Drug & Alcohol Outpatient Treatment

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that in 2007, 20.8 million American individuals ages 12 and older required drug or alcohol treatment but did not receive it. Drug and alcohol treatment centers provide outpatient services to help the addict overcome substance abuse.

Outpatient Care

• Outpatient care is generally scheduled around the patient's work or school schedule. Typically, the patient meets with a counselor or therapist three times a week for two to four hours a day.

Involved Treatment

• Outpatient treatment may involve therapy programs for individuals and their families plus specialized therapy such as music or art.

Behavioral Therapies

• Outpatient treatment may include behavioral therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, multidimensional family therapy, motivational interviewing and motivational incentives. All are designed to address the root of the addiction.

Advantages

• Outpatient treatment is most desired for its flexibility, for patients with parenting responsibilities, and for individuals whose insurance does not cover residential (inpatient) care.

Disadvantages

• Outpatient care typically does not address the patient's medical conditions and needs. Further, the patient does not live at the facility; therefore, his care is not constant. Consequently, the temptation to use drugs or alcohol may still be present.