How Does Outpatient Addiction Treatment Work?

The process of finding help for a substance or alcohol use disorder may feel like a daunting task. At Lake Ave Recovery, our addiction specialists work around the clock to make sure you are placed in the most suitable level of care that not only exceeds your standards but also addresses your specific strengths, needs, and weaknesses.

The outpatient treatment programs at Lake Ave Recovery offer clients various services, including group and one-on-one counseling, mindfulness activities, fitness training, and water sports on our adjacent lake.

If you are wondering what a day in outpatient addiction treatment at Lake Ave Recovery entails, here’s an overview of the types of service you can look forward to:

What Is Outpatient Treatment?

Studies suggest that outpatient treatment programs deliver the same effective care in treating drug and alcohol addiction as inpatient programs, but with the added benefits and freedom of being able to live at home or a sober living community. With outpatient treatment, you can find help for your substance use disorder without having to uproot your entire life.

At Lake Ave Recovery, our treatment programs vary in length of time and intensities. The Day Treatment Program, also known as Partial Hospitalization Program, is our most comprehensive level of care, meeting Monday-Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Our Evening Treatment Program is tailored for individuals with work, education, or family responsibilities. The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), is often the treatment of choice for most substance use disorders, meeting Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Our Outpatient Program is our least intensive level of care designed for those who have already completed a treatment program but still want the additional support for recovery maintenance.

Outpatient treatment options are a good fit for those concerned with life, career, or childcare obligations. People in outpatient treatment attend group and individual counseling sessions and work with therapists to develop sober living skills. With outpatient treatment, you can find help for your substance use disorder without having to uproot your entire life.

There are many different kinds of treatment protocols, and they can include:

  • Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Attachment therapy
  • Co-regulation
  • Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy

These are just a handful of the many different forms of treatment that may be utilized to assist you on your journey to recovery.

What Is the Outpatient Addiction Treatment Intake Process?

At Lake Ave Recovery, the intake process involves a confidential evaluation and assessment to collect the necessary information and get to know you as an individual with unique goals. We evaluate each person to determine the most suitable level of care that will meet their goals. If we determine that you require detox or inpatient care, we will help place you in a higher level of care until you are ready to join outpatient care. Our comprehensive assessment also involves psychological and cognitive evaluations, so we can better understand your history with addiction and identify any co-occurring disorders that may affect your treatment. A psychiatrist will review each admission to assess the medical, psychiatric, and pharmacological treatment needs to ensure you receive the full spectrum of care.

The intake procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of your situation. The intake process also consists of insurance verification to ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment: What Does It Look Like?

Each one of Lake Ave Recovery’s outpatient programs offers a trauma-informed holistic approach blended with traditional clinical treatment methods, focusing on a person’s individual needs.

In addition to community or group therapy, you may also participate in experiential or mindfulness activities. This can include nature walks, fitness classes, tai-chi, yoga, therapeutic massage, or reiki. Research shows that there is a strong connection between successful treatment and exercise. We offer a variety of rotating seasonal activities depending on the weather including boating, sailing, rowing, and kayaking, guided by a certified instructor.

We are also equipped to offer medication-assisted therapies (MAT) under the guidance of clinical professionals.

Lake Ave Recovery outpatient programs can last from six weeks to several years, depending on the patient’s needs and how long it takes to develop the coping skills needed for sobriety. Outpatient drug rehab may also be a “step-down treatment” option for people who have completed an inpatient or residential program and are ready to return to their regular lives with support.

What Happens After Outpatient Drug Addiction Treatment?

At Lake Ave Recovery, we recognize that recovery is a life-long journey and we believe that recovery maintenance goes on well beyond the treatment. After graduating from one of our outpatient treatment programs, you will then receive aftercare as a member of our Alumni Association. This phase of your recovery journey is sometimes known as post-treatment care. The goal of this stage is to help you maintain sobriety while gaining the life skills to proceed with a successful life, balancing recovery with your career, family, and social life. Through occupational therapy, alumni receive support with nutrition, time management, career planning, and educational guidance. According to DrugAbuse.gov, “these programs help to reduce the risk of relapse once a patient leaves the residential setting.”

With some hard work and an effective aftercare program, maintaining sobriety is possible after completing outpatient addiction treatment. An outpatient treatment program like ours at Lake Avenue Recovery can be a practical first step towards a sober lifestyle.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go on this journey alone. Going through treatment will teach you that recovery is a process, and there are many resources and people to help you along the way.

Choosing treatment is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Finding the right program and center is the first step towards getting well and living a fulfilling, sober life. At Lake Avenue Recovery, we offer day and night outpatient programs, as well as an intensive outpatient program for those who need a little extra help. Our clinical team will focus on your strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences, resulting in a comprehensive and effective treatment plan. Your treatment program will be tailored to your individual needs, and our clinical team will help you determine the best treatment course.

You’ll have the opportunity to pursue sobriety without having to disengage from your work and family life. Reach out today for help getting started: 855.923.2354