Outpatient Treatment
For some, alcohol abuse has not yet led to a full fledged alcohol addiction and will not require inpatient treatment and care. Those who suffer from a mild to moderate drinking problem can benefit greatly from outpatient alcohol treatment which provides counseling, therapy and monitoring but at a level that is comfortable and accommodating even for those who must maintain priorities with work, school and at home. These programs allow those in recovery to continue with their normal routines while receiving occasional therapy and support to help them stay on the right track.
Outpatient Treatment is Not for Everyone
Some people who are addicted to alcohol will require extensive treatment and around-the-clock monitoring in order to stay sober. Those who have extreme physical dependence on alcohol will be more well suited to residential alcohol treatment. However, for the recovering addict who has already received residential treatment and is transitioning, outpatient treatment can provide continued support and care that keeps them on the path to recovery and continues to monitor their efforts.
Outpatient treatment for alcohol addiction is well suited to the recovering addict who is not physically dependent on alcohol and does not have any co-occurring mental health disorders. These programs can provide therapy and support daily, weekly or even semi-weekly for patients and typically include a foundation of group therapy and support groups as the primary means of treatment.
Support Groups
Most people who attend outpatient treatment for alcohol addiction will also take part in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. These groups are free to attend and can provide a place for the recovering addict to receive peer support and guidance. AA meetings can be found in nearly every city or town throughout the US and are also offered in more than 180 other countries worldwide making them an excellent choice even for those who travel extensively and wish to find peer support as they go.
Support groups can help those in recovery to find new ways of coping with their desire to drink and to build new friendships. AA members take pride in supporting others who are in recovery and in building lasting friendships with the members of their group. Many support groups are also offered online to help those in recovery to gain immediate, around-the-clock access to support to prevent relapse.
