Years ago, the prevailing belief was that inpatient treatment was the only path to lasting recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD). Today, that myth still persists, stopping countless people from seeking the help they need. At a time when only 5% of people who struggle with an SUD seek specialized treatment, we can’t afford to keep pushing a one-size-fits-all approach.
The truth is that outpatient care is not just a backup plan; it’s a legitimate, effective treatment option that meets people where they are. For those who can’t take a break from a job, family obligations, or other responsibilities, it can be the difference between getting help and continuing to struggle alone. Yet, the misconceptions about outpatient treatment send a dangerous message: that it’s somehow less effective, less serious, or not “real” recovery. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is, outpatient care isn’t a lesser option; it’s just a different one. And for many, it’s the right one.
Outpatient Myths vs. Truths
Outpatient treatment is often dismissed based on outdated myths. Let’s set the record straight.
Myth 1: Outpatient treatment is not as effective as inpatient.
Depending on your needs, outpatient programs can be just as valuable and effective as inpatient treatment. For many, particularly those with mild to moderate substance use disorders and a strong support system, outpatient treatment delivers equally strong outcomes as inpatient care. Studies show that individuals who commit to outpatient care can achieve the same level of success as those in inpatient programs. Outpatient care isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what works.
Myth 2: You can’t get medications for addiction treatment in outpatient programs.
Many outpatient programs do offer medications such as Suboxone or naltrexone. Medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders are proven, effective treatment approaches, and many programs will offer these FDA-approved medications when appropriate.
Myth 3: Outpatient treatment is only an hour or two of care per week.
There are several types of outpatient programs, with the most intensive—partial hospitalization—offering care 6 or more hours per day, 5 days per week. These services closely match the level of care in a residential program without the overnight stays.
At Oxford Treatment Center’s outpatient program in Southaven, MS, for example, our intensive outpatient program (IOP) includes 10 hours of treatment per week, which is usually broken out into 9 hours of group therapy and 1 hour of individual therapy. During these sessions, patients focus on learning about addiction, relapse prevention strategies, and building healthy coping skills. While this is an intensive option, our patients still have the majority of their days to attend to their personal and family needs. Of course, outpatient programs aren’t one-size-fits-all; different facilities structure their programs in different ways, from the number of therapy hours to the types of treatment modalities they offer. The key is finding a program that aligns with an individual’s needs.
Myth 5: Outpatient treatment is not affordable.
Because outpatient programs don’t require room and board, the cost can be much lower than inpatient programs. And many are in-network with various insurance providers, which can significantly lower the out-of-pocket costs to the patient. When the cost of inpatient treatment is prohibitive, outpatient programs might provide a viable treatment alternative for those that qualify.
Myth 6: Individuals either do inpatient care OR outpatient care.
Outpatient care is very often recommended as a step-down treatment after an inpatient program to continue a person’s support as they transition home.
Myth 7: Outpatient programs don’t offer a strong community connection.
Maintaining a stronger connection to community and peer support is another significant advantage. Outpatient settings facilitate ongoing interaction with support groups and community resources, fostering a sense of belonging and accountability.
Myth 8: Outpatient treatment programs don’t treat co-occurring disorders.
Many outpatient facilities offer integrated treatment for mental health conditions, such as depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, alongside substance use disorders, providing comprehensive care.
A Practical and Effective Choice for Many
While no one treatment program is right for everyone, outpatient programs are effective for many types of patients.
Determining who is a good fit for an outpatient program requires taking a look at someone’s life and what is occurring in it. We often recommend an outpatient approach for patients who have the ability to stop using substances for days, weeks or months at a time; those whose struggle to control their drinking or drug use but are still functioning in many areas of their lives; individuals who are not likely to face life-threatening withdrawal; or those who have completed a higher level of care and want continued support.
Additionally, we take into consideration several other factors, such as a person’s history of relapse, the support they have at home, and if they are experiencing any co-occurring medical or mental health issues.
Many people who may assume they can only get help by completing a 30-day inpatient rehab program may be surprised to find that they are good candidates for outpatient care.
Rethinking Outpatient Treatment for Addiction
Too often, individuals and families seeking treatment are bombarded by the message that they won’t get proper treatment if they don’t enroll in a 30-day or longer inpatient program. This is simply not true for everyone. Outpatient treatment can be a reliable support system for those seeking recovery from addiction by helping them identify and talk about triggers, examine maladaptive thinking patterns, normalize feelings, and so much more.
If you are feeling alone and unsure where to turn, know this: you do not have to go through the challenges of addiction alone, nor should you be led to believe that there is only one path to recovery.
Michael McCallum
Michael McCallum is a clinical outpatient therapist at Oxford Treatment Center, an American Addiction Centers facility.
