Outpatient Alcohol Rehab in North Carolina: What to Expect

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

While many people drink alcohol occasionally while out with friends or to celebrate a milestone, some people consume it to cope with their daily life. When you begin using alcohol as a coping mechanism, you are likely struggling with an alcohol use disorder.

According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 30 million people struggled with alcoholism in 2022.[1]

If you have a problem with alcohol, the best way to recover is to attend professional treatment. While many people avoid seeking help because they do not want to live in a treatment facility, knowing that you have other options is important. For example, outpatient alcohol rehab programs allow you to continue living at home while you commute to treatment sessions a few times per week.

Outpatient alcohol rehab centers in North Carolina offer personalized addiction and substance abuse treatment on a flexible, affordable basis. With scheduled therapy sessions, professional guidance, and peer support, individuals can achieve sobriety without setting their daily responsibilities aside.

What to Expect During an Outpatient Alcohol Rehab in North Carolina

Outpatient rehab centers can be extremely beneficial to those who cannot commit to living inside a facility. As they offer many of the same services as inpatient treatment, outpatient programs offer an alternative way to recover that allows you to remain in the comfort of your own home.

Assessment and Treatment Planning

At the beginning of an outpatient alcohol rehab program in North Carolina, you will undergo an initial assessment. The admissions counselors will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of alcohol abuse. This information will help them create an individualized treatment plan entirely based on your needs.

Your treatment plan will include details like how long you need to receive services, what types of therapies would work best for you, whether you need medication-assisted treatment, and more.

Scheduled Individual and Group Counseling Sessions Multiple Times a Week

Once your treatment plan has been created, you will begin participating in therapy. All therapies used during outpatient alcohol rehab programs in North Carolina are evidence-based, which means they are clinically proven to assist in your recovery from alcoholism and can be tailored to your needs.

Outpatient programs in North Carolina use both individual and group counseling formats. Individual therapy is intended to offer a private space where you feel comfortable opening up about the root causes of your addiction, any possible traumas you have endured, and so on. On the other hand, group counseling provides important communication skills, support from your peers, and insight into how recovery works for others around you.

While schedules may vary, most outpatient alcohol rehab programs in North Carolina typically offer multiple individual and group counseling sessions each week to ensure comprehensive support for participants. These sessions are facilitated by licensed therapists and counselors who specialize in addiction treatment. Clients may spend anywhere from three to six hours a week in outpatient therapy sessions.

It’s important to note that the frequency and duration of counseling sessions may be adjusted based on individual progress and specific program requirements. Flexibility in scheduling ensures that participants receive the appropriate level of support as they progress through their recovery journey.

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Planning

The addiction relapse rate is between 40 to 60%.[2] Since outpatient programs provide treatment on an ambulatory basis, these programs have a focus on relapse prevention. During treatment, you’ll work on creating a detailed relapse prevention plan that considers your unique needs and life circumstances. These plans include a list of triggers to be aware of, healthy coping mechanisms to use, and a plan of action in case you experience a relapse.

In addition to a relapse prevention plan, you will also identify aftercare services that you can take advantage of once you’ve completed treatment. Aftercare typically includes:

• Continued therapy
• Continued medication management
• Referrals to sober living programs
• Recommendations on local support groups to attend
• Case management services like vocational training and assistance

Who Should Attend an Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Center in North Carolina?

While outpatient alcoholism treatment can be incredibly helpful, it is not right for everyone.

If you relate to the following statements, outpatient alcohol rehab might be right for you:

• You have a safe and supportive home to live in during treatment
• You will not have a hard time keeping yourself accountable and staying sober without 24/7 supervision
• You do not have severe co-occurring disorders that require treatment
• You need to continue working, going to school, or caring for your family during treatment
• You would benefit from living in the comfort of your own home during treatment

If you need constant supervision, significant medical treatment, and are at a serious risk for relapse, inpatient treatment might be better suited for you.

Get Connected to a Top-Rated Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Center in North Carolina

If you or a loved one struggles with an alcohol use disorder, it’s time to seek professional help. At Carolina Center for Recovery, our outpatient rehab program can offer you the services you need to achieve long-lasting sobriety while allowing you to live at home with your family.

We take a holistic approach to treating alcoholism, offering a variety of treatment modalities centered around identifying and resolving the underlying issues associated with the addiction. Each client enrolled in our Charlotte, NC outpatient program will receive individual attention from a therapist and psychiatrist as well as gaining exposure to a multitude of traditional and alternative therapies.

To learn more about our outpatient alcohol rehab center in North Carolina, contact us today.

References:

1. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States, Retrieved January 2024 From https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics
2. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): The Science of Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Retrieved November 2023 From https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery