Outpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Residential rehabilitation is not the only way to treat alcohol addiction. For some, it may be difficult to leave their family responsibilities or work. Simply dedicating their time to inpatient treatment is impossible, and this is where outpatient treatment comes in handy. The best part? Many facilities in the UK offer outpatient alcohol addiction treatment.
Read on to learn how outpatient treatment works, the factors that come into play, the different kinds of treatment activities, and the common questions that people have about this kind of alcohol addiction treatment.
What is Outpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Outpatient alcohol addiction treatment is where a patient goes inside a facility for treatment on an outpatient basis. They can spend a few hours inside the facility for treatment and then return to their home lives afterwards.
Many residential rehabilitation facilities offer both inpatient and outpatient options. However, they also have their specific pros and cons. For example, in inpatient treatment, the person struggling with addiction is required to stay in the facility for around 30-90 days, and they will have 24/7 supervision. This allows them to focus all of their energy and focus on their recovery and not deal with other factors like work stress, family responsibilities, and relationships.
When it comes to outpatient alcohol addiction treatment, on the other hand, it can be less intensive for people. Alongside this, they are continuously exposed to a lot of external triggers and have to carry out the treatment plan independently outside the facility. Because of this nature, outpatient programmes usually last for a more extended period compared to inpatient treatment. More often, this will last up to several months or sometimes a year or more.
Sobriety is a life-long process, and whether you choose inpatient or outpatient alcohol addiction treatment, it does not necessarily permanently cure alcoholism. Instead, treatment should be seen as the framework or the foundation of long-term abstinence and recovery.
People will still be exposed to numerous external temptations or triggered internally. The key is in having the toolkit that helps a person combat the many temptations of alcoholism. Instead of having an unhealthy dependence on alcohol, they will develop coping strategies and defence mechanisms. And they can start creating this inside treatment facilities whether they choose an inpatient basis or an outpatient alcohol addiction treatment.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
What Happens in Outpatient Addiction Rehab?
Outpatient treatment varies from person to person. This is because people have different needs and specific issues they need to address. This is why alcohol addiction treatment is highly personal and unique.
Every person struggling with alcohol addiction has a unique recovery journey, but some elements will stay the same throughout. One of these elements is physical detox.
Detox is a crucial part of alcohol addiction treatment as it flushes out alcohol from the system. The goal is to cleanse the body from the substances of abuse so patients can move forward with therapy. This is the first step in treatment, and it’s vital that it should be medically assisted to deal with withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms can be potentially life-threatening as they may manifest as seizures, body chills, and hallucinations. Doing detox independently might be fatal once the proper medical treatment is not administered.
As physical detox can be dangerous, most outpatient alcohol addiction programmes need the patient to reside inside the facility for several days. Here, they will be monitored by medical professionals in order to manage the withdrawal symptoms. For some patients, regular therapy appointments and checkups are essential during this phase.
Below, you’ll find some of the elements that are available in outpatient alcohol addiction treatment, ranging from therapy to nutritional assessment and family participation.
Group therapy
Group therapy involves three to a dozen people interacting, sharing their struggles, and learning from each other. The goal of group therapy is to give different perspectives about one’s struggle with addiction. Each participant is able to have the opportunity not just to share about themselves but to give a helping hand to their fellow participants. In this way, the sense of community dramatically impacts each person to foster different ways of thinking and behaviours in approaching their personal challenges.
Individual assessments and therapy
Another part of therapy is the individual assessment, where the setting is one-on-one. This treatment option is available whether it’s inpatient or outpatient. The therapy is done over a series of months or longer using different modes of treatment like psycho-dynamic therapy, art therapy, experiential therapy, etc. It is up to the patient if they want to try out different approaches with their individual therapist, depending on their specific needs.
Mental health therapy groups
It’s not uncommon that most people struggling with addiction also suffer from mental health disorders. This is also why therapy evolves based on each person’s condition. Mental health therapy groups give people the avenue to understand how their mental health disorders relate to their struggles with alcohol abuse and learn healthy coping ways from the facilitating therapist and each participant. The goal is to explore how mental health disorders affect their mental faculties, their internal triggers, and also the pitfalls of the condition that leads to substance abuse. Once they know this, they can weed out the root cause of their alcohol dependency and have greater chances of not experiencing relapse after the alcohol addiction treatment.
Medication assisted detox
When it comes to medication, there really is no “cure-all” pill that treats alcoholism. Still, there are a significant range of medications that help manage the worst parts of withdrawal symptoms during the detox process.
Medical professionals administer alcohol detox, and they monitor the patient’s withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms can range from general unpleasantness to dangerous risks like hallucinations, seizures, and body chills. Medication can help alleviate these withdrawal symptoms and can become life-saving for the patient.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
Wellness and fitness activities
Many treatment facilities offer different kinds of wellness and fitness activities, especially since most people struggling with alcohol addiction suffer from physical deterioration before treatment. The philosophy “healthy body, healthy mind” also applies in addiction treatment and in conjunction with taking care of the mind, it’s also imperative to take care of the body. In this kind of treatment, patients are subjected to regular activities in the gym, walking, running, swimming, and other forms of exercise.
The best part about this is that wellness and fitness activities help people feel a sense of accomplishment and also boost their self-esteem. Having that opportunity helps patients take charge of their treatment recovery and feel motivated and confident in their capacity to heal from their addiction.
Family programme participation
Families also have a role to play when it comes to addiction treatment. Their help is often underestimated when it comes to addiction treatment, but their love and emotional support for the patient can be immensely crucial in their recovery. Aside from the usual visitation hours, they can also participate in different therapy groups to help them recover from the effects of alcohol abuse in their life as well. And in other treatment facilities, they can also participate in family therapy programmes to help them repair their relationship with their loved ones. They will also learn more about the role they can play as their loved one is on the road to recovery. Of course, this isn’t mandatory, and family members are not obligated to do this, but therapy for their well-being can be beneficial.
Nutritional assessment
Together with physical fitness and wellness, the patients will also undergo nutritional assessment and be given medication and a dietary plan. Because alcoholism has affected their nutrition, it’s best to fill in the gaps in this area so they can have a more holistic recovery. They will be able to learn about healthy eating again, have their own dietary plan that addresses their nutritional needs, and also learn how to prepare it themselves once they are out of the facility. Each patient has different dietary needs, and after the general assessment, they can start creating healthy food choices and learn all about healthy eating.
Spiritual care
Aside from the physical and mental care available to patients, some also require spiritual care for their treatment. Not all patients need this, but some treatment facilities also offer this for those who value their spiritual needs. Here, they are provided with prayer sessions, regular spiritual activities, and other options to incorporate their spiritual practice once they’re outside the treatment centre.
Educational and experiential workshops
Another part of alcohol addiction treatment is conducting educational and experiential workshops for the patients. The emphasis is on being equipped with the knowledge and the right tools to combat alcoholism once they are outside the facility. The workshops are also specifically designed to help people acquire skills either as a form of recreation or livelihood. Other facilities also have experiential sessions as part of experiential therapy to help them dig deep into the roots of their alcohol dependency.
As sobriety is a long-term journey and can be even a life-long process, having the knowledge and skills to boost people is incredibly valuable. Not only that but workshops also help people have a sense of agency and empower them to know that they have what it takes to change.
Continuing care planning
Aftercare is crucial as it helps people have a support system as they go through the ins and outs of their day. Many quality treatment facilities offer up to a year’s free aftercare where they can get free regular appointments with a therapist and checkups. Here, they can participate in support groups or attend 1:1 sessions to help them navigate their life outside the facility, especially when they are continuously exposed to external and internal triggers.
Therapy Types in Outpatient Addiction Rehab
There are many therapy types in outpatient alcohol addiction treatment, and each person will have a different set of therapy approaches to help them with their specific needs. Some facilities only offer a limited set of therapy modes, so many patients choose to attend facilities that provide the kind of treatment they need. Below are some of the therapy modes when it comes to addiction treatment.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
ACT is a counselling approach where the therapists use different kinds of acceptance and mindfulness strategies together with other commitment and behaviour changes.
The goal of ACT therapy is to help patients avoid seeking problematic thoughts and behaviours by being accepting of unpleasant emotions. The result is psychological flexibility for the patients, and they can combat their unhealthy defence mechanism by developing strategies where they can face head on their triggers.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is regarded as the most common therapy model in addiction treatment as this helps in improving the overall mental health of patients. In CBT, the principle is that negative thought patterns and unaddressed emotional patterns drive people’s behaviour around alcohol abuse.
During these therapy sessions, people learn about emotional regulation and healthy coping skills to tackle their own triggers. They understand more the root cause of their addiction and the harmful thought processes they have adopted in the long run, which may have caused their addiction tendencies.
With CBT, people are empowered to face their triggers by fostering healthy mental processes and eventually improving their recovery.
- Contingency management/motivational incentives
Contingency management (CM) or motivational incentives is a kind of instrumental conditioning where people are conditioned to foster healthy habits through positive reinforcement rather than punishment.
For example, patients inside an alcohol treatment facility will have to pass a sobriety test, and they are given awards as incentives. Most awards can be financial by nature but are more often privilege-based.
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
DBT is another variation of CBT strategies which helps patients foster practical tips. Some techniques include mindfulness and acceptance strategies, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. DBT helps patients develop proactive problem-solving skills and avoid self-destructive habits they may have developed over time.
- Interpersonal therapy
For some people, their relationships are what have led them to an unhealthy pattern of alcohol abuse. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is about dealing with a patient’s interpersonal relationships and how they affect their lives and actions.
IPT is an attachment-focused approach, and the therapist explores the patient’s attachment patterns and improves their interpersonal skills and communication. These skills help the patient handle their relationships more healthily and build a better support system they can lean on when facing challenges.
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
MBCT is derived from standard cognitive behavioural therapy combined together with mindfulness techniques. This kind of therapy also uses different kinds of meditation practices to help the patients avoid relapse and reduce cravings.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
MET is a therapy approach that incorporates motivation, planning for change, and goal setting to encourage changes in addictive behaviours. It also uses motivational interviewing to help patients explore their ambivalent feelings towards alcohol abuse and healthily resolve them.
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
MI is also done in conjunction with MET and is an evidence-based approach where the therapist explores the patient’s emotions around their substance dependency. The therapist’s goal is to direct their patients in investigating their mixed emotions rather than guiding them to come up with their own conclusions.
- Psychoeducational groups
These types of groups are another treatment approach derived from cognitive behavioural principles. Here, the patients are given the opportunity to learn about the psychological roots of alcohol abuse. They are being equipped with the knowledge of how addiction works, exposed to triggers, and how to deal with them through coping skills.
- Solution-focused brief therapy/solution-focused therapy
SFBT is a goal-directed therapy approach where the focus is on creating solutions rather than exploring the problems present in addiction. Patients undergoing SFBT are given the opportunity to assess solutions they have previously done and why they did not work.
Through solution-focused brief therapy, people are empowered to explore different solutions and find the best fit for them that are more effective. This kind of therapy gives them a sense of agency in what they want for themselves.
- Medication-assisted therapies
MAT is another treatment approach where patients are given specific medication to boost their recovery during treatment. When it comes to alcohol addiction, some medicines are only effective when they also undergo therapy.
- Twelve-step facilitation
Last but certainly not least, is twelve-step facilitation, which incorporates 12-step programmes by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This kind of facilitation helps people struggling with addiction by exploring the 12-step methodology.
Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction
ends up being the biggest step of your life
Tiptoe if you must, but take the step
Who is Outpatient Treatment Suitable for?
Not all people struggling with addiction are suited for outpatient treatment. In some cases, their alcohol addiction may be too severe, and they need hospitalization. And for others, the prospect of going back to the environment where their addiction began may be too triggering for them.
Outpatient treatment is suitable only for people in fairly good condition that does not require 24/7 medical attention. These people are also the ones who have been assessed to have the psychological capacity to resist relapse, either through medication or therapy.
This is also suitable for those who want to undergo treatment but can’t leave their family responsibilities or work. Some people may live closer to the facility of their choice, but the most critical requirement is the person’s capacity to resist relapse. Otherwise, inpatient alcohol addiction treatment is their only option.
Fast Access to Residential Treatment
We are currently able to offer fast access to private inpatient treatment.
Please call us today and speak to one of our expert advisors.
Call today in confidence: 0800 0148 970
Factors that Play a Significant Role in Treatment During Outpatient Rehab Programmes
Many factors come into play that can significantly affect alcohol addiction treatment approaches. The method of treatment differs from person to person because of such a wide variety of factors including:
- Age
Age is an essential factor when it comes to treatment, as there are age-specific facilities that are appropriate for them. It’s not advisable to mix age groups in treatment facilities, which is why there are a number of treatment centres dedicated to teenagers, young adults, and adults all over the UK. - Mental health
Mental health disorders often occur together with substance abuse, and this is commonly known as dual diagnosis. For people with dual diagnosis, their treatment is far more complicated than others, as their substance abuse and mental health disorders have to be treated simultaneously. In such cases, some specialists help these kinds of patients so their medication for their mental health and substance abuse don’t clash. - Medical history
Medical history is highly important when it comes to treatment. For example, some patients may suffer from conditions that adversely affect certain medications. This can turn into dangerous cases when not checked, which is why some treatment programs require tapering of medication or using alternative therapy options. - Relationship with alcohol
The severity of someone’s relationship with alcohol also affects their treatment. For some people who have consumed more significant amounts of alcohol or have been in the cycle of abuse for a more extended period, their treatment may be challenging and need tighter medical attention. This is because detox can be potentially life-threatening in these cases due to the severe withdrawal symptoms. - Substance abuse and multiple addictions
Multiple substance abuse and addiction also make significant changes in alcohol addiction treatment as they should be treated simultaneously. However, there are cases where one therapy for a specific addiction may be detrimental to another addiction. These types of cases need a specialist involved to ensure the safety of the multiple treatment for the patient. - Belief system
A person’s belief system is also vital, as some people may require spiritual care or not. Some facilities have specific programmes like the 12-step programme by Alcoholics Anonymous that revolves around the belief of surrendering to a higher power to heal from addiction. And some people who don’t adhere to this belief will find it challenging to follow such a programme. This is why a belief system is an essential factor when it comes to choosing a suitable facility.
Advantages of Outpatient over Inpatient Programmes
Outpatient treatment has a lot of perks, and it can cater to the different needs of people struggling with alcohol addiction. Below are just some of the advantages of outpatient alcohol addiction treatment over inpatient options:
- Flexible hours for patients who have a busy schedule
- Access to the love and support of family as you are not away from home 24/7
- Safety and security of a home environment with loved ones on-hand for support
- Less expensive because it’s not as intensive as inpatient treatment
Outpatient treatment is also beneficial for people with access to other holistic treatment approaches. For example, they already have a dietitian outside the facility or have access to gyms and other wellness facilities to support their recovery.
How Long Does Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Take?
Because of the less intensive nature of outpatient alcohol rehabilitation, it can last longer compared to inpatient care. It can range from several months to a year or more and depends on the severity of the addiction. Likewise, the treatment plan is also affected by different factors like age, mental health conditions, belief systems, etc.
It’s important to note that treatment does not start and end in outpatient rehabilitation. Achieving sobriety is a life-long process, and there is no set time for treatment to cure addiction permanently. Instead, it’s a continuous process of maintaining sobriety, resisting relapse, and practising healthy coping skills.
How Much Does Outpatient Addiction Treatment Cost?
Outpatient treatment costs less compared to inpatient treatment because of the less intensive practice. However, it varies depending on the facility and the kinds of therapy approaches the individual needs. To have a better estimate of how much it costs, it’s best to reach out to an addiction specialist or to your GP, who can refer you to facilities and the treatment options available.
Outpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment
and Rehab Success Rates in the UK
Success rates may be hard to determine, especially since only a few patients contact their facilities or report their progress. But there are, in fact, significant success rates for each facility in the UK.
According to a 2012 study by the NHS National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, the best-performing addiction facilities have a 60-80% success rate. Their patients have a record of abstinence for five years after their last treatment programme. However, the worst-performing facilities have less than 20% success rates after five years.
If you or a loved one is deciding on the facility for alcohol addiction treatment, it’s best to ask about the success rates of the programmes. Or better yet, reach out to an addiction specialist as they have up-to-date knowledge on the best-performing addiction rehab centres across the UK.
Questions to Ask an Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Treatment Centre
If you or a loved one is looking for outpatient alcohol addiction treatment facilities, it’s best to research some of these questions to align with your needs:
- How long is the treatment programme?
- Are their programmes accredited?
- What are the certifications you can access to prove their accreditation?
- What is the programme’s success rate following treatment?
- Are there any case studies to prove their success rate?
- What kinds of therapy approaches does the programme offer?
- What kinds of programmes are offered, and what are the success rates?
- What kind of medical professionals or addiction specialists are there?
- Do the specialists have prior experience with your specific addiction?
- Does the facility offer a flexible range of schedules that fits your needs?
- Can patients change treatment options halfway through if required?
- Is there support to help patients transition to aftercare?
- Are family members, and loved ones expected to participate in therapy?
- Does the facility accept health insurance or have financial assistance?
- Are payment plans flexible to cover the treatment?
- Can patients undergoing treatment contact their loved ones if required?
- How do visitation hours work inside the facility?
Fast Access to Residential Treatment
We are currently able to offer fast access to private inpatient treatment.
Please call us today and speak to one of our expert advisors.
Call today in confidence: 0800 0148 970
Take the First Step Today by Reaching out for Help?
Accepting that you have an alcohol problem is very difficult in the first place because of the stigma surrounding it. Getting professional help may feel daunting at first and you may try to treat alcoholism on your own.
However, alcohol addiction is a serious condition that can not only effect your physical health and mental condition but also the relationships around you and what you hold dear in your life. It’s never too late to seek professional help no matter how severe the alcohol problem is. The sooner you decide to get help, the sooner change, and healing can come to you as well.
If you find that outpatient alcohol addiction treatment is better for your situation, there are already multiple high quality rehab centres in the UK qualified to treat alcohol addiction. You can seek the professional advice of your GP or an addiction specialist to help you decide on the facilities that can cater to your specific needs.
Take Control of Your Life and Get Started on the Road to Recovery and Brighter Future
If you have been a long-time alcohol user, it may seem intimidating and hopeless to get help and turn your life around. But nothing is ever too late, for with the proper treatment you can take control of your life again and not let alcohol damage it any further.
Remember, acknowledging that you need help is the first but crucial step towards recovery. If you’re already in that stage, then you’re already on the path. And if you still don’t feel ready, know that you’re not alone in this journey and help is available whenever you choose to seek it. Make the call today and let us help you get started on your journey.
FREE Alcohol Addiction Assessment
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, we understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to offer compassionate help.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free alcohol addiction assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
