How Outpatient Alcohol Care Is Built
Outpatient alcohol levels in Georgia begin with standard office visits for counseling and medication support. This is an option for people who can maintain sobriety in their regular routines.
Outpatient alcohol care uses regular office visits with a provider, either a counselor or medical doctor. A schedule and set agenda are followed for each visit.
The treatment team may include counselors, doctors, nurses, and specialists. This team works together to help an individual overcome his or her problems with alcohol. The team also offers support and strategies to maintain success after treatment ends.
The provider or counselor sets up the first appointment. He or she will usually work with the person for several weeks before making a decision on whether outpatient care is right. If so, an intensive outpatient plan may be recommended instead. This helps get more help to those who need it.
At the end of the initial assessment period, a treatment plan that outlines the goals and the methods used to reach them is developed. For example, people might work on changing their thinking about drinking or learn how to avoid temptation by avoiding places where alcohol is served. An individualized plan will be designed for each person in outpatient care.
The team meets regularly to discuss progress made toward recovery goals. If the person has problems or stops working toward his or her goals, the treatment team can make adjustments or add new services. For example, a person may need more counseling, medication management, or education on how to avoid drinking. The entire team works together as needed.
Outpatient alcohol rehab in Georgia starts with the assessment of a health care professional who understands how AUD works and what problems people face. An initial interview is used to determine whether a person has a problem with AUD. This evaluation involves reviewing a list of symptoms for alcohol dependence and asking questions about recent drinking, including amount, frequency, and any related problems.
In addition to the signs that define AUD, an assessment also looks at:
- A person's general health status
- Any physical or mental health issues present
- The presence of other substance use disorders
- A family history of alcoholism and the influence that has had on them
- The amount of harm done by drinking, including financial, legal, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual
- What people want to change about their use of alcohol and how motivated they are to do so
Weekly Counseling Without an Overnight Stay
Someone in weekly outpatient counseling still spends most of their week at home or work and comes to the office for treatment sessions. There are three levels of care in this category: standard, intensive, and partial hospitalization.
This level of care allows someone to still work or go to school while they get help with their substance use. It can be very helpful for people who are unable to miss work for inpatient care.
It is a common misconception that outpatient treatment is inferior to inpatient care. In fact, many patients do very well with outpatient counseling if they have the right kind of care for their needs. A full assessment can help to find out what type of care someone needs and where it should take place.
Individuals are seen on a weekly basis, and the intensity of the program may vary depending upon need. The treatment is focused on the recovery of a substance abuse problem.
In general, the outpatient programs are designed for individuals who can maintain employment or attend school while participating in therapy.
Patients may move into this level of care after receiving higher levels of care. This allows them to continue receiving care without having their lives disrupted too much.
Outpatient treatment is often used when there are no significant medical issues related to the abuse of alcohol or drugs, but the patient still needs help with his/her addiction problem. This level of care may also be appropriate for individuals who have been diagnosed as having a dual diagnosis (a mental health condition and an addiction) or who have a co-occurring disorder (such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia).
Intensive Outpatient Schedules
Intensive outpatient care coordinates several different levels of support to meet the needs of each person. Intensive outpatient alcohol rehab has many benefits, including being able to continue your job or school schedule, maintaining family ties, living in your own home, and getting more intensive treatment than you would from standard outpatient services.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are often the next level of care after completing an inpatient program. It is sometimes recommended as a primary option for patients with moderate to severe conditions that require a higher level of care and structure.
Intensive outpatient programs offer many benefits including:
- More flexible scheduling than inpatient or residential programs
- Opportunity to maintain employment or continue schooling during treatment
- Ability to address multiple issues simultaneously with a team of professionals
- Greater access to recovery support resources such as 12-step groups and other support networks
- Enhanced accountability through regular attendance at group sessions led by experienced clinicians
There are numerous outpatient programs that can be useful to those in recovery from an alcohol or drug addiction. These programs offer a flexible environment where the person can attend treatment sessions without leaving work, school, or their home. Some outpatient programs also include group therapy in addition to individual counseling which can be helpful because it allows people to get support from other patients while they are going through treatment together.
Outpatient treatment can also be helpful for those who have been in residential rehab and are transitioning back into their regular lives. Outpatient treatment allows them to continue working or attending school while still receiving support from professionals.
Partial Hospitalization Days
Partial hospitalization days keep people closer to home while addressing more serious needs than regular outpatient treatment. People stay overnight at their homes during this phase of care.
After residential care, partial hospitalization can serve as step-down as you transition back to daily living. You may need a program that offers full-day services during the week to get help for your substance abuse disorder. The goal of a partial hospitalization program is to provide intensive treatment in a structured environment while helping clients maintain their regular daily life.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) offer a combination of medical, psychiatric, and addiction care with counseling. Patients who have been treated at residential facilities often move to a partial hospitalization program as they transition back into their daily lives. Some patients may receive treatment in this setting on an outpatient basis.
Partial hospitalization provides patients with individualized treatment plans that include counseling, group therapy, and behavioral therapies. It also includes medical supervision.
Many times these programs take place in an outpatient clinic during daytime hours, so they are sometimes called "day-treatment" or "day-hospitalization" programs.
There are also many self-help groups that can supplement formal treatment. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous is an international mutual aid fellowship. Members share their experiences and provide one another with advice on how to abstain from alcohol.
Who Fits Outpatient Care
Who fits outpatient care depends on how much a person drinks, what else might be going on in his or her life, and other factors. But there are some general guidelines for selecting appropriate outpatient care.
Outpatient care is generally not appropriate for people who have had delirium tremens (DTs), seizures associated with withdrawal, or alcohol-related psychosis, which is a mental disorder that results from drinking heavily over time and causes hallucinations and other changes in behavior. In addition to these medical reasons, some situations are good candidates for outpatient care.
- People whose social environment is not supportive of their recovery can be at increased risk of relapse. Outpatient care allows people to continue with daily activities while getting help.
- It may also be a good choice when someone needs treatment in a more private setting or doesn't have the flexibility to take time off work or school.
Outpatient care helps people who have an existing medical condition and/or work or family responsibilities and need to keep up these duties during their addiction recovery.
Outpatient care can also benefit those who have been in a rehab or residential program and are now looking to further their recovery without needing to stay in another facility.
You'll find three primary levels of outpatient care: standard, intensive, and partial hospitalization.
Outpatient alcohol care can fit someone who needs help overcoming an alcohol use disorder and:
- Wants to get better
- Is willing to change
- Can go for treatment on his/her own or with family support
- Has a reliable way to get to the sessions
You have weekly meetings with an individual counselor or therapist. Your family members may be invited to some sessions.
You have several group counseling sessions each week in addition to individual counseling. The groups are led by professionals such as counselors or social workers. These groups meet weekly and you can attend several times a week. Family members might be invited to some of these sessions.
Medicines During Outpatient Treatment
Naltrexone is FDA approved to help people stop drinking alcohol. Naltrexone works by blocking the euphoric (feeling good) effects of alcohol. It also blocks the craving for more alcohol. Naltrexone should be prescribed under a clinician's care and taken as directed.
Extended-release naltrexone is given as an injection once monthly and blocks opioid receptors, which reduces cravings for alcohol. It may also reduce your interest in alcohol.
Acamprosate is used to help keep people from relapsing after they have stopped drinking alcohol. Acamprosate may reduce your interest in alcohol but it does not prevent you from drinking while taking the drug.
Disulfiram causes nausea, vomiting, headaches, and redness of the face when someone who is dependent on alcohol drinks even small amounts of beer, wine, or whiskey. Disulfiram may also cause dizziness, tiredness, skin rash, itching, changes in taste, indigestion, headache, and blurred vision.
Paying for Outpatient Alcohol Care in Georgia
In Georgia, Georgia Families members choose a Managed Care Organization (MCO) that coordinates all their healthcare. Amerigroup, CareSource and Peach State Health Plan are the three MCOs currently serving Georgia Families members.
Once they are enrolled with one of these plans, members can visit any provider who accepts that plan's insurance.
Members also have the option of choosing a Primary Care Provider (PCP). A PCP is an individual or practice that provides most of your care and refers you to other services as needed.
In Georgia, Georgia Families members choose their healthcare plan from those available in their county. Once a member chooses a CMO, he or she will receive the benefits that are included with the chosen health plan.
Healthcare services can be obtained by going to a clinic, hospital, doctor's office, or pharmacy that is part of the member's selected healthcare plan.
The CMOs and their network providers (the medical professionals who provide services to members) have contracts that are approved by DCH. Each CMO provides information about its covered services, network providers, and the member's responsibilities under the plan.
Parity rules require that MH and SUD limits are no more restrictive than M/S limits.
Choosing an Outpatient Provider
Community Service Boards and GCAL can help locate alcohol treatment services in your area. There are a variety of outpatient options to consider.