will be required to pay (around £9) per prescription if you are attending treatment as an outpatient.

As an outpatient, you are required to attend the centre to be monitored on your medication intake, as many medications offered to assist detox may be addictive.

Outpatient centres have parallel success rates to inpatient treatment centres, but outpatient therapy is a relaxed and less intense approach.

Employment Maintenance

One reason people might choose outpatient rehabilitation over inpatient rehabilitation is work.

One of the benefits of outpatient treatment is that people can keep working and maintain responsibilities whilst going through treatment.

This is less disruptive than inpatient treatment, but it will take longer to complete.

Some of these treatment programmes operate in the later hours of the day, and often in the evening, giving you time to either finish work or travel to the rehab centre.

You will not be fired for seeking treatment for addiction; a leave of absence to attend rehabilitation is covered by the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act).

This does not mean you will be paid for the time you take off work, which is why attending therapy and sessions in the evenings may benefit you greatly.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

For more information about outpatient rehab, simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

Family Involvement

Those that attend outpatient centres often receive more support from family and can keep them updated and involved in every step of the process.

This may be beneficial, as close connections with family are maintained, especially as you will be going through an emotional journey. [5]

Family therapy can also be incorporated into outpatient rehabilitation, offering guidance, assistance, and addiction education to close family.

This educational opportunity is broad, offering to teach families the medical, psychological, and behavioural consequences and causes of addiction.

This will assess the bonds and connections between family members, and the beliefs or attitudes that require change or support when their loved one goes through rehab.

The main purpose is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different family members, providing resources in order for members to develop ways to cope with addiction.

Private Treatment to Build on Inpatient Therapy

Outpatient treatment for addiction is more private than inpatient treatment.

You needn’t be concerned about people finding out about your treatment programme if you choose not to share it with anyone.

Outpatient treatment takes place in many settings, at any time of day.

You may also transition from an inpatient treatment programme to an outpatient programme to continue therapy.

Outpatient treatment perfectly builds upon the skills developed in inpatient treatment, focusing on aftercare and staying sober once you return home.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

For more information about outpatient rehab, simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

Social Support Groups

Attending outpatient rehabilitation allows those that begin their recovery journey to do so from the comfort of their own home.

This means you can join support groups at any time, often starting in the morning or evening so you can attend before or after your daily routine and responsibilities.

Popular 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are used as part of rehabilitation programmes.

Many studies have shown and proven that these mutual support groups significantly aid routes of recovery. [6] [7]

During these sessions, previous and current attendees with substance abuse disorders share stories, struggles, and coping mechanisms so that you can visualise others’ journeys.

This will help you form your own coping strategies, whilst acknowledging how addiction is totally different for everyone.

Groups like these provide a sense of community, support, and opportunity, with doors that remain open to those in need.

Both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centres offer benefits and drawbacks in all areas, but this range of approaches means that rehabilitation is suitable for anyone struggling with addiction.

The main benefits of outpatient therapy are:

• Works in tune with inpatient care
• Flexibility when it comes to lifestyle and work
• You can select any level of treatment
• Provides you with real-world experience and enables you to remain sober at home
• Cheaper than inpatient treatment if you don’t have insurance

Outpatient treatment is offered through the NHS, remains flexible, is less disruptive, and generally has more family involvement than inpatient treatment centres.

Whatever the decision you choose to make between the two types of rehabs, recovery is possible.

We are here to help you, and ultimately change the life of you or your loved one in need.

At Rehab 4 Alcoholism, we offer free advice from a team of non-judgemental professionals, many of whom are in recovery and understand how hard can be to change your relationship with addiction.

For more information about outpatient rehab, simply reach out to our 24/7, confidential hotline on 0800 111 4108.

References

[1] McCarty D, Braude L, Lyman DR, Dougherty RH, Daniels AS, Ghose SS, Delphin-Rittmon ME. Substance abuse intensive outpatient programs: assessing the evidence. Psychiatr Serv. 2014 Jun 1;65(6):718-26. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.201300249. PMID: 24445620; PMCID: PMC4152944.

[2] Blevins CE, Abrantes AM, Kurth ME, Gordon AL, Stein MD. Alcohol treatment outcomes following discharge from a partial hospital program. J Subst Use. 2017;22(6):643-647. doi: 10.1080/14659891.2017.1296041. Epub 2017 Mar 28. PMID: 30881219; PMCID: PMC6419972.

[3] Substance Abuse: Inpatient and Outpatient Management for Every Clinician. Alan David Kaye, Nalini Vadivelu, Richard D. Urman. Springer, 1 Dec 2014 – Medical – 658 pages

[4] Richter DL, Diduch DR. Cost Comparison of Outpatient Versus Inpatient Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty. Orthop J Sports Med. 2017 Mar 14;5(3):2325967117694352. doi: 10.1177/2325967117694352. PMID: 28451601; PMCID: PMC5400228

[5] Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Substance Abuse: Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2006. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 47.) Chapter 6. Family-Based Services. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64085/

[6] https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

[7] https://ukna.org/