Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Outpatient drug rehab provides a flexible and effective way to overcome drug or alcohol addiction without putting life on hold. Unlike inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment allows you to receive therapy, counseling, and support while living at home and managing daily responsibilities. 

This guide will cover the different types of outpatient addiction programs, who these treatment programs are best suited for, how much it costs, and how outpatient compares to other forms of treatment. 

By the end you’ll be armed with everything you need to know to find the best program for yourself or a loved one, and determine if outpatient is the best choice for your unique situation.

What is Outpatient Drug Rehab?

Outpatient drug rehab is a flexible option for addiction treatment that allows individuals to receive therapy, counseling, and support while living at home and maintaining daily responsibilities.

OP rehab programs do not require overnight stays, making them ideal for people who need treatment but must continue working, going to school, or caring for family.

These programs typically offer a mix of group therapy, individual counseling, and education about substance use disorders. Outpatient rehab can be highly effective for those with mild to moderate addiction or as a step-down level of care after inpatient treatment.

Within the ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) levels of care, outpatient drug rehab is classified as Levels 1 and 2 (depending on the intensity of treatment). This means treatment is less restrictive compared to inpatient or detox programs, and the weekly time required can be tailored to your specific needs and schedule.

Types of Outpatient Treatment

There are three types of outpatient treatment, with increasing levels of intensity based on the patient’s needs:

Outpatient Rehab for Alcohol

Outpatient addiction treatment can be effective for patients seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, particularly those with mild to moderate dependence, stable living environments, and strong social support. 

Quitting alcohol “cold turkey” can be dangerous. People with severe alcohol addiction risk life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures or delirium tremens, and may require medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or supervised detox for the first 3–7 days to ensure safety. 

If you have a severe pattern of alcohol use and can’t attend an inpatient program, outpatient rehab may be medically necessary to safely navigate these symptoms with medications like naltrexone or acamprosate.

For less severe cases of alcohol addiction, mutual support groups like AA meetings are another option to build healthy habits and get outside support.

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What Are the Benefits of Outpatient Rehab?

There are many reasons why an outpatient program might be a better fit for you or a loved one. Some of the pros of outpatient drug rehab programs are:

Potential Drawbacks of Outpatient Rehab:

That said, outpatient drug rehab might not be the right choice for everyone. Here are some of the main drawbacks

While outpatient rehab provides many unique benefits and can be a highly effective option for many, it is important to consider both its advantages and limitations when deciding if it’s the best fit for you or a loved one. 

How do residential and outpatient rehab programs compare?

Residential drug & alcohol treatment and outpatient rehab programs differ in their level of structure, intensity, and environment, making each better suited to specific needs and recovery goals. 

Inpatient programs have been shown to have a slightly higher long-term success rate, but that comes at the tradeoff of a much higher cost per day, along with the inability to return to your normal daily life between treatments.

The right choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle, addiction severity, and at-home support system.

Outpatient drug rehab might be the better choice if you:

• Have strong support from family or friends at home
• Need to continue working, going to school, or caring for loved ones during treatment
• Are dealing with a mild to moderate substance use disorder and feel confident in your ability to stay motivated outside of a structured facility

Inpatient (residential) drug rehab might be the better choice if you:

• Need a safe, immersive environment away from daily triggers and distractions
• Are struggling with a severe addiction or have experienced repeated relapses
• Require access to 24/7 medical supervision, mental health care, or specialized therapeutic support

What to Expect During Outpatient Rehab

If you do think outpatient treatment might be the right approach for your situation, here’s what a typical course of treatment looks like for most outpatient rehab programs.

A normal day in outpatient drug rehab involves a combination of structured therapy sessions, group support meetings, and personal check-ins. 

• Individual Counseling: Meet regularly with a therapist to discuss personal progress and challenges.
• Group Therapy: Participate in group sessions for peer support and shared experiences.
• Educational Workshops: Learn about addiction, coping strategies, and relapse prevention.
• Family Involvement: Some programs include family therapy or education to strengthen your support system.
• Personalized Care: Treatment plans are tailored to your unique needs and goals.
• Ongoing Accountability: Regular check-ins with professionals to track progress and provide encouragement.
• Life Skills: Practice new skills and strategies for maintaining sobriety in everyday situations.
• Medication: Manage withdrawal side effects to safely wean off harmful drugs and alcohol.

You can expect to attend these sessions several times a week, for anywhere from one hour per day to five or six hours depending on the severity of your addiction. 

Over time, the frequency and duration of sessions will gradually decrease as you become more stable and steady in your new habits. Eventually, you may only need to attend the occasional peer support group or check in with a therapist or sponsor as needed.

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For a conversation about what treatment options are available to you.

Make a Call

800-985-8516
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What Therapies Are Used in Outpatient Rehab?

Therapies used in addiction treatment vary according to the facility. Some offer specialized therapies such as Trauma Therapy, Holistic Therapy, Art Therapy, or Faith-based approaches. However, most facilities also offer some form of these standard psychological therapies:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most common psychological therapy used in outpatient treatment. It is often used in a group setting, but it can be used in individual therapy sessions as well. CBT teaches clients to recognize distorted thinking patterns and how they are causing problems. CBT strategies then help clients change their thinking toward more realistic and helpful ideas.
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a subset of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Whereas CBT focuses mainly on rational thinking, REBT emphasizes the need to understand and reflect on the emotions and beliefs that underlie irrational thoughts. The ABC method of cognitive behavioral therapy is then used to dispute and neutralize the negative or self-defeating emotion. (A = an Activating event or situation that triggers negative thoughts and emotions. B = Beliefs that the person holds about the activating event. C = consequences– the behavioral responses that result from the beliefs.)
• Contingency Management is a method of increasing motivation for clients to avoid drug or alcohol use. As an example, upon a negative (clean) drug screen, a client may receive a reward of a prize or gift card.
• Motivational Interviewing is a counseling method that addresses ambivalent feelings and insecurities and helps a client find the internal motivation to make life changes. It uses open-ended questions, active listening, empathy, and affirmative support to help clients increase their readiness for change.
• Family and/or Couples Therapy involves family members in the treatment process. Family interaction increases client accountability for their actions, reinforces their commitment, and provides support from the most important people in their lives.

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How Much Does Outpatient Rehab Cost?

Treatment costs for rehab will vary according to the type of program, level of care, the location of the facility, the duration of the program, and what level of care you need. 

If you need detox services, or if you have a co-occurring mental illness that requires medication management, you are more likely to be a candidate for inpatient treatment or partial hospitalization treatment, which are more costly. 

According to the National Drug Helpline, the current average costs per day for different types of addiction treatment care are:²

Does Insurance Cover Outpatient Rehab?

If you have health insurance, your policy will likely cover treatment for substance use disorder. You will need to check with your provider to determine how much of the cost your health plan covers and how much your co-payment may be. 

You can also check if your insurance covers drug rehab by checking our list of top providers and facilities that accept them. Many treatment centers can help in assessing your out-of-pocket costs based on your specific provider and plan before you make any commitments to treatment. 

Some low-cost and free state-funded programs are available, although there may be a waiting list for the program you choose. If none of the above options are available to you, see other ways to pay for rehab to learn more about your options.

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Self-Assessment Quiz

When deciding whether you should choose inpatient or outpatient treatment, you should consult with your doctor or counselor for advice. The following quick quiz can help you identify if you should talk to your doctor about outpatient rehab treatment. 

• How severe is your substance use disorder? Do you need detox and/or medication?
• Do you have a co-occurring mental health disorder?

(If you answer is “yes” to either of the questions above, you will more likely need the 24/7 support that inpatient treatment provides.)

• How strong is your family support system? Is your home environment an asset?
• Is your living situation stable? Do you have a safe, consistent place to live?
• Are you transitioning out of inpatient treatment?

(If you answered “yes” to the above 3 questions, then outpatient treatment would be a viable option for you. But if your home environment would pose a risk to your sobriety, you might want to seek other options – either inpatient treatment or alternative housing for the duration of your treatment.)

• You can’t or don’t want to quit work or take a leave of absence.
• You want to be close to loved ones.
• You are confident that you can avoid drugs or alcohol within your environment.
• You’re seeking additional support outside of your family and current peer group.
• You can’t afford an inpatient treatment program, but you want to take steps towards overcoming an addiction.

(If your answer is “yes” to the final 5 questions above, then outpatient rehab treatment would likely be of benefit to you.)

This quick quiz is for informational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis. Please talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may have a substance abuse addiction for a formal diagnosis.

FAQs

How long is outpatient rehab?

Most outpatient programs last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The exact length of outpatient rehab can vary widely depending on your needs, the severity of the addiction, and the specific program and treatment methodology used. 

Standard outpatient rehab might involve 1 or 2 sessions per week for 8 to 16 weeks, while intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or partial hospitalization programs (PHP) often last 2 to 3 months or longer with more frequent weekly sessions. 

It’s not uncommon for patients in recovery to maintain regular outpatient sessions for years after initial addiction treatment has concluded.

Can I continue working or attending school while in outpatient rehab?

Yes, one of the main advantages of outpatient rehab is its flexibility to work or attend school. Most programs are designed to accommodate work or school schedules, with sessions often held in the evenings or on weekends. This allows clients to maintain their daily responsibilities while receiving treatment and support.

Is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) available in outpatient programs?

Many outpatient rehab programs offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as part of their services, especially for opioid or alcohol use disorders. MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to increase the chances of successful recovery. Availability varies by provider, so it’s important to ask about MAT options during your initial assessment.

What happens if I relapse during outpatient treatment?

Relapse is considered a potential part of the recovery process, not a failure. If you relapse during outpatient treatment, your care team will reassess your needs and may adjust your treatment plan. This could include more frequent therapy sessions, a higher level of care, or additional support resources to help you get back on track.

What kind of support is available for families in outpatient rehab?

Family involvement is often encouraged in outpatient rehab. Many programs offer family counseling, education sessions, or support groups to help loved ones understand addiction, support recovery, and heal relationships affected by substance use.

Find Outpatient Addiction Treatment Near You

Finding the right outpatient drug rehab center can make all the difference in your journey toward lasting recovery. Use our website directory to easily search and compare the best outpatient rehab programs near you, so you can choose the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.

Ready to take the next step? Call 800-985-8516 ( Sponsored Helpline ) now to get answers to your questions and learn more your treatment options.

Every step you take toward recovery is an act of courage. Even if the road feels uncertain, you are moving forward, planting the seeds of change. Reach out, and let hope spark something extraordinary in your life.

Resources:

1. National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. Drug Abuse Statistics https://drugabusestatistics.org/
2. National Drug Helpline. Cost of Dug Rehab in 2023 https://drughelpline.org/rehab-cost/
3. National Institutes of Health Library of Medicine/ SAMHSA/CSAT. Treatment Improvement Protocols, Chapter 3: Intensive Outpatient Treatment and the Continuum of Care https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64088/
4. National Institutes of Health/National Library of Medicine. Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs: Assessing the Evidence National Institutes of Health/National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4152944/
5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association. SAMSHA National Helpline https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
6. Kaiser Permanente Health Encyclopedia. Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment for Substance Use Disorder Kaiser Permanente Health Encyclopedia https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.inpatient-and-outpatient-treatment-for-substance-use-disorder.ad1101