Alcoholics who desire to get rehab to help them recover from alcoholism but are not comfortable with an inpatient treatment program can benefit from outpatient alcohol treatment. Based on the same premise as inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment simply means the patients attend sessions several times a week at the clinic but return home at the end of the day. Outpatient treatment offers the same goal, recovering from alcoholism, a real disease. How Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Works The typical outpatient treatment takes place in a group setting where alcoholics from all walks of life are grouped together to learn how to detoxify and recover. The benefit of taking part in outpatient treatment is that patients can assume most of their normal daily routines, including keeping their job and taking care of things at home. The difference is while the patients are at the clinic, they are learning new habits and methods to carry into their life at home to help them stay sober. How Long Is Outpatient Treatment? Each program is different, but the typical program lasts around six weeks and includes three hour sessions, three times a week. For patients who need more or less intense programs, there are plenty of facilities that offer other options. Many facilities offer evening and weekend clinics to allow the most flexibility for those alcoholics who are able to maintain normal working and living habits while getting treatment. What Does Treatment Include? Most facilities that offer outpatient alcohol treatment work on the 12-step program that has proved to be successful for as many years as alcohol rehab has existed. The therapy takes place in both group and individual sessions to give patients the maximum chances of overall success for becoming sober. Some programs also include relapse prevention programs that help patients learn the signs of relapse and what to do in case they see the signs. This decreases the likelihood of relapse outpatient treatment is known for. Family participation is also encouraged at most facilities that offer outpatient alcohol treatment. The more support an alcoholic has, the more likely the treatment will be permanent. Many facilities also offer continual care after the treatment to keep patients sober long term. Counselors are available for patients who need immediate counseling for help in the event of a possible relapse or just for someone to keep patients accountable during the crucial first year of recovery. To learn more about how to find the right outpatient alcohol treatment for you, visit DrugRehab.info.
