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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Outpatient Addiction Rehab Programs

Substance misuse and addiction are complicated issues that can impact several areas of a person’s life, including their health, interpersonal relationships, and work. Fortunately, addiction is treatable, and inpatient or outpatient treatment programs are available to help people stop misusing substances and live happier, healthier lives.1

Recovery looks different for everyone, and some people may benefit from the flexibility an outpatient treatment program can offer. Read on to learn more about outpatient treatment programs, including:

  • The benefits of outpatient treatment programs.
  • The types of outpatient treatment programs available.
  • The differences between inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.
  • How to prepare for entering outpatient rehab treatment.

What Is an Outpatient Addiction Rehab Center?

An outpatient addiction rehab center provides treatment for substance use disorder (SUD), the clinical term for addiction, without requiring patients to live on-site. Instead, patients attend counseling sessions and therapy while living at home or in a sober living facility. This allows patients to better maintain their daily routines and some may be able to maintain their responsibilities at home, school, or work.

Outpatient programs vary greatly in duration and intensity. Standard outpatient programs often require patients to attend treatment sessions a few times a week, while other more intensive outpatient programs may require daily attendance.2

Types of Outpatient Drug Programs

There are several types of outpatient rehab to meet the needs of diverse patients, including:

  • Standard outpatient programs (OP): These typically involve regular therapy sessions, once a week. Standard outpatient programs may be the right fit for patients with less severe addictions or as a step-down after completing more intensive treatment.
  • Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): IOPs offer a higher level of support, with more frequent therapy sessions, often 3-5 times a week. These programs are designed for patients who would benefit from structured treatment and support but still need to maintain their responsibilities at home, school, or work.
  • Partial hospitalization programs (PHP): PHPs provide the most intensive outpatient care, often requiring daily attendance. These programs are ideal for patients with more severe addiction or those who have co-occurring mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression).

As you begin your search for outpatient drug treatment programs near me, you may wonder which program is right for you. Recovery looks different for everyone and the right program for you will depend on various factors. You can learn more by talking to your doctor or a mental health practitioner. You can also contact American Addiction Centers at to speak with an admissions navigator who can discuss your treatment options. Calling is confidential and free, and there is no obligation to enter treatment.

What Are Intensive Outpatient Programs?

Intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment may more closely match the services and effectiveness of inpatient programs. Those with more severe addictions may fare better in an IOP than in a lower-intensity program. IOPs typically include more, and longer, therapeutic visits per week. These programs tend to cost more than regular outpatient substance abuse programs, though this cost varies by program.5, 6 Intensive outpatient programs may incorporate treatment for co-occurring or dual diagnosis disorders into their treatment model and can offer specialized rehabilitation treatment, depending on the program.

What Are Partial Hospitalization Programs?

Slightly higher on the continuum scale of treatment levels in terms of intensity is partial hospitalization (PHP).1 While it might not sound like it, this is still considered an outpatient level of alcohol and drug treatment, albeit a “very intensive outpatient” level of therapy. Also called “day treatment,” partial hospitalization-level treatment is appropriate for those requiring more intensive blocks of therapy based on the seriousness of their addiction history and is an alternative to inpatient treatment.7

Those who meet the criteria for partial hospitalization are seen as able to make progress on their treatment goals when they return to home, school, or work. However, they still require more frequent or concentrated periods of access to medical care and monitoring by treatment professionals or other addiction treatment staff to maintain recovery momentum.4

Partial hospitalization is sometimes reserved for those who have been through an inpatient or residential treatment program, but who need to continue a relatively intensive course of alcoholism or drug abuse treatment to avoid relapse.

It may also be appropriate for those who need medication, other medical services, or treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.4 Day treatment, expectedly, requires more of a time commitment than other outpatient treatment levels. It varies depending on individual situations but can exceed 20 hours per week.7 What it has in common with the other, less intensive levels of outpatient treatment is the fact that patients continue to live at home for the duration of drug and alcohol treatment.7

What Are the Benefits of Outpatient Programs for Addiction?

Depending on your needs outpatient treatment can be a good means of obtaining substance misuse recovery help. Outpatient substance abuse treatment is appropriate for those whose condition is sufficiently stable, whose symptoms are mild, and who are willing to participate in the treatment plan.1

With that in mind, there are many potential benefits to seeking drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs on an outpatient basis. For one, outpatient rehab treatment can be delivered through various settings:3,4

  • In a hospital clinic.
  • In a community mental health clinic.
  • At a local health department.
  • At a therapist’s office.
  • By telephone.

Additionally, the daily schedule can be adjusted in many drug or alcohol outpatient programs to allow sufficient time for school and/or work commitments.3

As you search for outpatient drug rehab near me, it’s important to receive a thorough evaluation and detailed examination of your specific drug and alcohol abuse issues from someone qualified to make the recommendation for outpatient treatment.

What Services Do Outpatient Drug Addiction Treatment Programs Offer?

Outpatient treatment for drug and alcohol addiction can incorporate several types of support services to help individuals with substance abuse problems. These can include:3

Outpatient therapy for drug and alcohol addiction is a great way to address issues contributing to the substance abuse problem, and behavioral counseling will likely be part of your outpatient treatment plan. A few common forms of behavioral counseling are:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals learn to recognize and steer clear of situations that may lead them to drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Contingency management, where individuals learn to abstain from drugs or alcohol through incentives and rewards.
  • Motivational interviewing, where individuals are assessed on their willingness to make positive changes and begin treatment.

What Is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Programs?

Determining the need for inpatient or outpatient care is dependent upon the severity of your condition. Your evaluation will determine which type of treatment will best serve your needs. Understanding how each one works can be useful as you plan and prepare.

Inpatient Treatment

  • Removes the individual from an environment that may have contributed to the development of drug or alcohol addiction.
  • Provides 24/7 care and support, including necessary medical staff for co-occurring medical or mental health conditions and/or severe addiction or withdrawal symptoms.
  • Mandates follow-up or aftercare treatment after the period of treatment ends, ensuring continuity of care and continued recovery.

Outpatient Treatment

  • Allows individuals to continue to live (and in some cases, work and attend school) in a home environment.
  • Provides the recovering person with a way to more accurately test the efficacy of ongoing treatment and practice newly developed skills while remaining amidst those triggers.
  • Challenges a patient to seek out and utilize sources of support in their home environment, such as finding local self-help groups or other recovery mentors in the neighborhood that can help guide someone down the path of recovery.3

Those struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction might face a much greater challenge of abstinence in an outpatient treatment center, especially in the early stages of addiction recovery. Since their environment is not changing, they can easily access the addictive substance and are faced with temptation regularly.

If substance abuse is interfering with your life, your relationships, your job or your medical or mental health, inpatient drug and alcohol addiction programs frequently will prove a better option. You may be interested in longer-term treatment such as 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day programs, or in pursuing a shorter 3-, 5-, or 7-day detox program.

Given that the transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment can be distressing, the individual in recovery will need the support of the community where he lives, works, and belongs to welcome him back to wellness and a life without addiction.

How Can I Find Outpatient Drug Rehab Near Me?

If you or a loved one is seeking outpatient drug treatment and you are wondering, ‘Is there outpatient substance abuse treatment near me?’, there are resources available online to help you find alcohol and drug rehab centers near your location. Our directories treatment tool can help you locate nearby treatment centers based on your home address.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) has trusted facilities across the country and can help you find the drug and alcohol rehab help you need. Call us free at to discuss your treatment options. You can also check your insurance coverage online now to determine whether your health insurance provider will cover rehabilitation.

How to Prepare for Seeking Help at Outpatient Drug Rehab

To prepare for seeking help from an outpatient treatment program, it’s a good idea to have the following information ready:

  • Substance use: The representative will likely ask you about your substance use, including the specific substance you are currently using or have used in the past. This includes any prescription medications or illicit substances.
  • Duration of use: Specify how long you’ve been using each substance and the frequency (daily, weekly, etc.).
  • Current medications: Provide details about any current medications or treatments you’re receiving, including doses and frequency.
  • Medical history: Be prepared to discuss any allergies, chronic health issues, or medical conditions.
  • Mental health history: Mention any mental health conditions you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect, such as anxiety or depression.
  • Location: Specify your current location or the location where you intend to seek treatment.
  • Insurance information: If you have insurance, have your health insurance information ready, including the name of your insurance provider and policy information.
  • Finances: Consider how you pay for treatment and whether you have insurance, are seeking financial assistance, or will be paying out of pocket.

Also remember that you can ask about payment options like loans, financing scholarships, and options for people who don’t have insurance. Whether you are seeking treatment for a problem with alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, prescription drugs, or any other addiction, recovery from chemical dependency is possible. To find out more about your options for outpatient drug or alcohol addiction rehabilitation treatment with American Addiction Centers, what your insurance policy covers, or how to pay for rehab, please contact one of our caring admissions navigators free at .

Health Insurance Providers That May Cover Outpatient Treatment

Learn about addiction treatment with these insurance providers:

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