Outpatient programs for alcohol use disorder in Dallas 

Outpatient treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) have grown in popularity throughout the United States. Previously, inpatient treatments were the preferred option for AUD and other substance use disorders. Today, outpatient rehab has proven to be not only effective AUD, but much more convenient and affordable as well.

Outpatient alcohol rehabs in Dallas have had a long history that stretches back to the inception of the temperance and prohibition movements in America. Today, these programs serve Texans from all segments of society, delivering a full array of services that were once only available in more expensive inpatient programs.

Below, we answer some of the questions our team at Dallas Drug Treatment Centers gets about outpatient AUD treatments. We can also help you choose which Dallas rehab is best for you.

What are outpatient alcohol rehabs?

Outpatient alcohol rehabilitation programs are initiatives focused on the treatment of alcohol use disorder (a term that covers alcoholism, alcohol addiction, alcohol dependence, and alcohol abuse). Outpatient programs are distinct from residential or inpatient programs, as the patient may leave the facilities after their treatment.

Because these programs don’t need to provide room, board, security, and 24/7 staffing, they are typically much more affordable than inpatient equivalents. They can also be hosted in virtually any facility, making them more accessible.

Outpatient programs can vary in the types of services they offer. Some may be full-service, differing little from traditional inpatient programs except in having no beds or facilities for housing patients. Others may focus on one or a few treatments, such as medically-supervised withdrawal or psychiatric services. Many others are purely group therapy or related aftercare programs designed to help individuals maintain and strengthen their recovery.

Because they do not require much space or even permanent facilities, in some cases, outpatient programs for AUD and other substance use disorders can be found virtually anywhere. They can be hosted in hospital wings and health centers as well as in community centers and school gyms at night and on weekends.

The recovery rates for outpatient programs have improved over the years due to a better understanding of AUD and better therapeutic techniques. A generation ago, they were previously only recommended for therapy after an individual with AUD had completed medically-supervised withdrawal and residential treatments. Today, you can find outpatient treatment programs addressing every stage of the AUD recovery process, from withdrawal to aftercare.

Note that outpatient treatments may not be appropriate for all people with an AUD. Please seek the advice of a psychiatrist before choosing a rehab program.

Are all outpatient alcohol rehab programs the same?

No. “Outpatient” only refers to the mode of treatment. Outpatient AUD programs across Dallas differ in the types of approaches and treatments offered. In many cases, the specific type of therapy is more important than whether or not it is done on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

While there are outpatient programs that offer a full selection of AUD therapies in one facility, most programs will only offer specific types of treatments. An outpatient detox facility, for example, may not necessarily have a psychiatrist available to offer cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, all certified outpatient programs should be able to give you options for completing your care at other facilities.

What is alcohol detox?

Detoxification or detox is the process where the body rids itself of toxins, in this case, alcohol. For their safety and a better chance at recovery, individuals with moderate or severe AUD should first enter a medically-supervised withdrawal program before they start group therapy or counseling.

Detox is part of the withdrawal process. It could either be “natural” or “medicated”. Natural detox is when a person withdraws from a substance without taking additional medication. Medicated detox refers to administering drugs to aid in the comfort of the person withdrawing. Either method could be self-administered or done under medical supervision.

Alcohol withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable and often painful. In severe cases, unsupervised withdrawal from alcohol has a high fatality rate, which makes it similar to opioids and benzodiazepines in this respect. The discomfort can also quickly lead to relapse, given the legality and availability of alcohol. This makes medically-assisted detox and withdrawal critical for AUD cases, as this setup allows clinicians to intervene as needed.

What happens after I get medically-supervised detox?

Contrary to popular belief, undergoing detox does not mean that a patient is cured or has recovered. Heavy alcohol use creates changes in the brain that takes a significant amount of time to reverse. This means that AUD recovery may take anywhere from three months at a minimum to a few years. On the other hand, for the most severe AUD cases, the detox and withdrawal process may only take up to two weeks.

Generally speaking, to fully recover, individuals need to go through the full continuum of care for AUD. This usually means medically-assisted withdrawal, an intensive inpatient or outpatient rehab period, then months of therapy and counseling, and finally aftercare.

Everyone’s case is different. For some individuals, treatment specialists may recommend inpatient treatments for the entire recovery process. In many other cases, a combination of inpatient and outpatient programs might be beneficial. For others, purely outpatient treatment may be sufficiently effective — with the added benefit of being more economical and less disruptive to a person’s professional and private life.

What benefits do outpatient rehab programs offer?

Outpatient options in Dallas cover the entire continuum of care needed for AUD recovery. While not ideal for all patients, outpatient treatment methodologies have resulted in excellent long-term outcomes for thousands of people with AUD.

Some of the benefits of outpatient AUD treatment include the following:

1.) Less disruption of work or school

Inpatient AUD treatment effectively puts a person’s life on pause. It’s usually impossible to continue school or work during the first part of an inpatient treatment program, as participants are typically put on a busy schedule to keep them focused on recovery. While there are exceptions, participants usually have to miss anywhere from two weeks to six months of work or school. This can negatively affect one’s income as well as personal and professional relationships.

2.) Costs much less than equivalent inpatient programs

Cost is often the biggest reason many people with AUDs choose outpatient rehab programs. In Dallas, the cost of 90 days of outpatient rehab can cost as low as $3,000. Contrast that with inpatient options that start at $2,000 for just 30 days of treatment and only get more expensive from there.

And this is just for basic rehab packages. The more treatments and amenities needed, the higher the cost of inpatient treatments usually becomes. Outpatient treatments, by contrast, are far easier to pay for out of pocket or through insurance.

3.) Allows patients to keep their condition private

It’s always possible to find outpatient clinics and treatment sessions scheduled outside of one’s work or school hours. This makes it easy for individuals with AUDs to keep their condition discreet, should they choose to do so. This is usually difficult impossible with inpatient AUD treatments, as the long absences will usually have to be explained.

4.) More flexibility in treatment options

Recovery from AUD is sometimes just a matter of finding out which combinations of treatments work for a specific person. When someone enters an inpatient program, they are typically stuck with the treatment options available. Going the outpatient route for AUD treatment allows the individual to quickly try out different mainstream and supplemental treatments so that they can quickly find the ones that are most effective for them.

These benefits usually mean that outpatient treatment is a good option for people with AUD. If you’re in the North Texas area, call our team at Dallas Drug Treatment Centers at +1(214) 935-2287 for a listing of outpatient alcohol rehab programs.

What are partial hospitalization rehab programs?

Partial hospitalization programs or PHPs are types of programs where the participant spends some time monitored in a facility before completing their treatments on an outpatient basis. PHPs attempt to combine the advantages of outpatient and inpatient programs. In most cases, they consist of an intensive two-week inpatient rehab followed by outpatient therapy and aftercare.

These programs are far less disruptive to normal life than long-term inpatient programs. A two-week leave of absence is often more manageable than the 3-to-6 months required by many inpatient treatment plans. PHPs can be seen as a good way of limiting costs while maximizing an individual’s chance at recovery, given that most of the benefits of inpatient programs tend to be in the first few weeks.

These programs are most often suited for receptive individuals who have completed detox and have support from family and community. These requisites help reduce the chance that the person will relapse immediately after they are released from the inpatient facility.

Can I get fired for entering an alcohol rehab program?

This can be a complex matter that should be brought up with a qualified legal expert. It should be noted that Texas is an at-will employment state, which means business owners can use virtually any or no reason to terminate employee relationships.

On the other hand, the federal Americans With Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act both supersede Texas State Law. These acts protect employees who are currently seeking medical help for substance use issues, including for AUD. This is taken to mean that employers cannot fire someone for going to rehab.

However, this is not to be considered legal advice. Please seek the help of a legal expert knowledgeable in employment and labor laws in Texas.

Should I leave Dallas for rehab?

It depends on your reason for leaving. Traveling to a different part of the country for outpatient rehab is not uncommon, but also rarely necessary. There are a few touted benefits, such as helping one “reset” their lives and get a psychological distance between themselves and where they did their drinking.

However, while this may apply to some people, this may not necessarily apply to you or a loved one who has AUD. Moving elsewhere to enter an outpatient program can be expensive, potentially more expensive than an inpatient program in one’s hometown. Because alcohol is a legal substance, moving elsewhere will not necessarily reduce one’s contact with alcohol or drinking triggers.

Given all that, some people may respond positively to such a move, especially if the outpatient program is somewhere quiet. They may opt to continue work or school on a remote basis or find new employment and educational opportunities near their chosen rehab facilities.

You may not have to move far to find outpatient alcohol rehab facilities that meet your needs. The area surrounding Dallas and the rest of North Texas have several outpatient facilities that specialize in AUD. Get in touch with our team at Dallas Drug Treatment Centers at +1(214) 935-2287 to find AUD rehabs in North Texas and beyond.

Can outpatient programs treat mental disorders that co-occur with AUD?

It largely depends on the program. Some AUD rehab programs only have a narrow set of treatments available. That said, more rehabs today prioritize the treatment of co-occurring psychiatric conditions alongside the AUD, a situation often referred to as a “dual diagnosis”.

Today, it’s understood that the adequate treatment of dual diagnosis is important for the long-term recovery of many — if not most — AUD patients. Co-morbidity of AUD and other mental health issues is present in potentially a majority of cases. The failure to treat these illnesses can greatly increase the odds of a relapse and a failure of the recovery process.

In any case, it’s important to consult with a psychiatrist before choosing a rehab program. They should be able to give you insights into the implications of different co-occurring disorders in AUD recovery.

Contact Dallas DrugTreatment Centers at +1(214) 935-2287 to find outpatient rehab facilities for your AUD and dual diagnosis recovery needs.

Find outpatient alcohol rehabs in Dallas, TX

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro and the rest of North Texas are home to a fine selection of certified outpatient rehab and treatment centers  as well as experts with experience treating alcohol use disorder.

Finding the help you or your loved one needs to break free of AUD is just a phone call or an email away. Get in touch with our team at Dallas Alcohol Treatment Centers at +1(214) 935-2287 for a comprehensive selection of outpatient alcohol rehab options near you.

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