What Does Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Involve?

outpatient alcohol treatment Thousand Oaks

California is home to one of the highest number of annual alcohol-related fatalities, second only to Texas. According to the latest data, over 1,000 people die in California annually due to alcohol.

Though not always, alcohol fatalities can happen due to untreated alcohol use disorders (AUDs). AUDs are chronic conditions. Today, medical professionals categorize them as diagnosable mental health conditions.

People with AUDs may struggle to quit drinking. This is not due to a lack of willpower but debilitating cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The only solution for many people is inpatient or outpatient alcohol treatment in Thousand Oaks.

In this guide, we want to discuss one of these types of recovery programs: outpatient treatment. Read on to discover the kinds of outpatient programs available. We will also explain what to expect from treatment.

What Is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment gives people access to flexible alcohol recovery options. Individuals can live at home while receiving care. Then, they commute to the treatment facility throughout the week.

You can contrast these programs with inpatient treatment. With inpatient treatment, individuals reside at the facility where they receive care. These programs are costly in terms of the time commitment and funds required.

But say you need to keep up with school, work, or family obligations while getting help for addiction. In that case, outpatient treatment may be ideal. However, you must first choose the right type of outpatient program for you.

Here are the types of outpatient programs available at our addiction treatment center in Thousand Oaks.

Traditional Outpatient Programs

Traditional outpatient programs require the lowest time commitment. They may also be more affordable. But the exact cost depends on the number and type of services someone needs.

With these programs, people with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) attend weekly therapy sessions. These sessions may consist of group or individual therapy.

Though not intended for people with severe addictions, traditional outpatient programs are effective. They are ideal for people with mild AUDs. These programs also work well for people who have completed a more intensive outpatient or inpatient program.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are one step up from traditional outpatient treatment. They offer a good balance of flexibility, affordability, and a more rigorous treatment plan.

At Arrive, our IOP consists of nine total hours of treatment per week. Individuals attend weekly sessions consisting of individual and group therapy. They may also enroll in addiction and relapse prevention education classes.

Because they are more intensive, IOPs are better suited for people with mild to moderate addictions. Still, they offer the flexibility needed to live your life.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the most intensive form of outpatient treatment. PHPs are one step down from inpatient treatment.

Also known as day programs, PHPs require a significant time commitment while still allowing individuals to live at home. At Arrive, our PHP program requires at least 30 hours of participation per week.

PHPs are best suited for people with moderate alcohol use disorders. In some cases, they may work for people with severe AUDs. However, these individuals may require detox before starting treatment.

What Does Traditional Outpatient Alcohol Treatment in Thousand Oaks Involve?

Traditional outpatient rehab in Thousand Oaks involves one weekly therapy session. The exact type of therapy will vary based on the individual’s unique needs.

As mentioned, these programs are ideal for people with mild alcohol addictions. Mild alcohol addictions feature two to three symptoms of an AUD, which include:

  • Drinking heavier or longer than intended on more than one occasion
  • Attempting to cut back on or stop drinking without success on more than one occasion
  • Spending significant amounts of time drinking or recovering from drinking
  • Craving alcohol to the point where it’s difficult to think about anything else
  • Experiencing home life, work, or school difficulties due to drinking or recovering from drinking
  • Continuing to drink despite these difficulties
  • Giving up on activities you once enjoyed to drink or recover from drinking
  • Putting yourself in situations that risk your physical or emotional health after drinking
  • Continuing to drink despite mental health changes, physical health problems, or blackouts
  • Needing increasing amounts of alcohol to feel intoxicated
  • Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Experiencing at least two of these symptoms is sufficient for an AUD diagnosis.

What Does Intensive Outpatient Treatment in Thousand Oaks Involve?

A Thousand Oaks IOP involves at least three three-hour treatment sessions per week. That makes for a total of nine hours of treatment, though people can elect for more.

IOPs may be suitable for people with mild to moderate alcohol use disorders. Remember that mild AUDs feature two to three of the above symptoms. People with moderate AUDs experience four to five of these symptoms.

For an even more intensive option, individuals can opt to enroll in a sober living program. These programs provide substance-free housing for people in outpatient alcohol treatment.

What Does Partial Hospitalization Treatment in Thousand Oaks Involve?

PHPs in Thousand Oaks involve treatment sessions scheduled at least five days per week. Individuals attend six-hour treatments per day for a weekly time commitment of 30 hours. PHP therapies may include:

  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Life skills classes
  • 12-step programs
  • Alternative therapies (e.g., yoga, meditation, art therapy)

PHPs can work for people with severe AUDs or those who experience six or more of the symptoms listed above. However, these individuals may also require detox. Detox is not traditionally part of outpatient programs.

We do not offer detox services at Arrive Recovery Center. However, if needed, we can arrange medical withdrawal services at a local detox facility.

Arrive: The Thousand Oaks, CA Recovery Center You Need

Outpatient alcohol treatment in Thousand Oaks offers the flexibility to get the help you need. You can work, go to school, and take care of your family. Meanwhile, you can also prioritize your own health simultaneously.

Are you searching for a drug and alcohol treatment center in Thousand Oaks? Arrive Recovery Center offers outpatient programs for people with AUDs. Contact us to learn more about our admissions process, and enroll today!