How to Find an Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Program

Опубликовал Admin
14-02-2021, 19:10
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An outpatient alcohol treatment program is a way for someone struggling with alcohol addiction to develop the skills and knowledge to maintain abstinence. Through one of these programs, the patient is able to identify patterns of alcohol abuse, make the necessary lifestyle changes, and develop coping, communication, and social skills. In order to find a program that is right for you, you need to determine what you need from a treatment program and find one that suits those needs.

Determining What Type of Program to Enter

  1. Pick a type of treatment programs. When you are searching for a treatment program, it's important to understand how they vary, so you can determine what type of program is best for you. Pick between the 2 basic types of outpatient alcohol treatment programs, which include:
    • An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which requires a 10-hour weekly commitment for 6 weeks. Participants attend 3 or 4 times a week.
    • A Relapse Outpatient Program (ROP) or Supportive Outpatient Program (SOP), which may be available for less than a 6-week commitment. It also may require just 6 hours of time each week. This program helps patients cope with relapse triggers and confront behavior patterns that may be affecting their full recovery.
  2. Decide what kind of therapeutic process you want to undergo. In addition to there being different types of programs, what it done in those programs can vary quite a bit. For instance, programs may follow the 12-step model of recovery, use motivational enhancement or cognitive-behavior therapy, or a combination of all of these processes. Decide what you think will be best for you.
    • If you enter a 12 step program, you will work to admit that you have a problem, that you need help overcoming that problem, and you will make amends to those you have hurt due to your alcohol addition. This kind of program can provide a great deal of community support and can be successful if you are committed and self-motivated, but can have a religious aspect that some people do not connect with.
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy uses psychology to examine and rework the thoughts you have that drive you to drink. This type of therapy is usually completed in one-on-one or group counseling sessions. This can be a productive type of program because it focuses on reworking the thought processes that cause you to drink. You will also be under the supervision of a mental health professional, who will likely be very experienced with treating your problem.
    • Yoga and other relaxation techniques may also be used as a central part of outpatient treatment.
    • Family participation may be required as well, especially for adolescent programs.
  3. Contact your health insurance company. Ask if they will pay for treatment and if so, what type of treatment programs they pay for. Your health insurance company should also provide you with a list of providers that they suggest. Typically, treatment with their preferred providers will be covered at a higher rate.
    • If your insurance doesn't cover the type of program you need, it doesn't mean that you can't get the kind of treatment you need. Talk to potential programs about how you can pay for their treatment. For example, there are often government-funded programs designed to help low-income people pay for alcohol treatment. In the US, an outpatient alcohol treatment program can be funded by the government if you meet income eligibility requirements or by Medicaid.
  4. Locate programs in your area. Do an online search for programs in your area that are accredited and geared towards your needs. You can also ask family, friends, and medical professionals for suggestions of programs that might be right for you.
    • For programs in the US, you can go to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website. Use the online locator to find an outpatient alcohol treatment program in your area. Scroll through the list of facilities that meet your search criteria and to learn more details about a specific program.
    • Alternately, you can also call (800) 662-HELP or (800) 487-4889 (TDD).
  5. Take any special needs into account. Be sure to narrow down your search by age, gender, and other factors that may impact your treatment, such as mental or physical illness. For example, some facilities only accept patients that are adolescents and some only accept patients over the age of 18.
    • There are also specialized treatment programs that center religion, which is an option for people who want faith-based treatment.

Picking the Right Program

  1. Compare the treatment programs in your area. Once you have a list of options in your area, you need to narrow down what programs might be the right fit for you. Take the treatment program methods, location, schedule, and cost all into consideration.
    • Find an outpatient alcohol treatment program that meets on the days of the week and times of day that fit your schedule.
    • Look at the type of sessions and size of group. Some programs are group only and others include individual counseling. Adolescent programs may include home visits.
  2. Contact your top choice for an outpatient alcohol treatment program. Call and talk to an employee about the program. Ask them any questions you have and find out about the duration of the program and cost.
    • If it seems like the program is a good fit for you, attend an assessment session and talk to a counselor in person about what you are hoping to get out of treatment.
  3. Begin treatment. If you are able to find a program that fits your needs, discuss with the intake personnel the timeline for beginning treatment. While treatment and recovery is a lifelong process, it's important to take that first step toward healing.
    • Most outpatient alcohol treatment programs last for around 6 weeks. However, the amount of time you need in outpatient treatment will vary and length of treatment will typically depend on the individual.

Warnings

  • An unwilling adult cannot be compelled to go to alcohol treatment, unless they are ordered to go by a court.
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