Outpatient rehab for alcohol use disorder (AUD) offers a flexible way to get help while continuing to live at home, but it’s not the only available treatment option.¹ Knowing what to expect in outpatient rehab can help you decide if it meets your needs. Ready to take the next step? American Addiction Centers can help. Call to learn about treatment options and easily verify your insurance coverage at an AAC facility in just a few minutes.

What Is Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient rehab for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other types of substance use disorder (SUD) involves attending scheduled sessions at a treatment center while continuing to live at home or in another outside setting, such as a sober living home.¹ These programs vary in duration and intensity, with some offering daily sessions and others meeting just once weekly.¹ The level of care for you or a loved one depends on individual needs, including the severity of a person’s substance use and other health factors.¹

Types of Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

Outpatient rehab for alcohol includes several levels of care, with partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offering more structure and time commitment than standard outpatient programs.¹ What happens in outpatient rehab varies, but many provide comprehensive assessments, ongoing support, and referrals to more intensive care when needed.¹

For outpatient alcohol treatment to be effective, individuals typically need a safe, stable home environment and a supportive network. While some people enter outpatient care after completing an inpatient or residential treatment program, others begin their recovery journey with outpatient treatment, depending on their specific needs.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a type of outpatient rehab for alcohol that provides structured support without requiring an overnight stay.¹ Individuals typically attend treatment 9 to 20 hours per week, making IOPs a middle ground between standard outpatient care and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). These programs can last anywhere from 2 months to a year. They can be a good fit for people with a supportive home environment, reliable transportation, and the ability to attend counseling sessions consistently.¹

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) offer a higher level of care than IOPs but still allow individuals to live at home.¹ Participants attend treatment 4 to 8 hours daily, typically for at least 3 months. PHPs can be ideal for those who need intensive daily support but have a safe, stable, substance-free home environment and some external support from family and friends.¹

Benefits of Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Programs

When comparing inpatient vs outpatient rehab, one key advantage of outpatient alcohol treatment is the flexibility it offers. Outpatient alcohol rehab programs can offer many benefits, especially for those who are motivated and ready to engage in the recovery process. Depending on your situation, outpatient treatment may provide the flexibility and support you need to make meaningful progress in recovery while maintaining your daily responsibilities at home, school, or work.

Benefits of outpatient rehab for alcohol include:^2,3

The opportunity to recover from addiction while improving your mental and physical health.
Living at home and continuing to attend school or work while receiving treatment.
Flexible scheduling that may allow you to keep weekends free for family time, hobbies, or other activities.
The ability to maintain daily family routines, whether you attend day or evening sessions.
Lower overall cost compared to inpatient or residential rehab programs.
Support from counselors, peers, and treatment staff as you apply recovery skills in your community and home.

Outpatient treatment services are often used as a follow-up to inpatient addiction treatment programs.¹ They are also an effective option for people who have already been to rehab before but are looking for additional professional support and guidance to continue their recovery process, particularly after a relapse.¹

How Effective is Outpatient Alcohol Treatment?

Outpatient alcohol treatment has been shown to be effective for many individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Research indicates that intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) can lead to abstinence rates ranging from 50% to 70% at follow-up, comparable to outcomes from inpatient programs.⁴ These findings suggest that, for many, outpatient care can be as effective as inpatient treatment, offering flexibility and the ability to maintain daily responsibilities.

While outpatient programs are effective for many, they may not be suitable for everyone. Consider the following factors:^2,3

Risk of severe withdrawal: If you are at risk of acute withdrawal symptoms, a more intensive level of care (e.g., inpatient medical detox) may be necessary.
Co-occurring conditions: Individuals with stable co-occurring conditions may still benefit from outpatient treatment, especially if the program is equipped to address multiple conditions.
Support system: A stable, supportive home environment enhances the effectiveness of outpatient treatment.
Commitment to change: A willingness to engage actively in the recovery process is crucial for success in outpatient settings.
Previous treatment history: If you’ve experienced relapse or insufficient progress in less intensive programs, a higher level of care might be more appropriate

Types of Therapy in Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab for alcohol often combines medical and behavioral therapies tailored to the individual’s needs. While specific approaches may vary, there are several evidence-based therapies commonly used in outpatient alcohol treatment. Understanding what to expect in outpatient alcohol rehab includes becoming familiar with these types of therapy programs:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with alcohol use. It teaches practical skills to manage triggers and prevent relapse, key components of many outpatient alcohol rehab programs.²
The Matrix Model: Originally developed for stimulant use disorders, this comprehensive approach has been adapted for alcohol use treatment. It focuses on the whole person, including behavior, emotions, and relationships, and emphasizes structured scheduling and strong counselor-client relationships.²
Contingency management: In this approach, healthy behaviors like abstinence are rewarded with incentives such as vouchers. These rewards serve as positive reinforcement, making this method a powerful part of many outpatient rehab strategies.²
Motivational interviewing: MI is a client-centered therapy used in outpatient rehab for alcohol that helps individuals explore their motivations and build readiness for change. It avoids confrontation, instead supporting the individual in identifying their own reasons and goals for recovery.⁵
12-step facilitation: This approach introduces individuals to 12-step principles and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which are often encouraged as part of aftercare planning in outpatient alcohol rehab.²
Family therapy: Many outpatient treatment programs include family therapy to improve communication, rebuild trust, and establish healthy boundaries that support long-term recovery. This approach often involves goal-setting and reinforcing positive behaviors.⁶
Medication for addiction treatment (MAT): This type of treatment involves FDA-approved medications, in combination with behavioral therapies and counseling, to treat certain types of substance use disorders. This can help people control cravings and decrease continued drug use.⁷

Medication Used in Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

Different medications may be used in outpatient alcohol treatment to aid with withdrawal management and help prevent relapse. These medications are used in conjunction with counseling and other evidence-based treatments.⁸ The following medications are most commonly used to treat AUD:

Disulfiram: This may be given after a person has undergone detoxification and is abstinent from alcohol. Disulfiram’s side effects may include headache, nausea, and vomiting, even if a small amount of alcohol is ingested.⁸
Acamprosate: This aids in helping a person continue in abstinence from alcohol once they’ve stopped drinking. It is typically started on the fifth day of abstinence from alcohol.⁸
Naltrexone: This can prevent a person from feeling some of the rewarding euphoria associated with alcohol use, thereby facilitating a decrease in ongoing drinking behavior. Naltrexone can be given by injection, including formulas that work for several weeks at a time. Naltrexone can be administered even if a person is actively drinking. Naltrexone also controls cravings for opioids, which is helpful if a person struggles with opioid misuse in addition to alcohol issues.⁸

How to Choose the Right Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Program

It’s important to research treatment facilities to ensure that you will receive the best care possible and that the program will be able to meet your specific needs. It could be helpful to write down your questions before calling and think about practical considerations such as cost, location, and duration of treatment. Some additional questions you may wish to ask include:

Does the program use evidence-based treatments? This means that the treatments have research evidence that supports their effectiveness and continued use for addiction treatment.⁹
Are you accredited or certified by state or national organizations? Programs that are accredited or certified by reputable independent organizations have been shown to offer high-quality care and are focused on maintaining the standards required by the accrediting or certifying organization.⁹
Is the staff at your facility licensed and credentialed? Just like visiting a properly licensed and credentialed medical doctor, you want your mental health care team to be properly licensed and credentialed. This means that they are legally operating per state and local government rules that define their scope of practice, as well as other state-determined standards.⁹
What is your success rate? How is the success of treatment measured? This may help you to learn how effective the program’s treatment is. Find out how the facility measures that effectiveness (for example, short-term vs. long-term sobriety) and examine the data they give you.⁹
Is the length of treatment adequate for my needs? Longer treatment duration (e.g., 3 months or more) is associated with improved treatment outcomes.⁹
Is treatment personalized to the unique needs of each patient? Effective treatment often involves tailoring the program to each person, and a person’s needs may change or progress more slowly or more quickly during treatment. Treatment programs should adjust personalized treatment regularly according to your changing needs and individual progress.⁹
Do you offer aftercare when I finish the treatment program? If so, what type of ongoing support is offered? The need for support and services doesn’t end when treatment does, and many people find aftercare helpful for ongoing recovery.⁹

How to Find Outpatient Treatment for Alcohol Addiction Near Me

If you’re ready to take the next step and start treatment, we can help. American Addiction Centers is an addiction treatment provider with facilities across the U.S. We offer a complete continuum of care starting with detox and continuing through aftercare that is uniquely tailored to meet every patient’s specific needs; we know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment.

To find outpatient alcohol treatment near you, start by talking to your doctor or calling your insurance provider. You can also call us at for free help, or use our national rehab directory to explore options that match your needs and coverage.

Does My Insurance Cover Outpatient Alcohol Rehab?

Wondering if your insurance covers outpatient alcohol rehab? You can call your insurance provider or the treatment center directly. Or, to save time, fill out our confidential, free insurance verification form. It only takes a few minutes to see if your plan covers care at an American Addiction Centers facility. Need help? Contact us 24 hours a day to learn more about treatment, how to use health insurance to pay for rehab, and more.

Outpatient Rehab Programs for Alcohol: What to Expect