Outpatient substance use treatment

Outpatient treatment for substance use disorders: Overview

Outpatient treatment happens in mental health clinics, counselors' offices, hospital clinics, or local health department offices. Unlike inpatient treatment, you don't stay overnight.

Outpatient programs can be a challenge because you may continue to face problems at work and home. But it will help you build the skills you need to handle everyday problems.

In standard outpatient treatment, you may have 1 or 2 group therapy sessions a week. Treatment may go on for a year or more. Sessions may be in the evening or on weekends so you can go to work. You may be able to do outpatient treatment online. Ask your doctor or counselor about online options.

Outpatient treatment may be a good option if:

• You can't or don't want to quit work or take a leave of absence.
• You want to be close to friends or family.
• You can stay away from drugs or alcohol where you live.
• Inpatient treatment is too expensive.

For outpatient treatment to work well for you, it's important to go to your sessions regularly and also get other support, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Having support from friends or family, good transportation, and a stable place to live also are important.

It's important to stay committed to a drug-free or sober lifestyle. With treatment, you can make healthy changes and keep drugs or alcohol out of your life.