The number of people getting into alcoholism is rising immensely by the day. However, the good news is that there is hope for alcoholics, thanks to the many rehabs established in different places. You can get such services here at https://www.infiniterecovery.com/austin-outpatient-rehab/. If you or your loved one needs alcohol rehabilitation, there are two options: in-patient and outpatient rehab. This article will dive deeper into what goes on when you are getting outpatient rehab services. 

What is an Outpatient Alcoholism Treatment Program?

Outpatient refers to a rehabilitation program where you seek help from a recovery center during the day but return to your home in the evening. Therefore, such a program allows you to attend school or work and go on with your everyday life. 

For the first few weeks or months, you might be required to visit the center every day. However, the sessions become fewer depending on how far along you have come in your recovery journey. You will attend these sessions in the company of other alcoholics. In these sessions, you will learn how to identify what triggers alcoholism in you and which coping techniques you can adapt.  

The Stages of Outpatient Alcohol Treatment

Starting an outpatient rehab program for alcoholism can be intimidating, especially if you’re a first-timer. Nonetheless, the outpatient levels discussed below will give you a clear glimpse of what to expect and how to prepare before signing up for such a program;

Intake Assessment

At this stage, you should be ready to answer several questions about your alcoholism. Some of the questions can get too personal. For instance, when you last have a drink and how much you consume in a day. Many alcohol addicts feel intimidated by giving personal information to a total stranger. 

However, the addiction specialist is trying to establish the severity of your condition, which will help get you the most effective program. Additionally, the specialist asks these questions to identify any underlying mental disorders. This is why a drug test and a physical exam are almost a must during the assessment. 

Therapy and Treatment Method

Confronting and treating your emotions and mental shape is an essential step towards conquering addiction. In most cases, mental issues, such as depression and anxiety, are common among those who abuse alcohol. At this stage, you will be attending individual and group psychotherapy sessions to help the therapist establish your mental state. 

In this stage, you will also start using any necessary medications to treat the addiction, a phenomenon known as pharmacotherapy. You will also get to learn more about alcoholism and how alcohol works in the brain and mind. Moreover, alcohol myths are also laid out clearly to make them less mysterious. Finally, you will receive all the support you require during and after the outpatient rehab program. This could include help with attending group therapy sessions and working on your educational and vocational goals. 

Aftercare

This is an integral part of your recovery journey, as it helps you get back to the community and avoid relapse. That is why, before leaving the program, you might be required to curate a plan on how you will prevent relapse. Additionally, the therapist may call you back to the rehab facility for individual and group counseling sessions. With this aftercare service, chances of sticking to the lessons you learned during the recovery program are very high.

Alcoholism has become a life-threatening practice in so many parts of the world. Different rehab institutions and facilities have been established to help alcoholics. Outpatient rehab programs have been resourceful, especially considering that you get time to spend with your family. You can also go to work or school, and it is cheaper than in-patient rehab.