Honor the power of your voice and begin your journey with us today!
Honor the power of your voice and begin your journey with us today!

Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

Outpatient alcohol rehab gives people in recovery from an alcohol use disorder a place to maintain their sobriety in a flexible program. This form of treatment is best for people who already have a good grasp on their recovery. Also, outpatient care is beneficial for people who are unable to put their normal life activities aside while attending treatment.

With that being said, deciding whether outpatient treatment is the right choice for you depends on your own personal needs and preferences.

Outpatient vs. Inpatient for Alcohol Abuse

Outpatient alcohol rehab differs from inpatient treatment in a few specific ways. The primary difference is that outpatient rehab provides a lower level of care than inpatient rehab. For instance, outpatient programs only require you to attend a group during scheduled treatment times. At the end of your scheduled time for the day, you will return home and continue with your normal routine outside of treatment. Alternatively, residential inpatient treatment requires that you live on-site for the duration of your treatment. While living in the inpatient facility you attend several hours of individual and group therapy sessions. 

Should I go to Outpatient Alcohol Rehab?

While inpatient treatment for alcohol abuse is necessary for some people, it may not be required for others. The severity of your dependence on alcohol, and how long you’ve been addicted, are important things to consider when choosing if outpatient rehab is right for you. Sometimes putting life on hold for a while, although inconvenient, will be the best decision in the long term. With that being said, there are advantages as well as disadvantages to outpatient alcohol rehab.

Sometimes putting life on hold for a while, although inconvenient, will be the best decision in the long term. With that being said, there are advantages as well as disadvantages to outpatient alcohol rehab.

Advantages of Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

All rehabilitation programs involve hard work to address difficult issues and require vulnerability. Typically, people enter inpatient rehab to begin making therapeutic progress. With that being said, there are several advantages of outpatient alcohol rehab can also assist in creating real, life-saving changes.

Advantages of outpatient alcohol rehab include:

  • Continuing normal activities. This is probably the most obvious advantage over inpatient treatment. During outpatient, you can continue to work, attend school, and tend to family commitments. During inpatient rehab, you must remain at the facility during the entire treatment.
  • More flexibility. Some outpatient alcohol rehabs allow guests to create a schedule that works for them. This way you can make all your prior commitments while attending treatment and addressing your alcohol abuse.
  • Higher confidentiality. When someone checks into an inpatient facility, it usually means they will be away for several weeks. Notifying your employer, friends, and family members is usually a must. It can be very uncomfortable to be forced to disclose this private information to so many people. Since you won’t be leaving your home for outpatient rehab, you can maintain a higher level of privacy.
  • Practical application earlier. What this means is that you’ll be able to apply what you learn in treatment sooner than you would if you were in inpatient treatment.
  • It’s usually more affordable. Whether you’re paying with insurance or out of pocket, outpatient alcohol rehab is generally cheaper than inpatient options. Without having to pay for housing, meals, and other accommodations, you’ll save yourself a substantial amount of money.

Disadvantages of Outpatient Rehab for Alcohol​

While outpatient alcohol rehab has it’s advantages, like all things, it also has disadvantages.

Disadvantages of outpatient alcohol rehab include:

  • Too much freedom. If you have a serious dependence on alcohol you may need a more intensive program. Alcohol is everywhere and being able to abstain after therapy each day can be challenging for some.
  • Outside distractions. When you come and go from treatment on a daily basis, it can be much easier to get wrapped up in everyday life and outside distractions. Recovery, especially early on, requires a strong dedication to working on yourself.
  • Fewer connections with peers. Those in a residential program usually form friendships and bonds that can last a lifetime. Creating a new sober support network is critical to the success of any sobriety. Those who choose outpatient sometime don’t take the time to connect with their peers in treatment the same way inpatient guests do.

Reach Out

As with most decisions, you must decide whether outpatient treatment is going to work best for you. If you think outpatient treatment could be right for you, call Royal Life Centers. Our outpatient alcohol rehab is customized to fit your individual needs. If you’re ready to get the help you deserve, call us today at 877-RECOVERY.

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