We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Substance Abuse Outpatient Treatment?

By Malysa Stratton Louk
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,986
Share

Substance abuse outpatient treatment is designed for people who suffer from drug or alcohol abuse but do not require hospitalization for recovery. Outpatient services help addicts recover from alcoholism, abuse of narcotics, prescription drug abuse and other legal or illegal substances. Services often include group and individual therapy sessions, medical evaluations, support groups and on-going recovery services. Outpatient treatment, as opposed to inpatient or residential treatment, allows patients to remain in their own home, often continuing to work or go to school, and participate in the community as they work toward recovery.

There are different types of substance abuse outpatient treatment centers and programs, each with its own focus and set of requirements. Some treatment programs address multiple substance types, while other focus primarily on narcotics or alcoholism. Time commitments vary from center to center. While some programs require an evaluation, create a treatment plan and offer weekly counseling, other programs require intensive daily education and therapy sessions.

Choosing the right substance abuse outpatient treatment program is as important as making the decision to get help. Some treatment programs are faith-based or follow the traditional 12-step approach to treatment. Other treatment centers focus on hypnosis or other alternative treatment methods. Some outpatient treatment programs for substance abuse take a more holistic approach, incorporating many different methods of treatment. The more options available, the better the chance of finding one that fits the needs of the patient on the road to recovery.

Regardless of the treatment method and time commitments involved, all substance abuse treatment centers share a common goal — to provide patients with the resources necessary to fully combat addiction after they leave treatment. Reputable outpatient services will offer a variety of support options that include a detailed, individualized treatment plan; individual and group support; and education and methods for living a substance-free lifestyle. Many programs also offer on-call or after-hours telephone support.

Substance abuse outpatient treatment isn’t for everyone. Patients who have minor addictions to one substance, are committed to treatment, are able to avoid outside temptations, and are willing to put in the time and effort will usually benefit from outpatient treatment. People with severe or multiple addictions, or who are unable to make progress without 24-hour support, may find a short- or long-term inpatient treatment center a better option. Deciding between inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as deciding on a specific outpatient treatment program, can be stressful. A patient who is unsure about which type of treatment option is best for his situation should consult his doctor or a counselor for a recommendation.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-substance-abuse-outpatient-treatment.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.