Understanding Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient addiction treatment provides structured therapy while allowing patients to live at home. This level of care is appropriate for individuals with mild to moderate substance use disorders, strong support systems, and stable living situations — or as a step-down from inpatient or residential treatment.
Levels of Outpatient Care
Outpatient treatment exists on a spectrum. Standard outpatient (ASAM Level 1) provides 1-3 sessions per week. Intensive outpatient (IOP, ASAM Level 2.1) provides 9-20 hours per week with structured programming. Partial hospitalization (PHP, ASAM Level 2.5) provides 20-30 hours per week with medical monitoring. Your placement depends on clinical assessment across six ASAM dimensions.
Sources & References
- [1] NIDA. Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment. 3rd Ed. 2018.
- [2] SAMHSA. National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 2023.