Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment

If you live with a substance use disorder, you may find the process of starting treatment overwhelming. You may try to stop or control your use on your own without any assistance. If you want to quit using drugs or alcohol and need help doing so, addiction outpatient treatment can provide you with the skills to help you abstain from using drugs and alcohol and prevent relapse.

This page explains what outpatient treatment entails, the benefits of an outpatient drug program, the different levels of care that outpatient treatment offers, and what therapies are used in outpatient treatment. It also discusses how to find outpatient treatment centers in your area.

What Is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Outpatient addiction treatment occurs at a treatment site while you live at home, so you are still able to tend to everyday life and work.^1,2 When you take part in outpatient treatment, you must attend treatment appointments, such as therapy and required groups, so reliable transportation to and from treatment is helpful. Additionally, you must also meet other criteria to qualify for outpatient addiction treatment.¹

All forms of outpatient care can involve 1-on-1 therapy, group therapy, medication management, and focused sessions on coping skills and life skills; the main difference is the time required and intensity of treatment. Standard outpatient care is similar to a visit with your psychiatrist or therapist.³ You will check in with your treatment team, and the number of visits and how often you meet with them will vary.³

PHPs and IOPs can include individual therapy appointments, and group counseling, but the hours required from PHP and IOP are longer and more intensive than standard outpatient care. PHP is often considered one step down in intensity from inpatient care and is often the next step after you complete treatment in an inpatient or residential setting. Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) falls between PHP and standard outpatient care in terms of time and intensity.²

If you don’t meet the requirements for inpatient or residential care requirements, then outpatient programs may be a good option. Outpatient is suitable for individuals who may need flexible treatment options.¹ Outpatient care may not be suitable for those who have severe mental health disorders, high risk of dangerous withdrawal, as well as those who don’t have a reliable means of transportation to attend treatment or have an unstable living situation.²

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) Treatment

Partial hospitalization programs are often the first step for people in addiction treatment who don’t require inpatient or residential care but still require intensive treatment. This also may be the best option for those who have completed inpatient or residential treatment and are in need of outpatient care.² PHPs are less intensive than inpatient care but more intensive than an intensive outpatient program.² Many partial hospitalization programs require several hours of treatment multiple days per week.²

Not all treatment facilities offer PHPs; each outpatient addiction treatment center varies in what programs they offer.⁴ When you attend a PHP, you may attend group therapy or 1-on-1 therapy, work with a case manager, and receive medication management.^3,4 You can expect to attend a PHP for around 4 to 8 hours per day, for approximately 3 months.²

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Treatment

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide treatment that is similar to a PHP, but you will attend less frequently.² IOPs require 6 hours to 30 hours per week of treatment.⁵

Not all treatment facilities offer intensive outpatient care; however, those that do are often a starting point for addiction treatment or as part of the care continuum in addiction recovery.⁵

Therapeutic Approaches Used in Outpatient Rehab

Each treatment facility varies in what they offer, but there are some typical approaches used in outpatient rehab settings.

Treatment programs may include the following:²

After completing outpatient rehab, you also have various support options to help you sustain your recovery, such as:⁵

• Relapse prevention groups and supports.
• Support groups.
• Continuing care.

These supports are there to help prevent relapse and help you navigate living a life of sobriety.⁵ Continuing care (aftercare) helps you navigate and utilize community mutual-help groups after your formal treatment program ends.⁵

If you are living with a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder and have a substance use disorder, this is known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring condition.¹ Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders are best treated simultaneously to aid in the recovery process.¹

Treatment for both disorders is essential because one can fuel the other or vice versa.¹ For example, an individual with an anxiety disorder may manage uncomfortable symptoms of anxiety by drinking alcohol. By contrast, a person with alcohol use disorder may find that their anxiety symptoms are exaggerated by their drinking. Treating both is essential for successful recovery.¹

Many outpatient treatment programs treat dual diagnoses. Standard treatment methods for co-occurring conditions may include:^3,5

• Psychological evaluations.
• Individual therapy.
• Medication management.
• Case management.

A whole team approach can help give you the support you need to manage both conditions.

Benefits of Outpatient Programs

Outpatient programs offer many benefits to those seeking treatment.

Potential benefits of outpatient programs include:²

• Having a flexible treatment schedule.
• Helping those leaving inpatient treatment to continue their recovery.
• Having the ability to work and go to school.
• Having many treatment options with a less intense schedule than inpatient care.

Finding treatment options that best support your lifestyle is essential for recovery.

Outpatient Facilities

Many treatment facilities offer outpatient treatment programs. American Addiction Centers (AAC) provides outpatient treatment programs at their facilities. Outpatient services can be provided in various places including:²

Finding a facility that you like, and that is close to you can help you get the most out of your treatment.

How to Find an Outpatient Rehab Near Me?

When you’re considering whether outpatient rehab is suitable for you it is best to speak with a doctor or addiction specialist. Many considerations go into helping clients start treatment at an appropriate level of care.

A diagnosis of substance use disorder is given using information from:

• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5).⁶
• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria.⁷

If you’re seeking drug and alcohol addiction treatment, consider AAC for an outpatient treatment program. Starting the process of treatment can help you learn skills to abstain from drugs and alcohol, help you prevent relapse, and improve your overall well-being.

If you need help finding an outpatient rehab, you can use the Project Know directory. You can also verify your health insurance benefits and see what’s covered at Project Know.