5 Ways Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Can Help You Stop Binge Drinking

If you are someone who binge drinks on a regular basis, you may be on your way to developing an alcohol use disorder or alcoholism. While you may not require around-the-clock care and support, you can benefit from an outpatient alcohol treatment program to help stop your alcohol binges. Here are 5 ways an outpatient alcohol rehab center can help you stop binge drinking.

In 2019, more than 25% of people surveyed reported binge drinking in the last month.[1] Binge drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption that increases your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08g/dl or higher. This usually happens when men have 5 standard drinks or women have 4 standard drinks in less than two hours.[2] This pattern of drinking is considered excessive, but it is also dangerous. People who binge drink are at an increased risk of adverse side effects such as alcohol poisoning.

1. Address Your Binge Drinking Before It Turns Into Alcoholism

Some people can binge drink from time to time without crossing the line into alcoholism. However, if you are having difficulty controlling how much you drink when you drink, or are unable to stop binge drinking, it is a huge warning sign that your drinking could spiral into alcoholism. Recognizing that your binges have gotten out of control is a good thing though–that means you can get treatment before your drinking gets worse. How long alcohol stays in your system can influence when cravings or withdrawal symptoms begin after a binge, which is why it’s important to intervene early and regain control. Outpatient alcohol rehab programs are designed for those with mild addictions or those who have already completed a higher level of care.

Outpatient alcohol rehab programs are designed for those with mild addictions or those who have already completed a higher level of care. But, if you don’t require around-the-clock monitoring or medical detox services, outpatient rehab may be right for you. Outpatient treatment can help you put an end to your binge drinking so you can avoid needing more intensive and costly treatment in the future.

2. Learn Coping Skills To Use Instead of Drinking

If you drink in excess because you’re coping with stress or some other issue, you’re not alone. Many people abuse alcohol to get some kind of relief. The problem is that long-term alcohol abuse is not healthy for your mind or body, and it’s unlikely to make any of your problems go away. Rather than binging when you want to escape, there are healthy coping skills you can use, instead.

Outpatient alcohol treatment programs can help you identify stressors in your life and teach you ways to cope without relying on alcohol. They do this by facilitating behavioral therapy and promoting lifestyle changes that help reduce problematic drinking.

3. Develop a Sober Social Circle

If you are someone who is a “social drinker,” meaning you usually drink in the company of others who are drinking, you can benefit from developing relationships with sober individuals. However, this can be difficult to do if you don’t know where to meet people who don’t drink. After all, alcohol is such a normal part of American culture that more than half of Americans drink alcohol each month.[1]

The majority of outpatient therapy sessions are held in groups. As time goes on, you will get to know the other patients in your groups. You will find some that you relate to who may become an important part of your sober support group. And, because you’ve spent time in therapy together, you’ll feel comfortable getting vulnerable and honest with these individuals. This transparency and common ground will set the foundation for meaningful, sober friendships.

Outpatient alcohol rehab centers also encourage 12-Step participation. 12-Step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide you with a long-term resource for peer support. By introducing you to local 12-Step meetings, you’ll have even more opportunities to grow your sober social circle. The more you surround yourself with sober people, the more likely you’ll be to stop binge drinking, yourself.

4. Monitor Your Drinking Patterns

Outpatient rehab programs provide accountability and support, even though they do not offer the same constant structure as inpatient programs. During each session, you will meet with your therapist to review your progress, discuss cravings, and address any challenges related to alcohol use. This regular check-in helps track your drinking patterns and keeps you focused on your recovery goals.

If you experience a slip-up or a binge, returning to outpatient rehab allows you to explore the underlying triggers and develop strategies to prevent future relapses. Having consistent professional guidance ensures that you can learn from setbacks and continue building healthier coping skills while maintaining accountability for your sobriety.

5. Learn Relapse Prevention Techniques

Choosing to embrace a lifestyle of sobriety is a long-term endeavor. A primary goal of outpatient alcohol rehab is to teach you practical relapse prevention techniques that can help you stop binge drinking for good. Examples of relapse prevention techniques you may practice during rehab include:

• Self-care (quality sleep, diet, and exercise)
• Mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing
• Grounding techniques
• Support groups

Being able to recognize when you should use these techniques can be challenging, but an outpatient rehab center can help you become aware of your needs and triggers so you can cope in the right way.