Outpatient Alcohol Addiction Treatment with Co-Occurring Mental Health Care

AUD is a medical condition — a pattern of alcohol use that causes distress or harm. It is diagnosed using 11 criteria from the DSM-5, and it ranges from mild (2–3 criteria) to severe (6 or more). It is not a lack of willpower; it is a treatable brain disease.

The DSM-5 lists 11 criteria, including drinking more than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, cravings, tolerance, withdrawal, and continued drinking despite problems. Meeting 2 or more in the past 12 months is enough for a diagnosis. You can see the full list in the Clinical Criteria section above.

A few practical signs: drinking more than you meant to, wanting to stop and not being able to, arguments with loved ones about your drinking, or needing more alcohol for the same effect. If any of these feel familiar, our addiction screening quiz is a private way to get a clearer picture.

Yes. Research shows outpatient treatment — especially Intensive Outpatient (IOP) — is effective for mild and moderate AUD, and for severe AUD once medical withdrawal is stabilized. Outcomes are strongest when therapy is combined with medication and continuing care.

Inpatient means living at a facility 24/7 for several weeks. Outpatient means attending structured treatment for a set number of hours each week and going home at the end of the day. Outpatient works well for many people with AUD, especially when home life is stable. Inpatient is usually right when withdrawal is severe, home isn’t safe, or previous outpatient attempts haven’t worked. DMHBH offers outpatient only — we’ll help you figure out if that’s the right fit.

Medications that support AUD recovery — such as naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram — can be coordinated with prescribing providers as part of your treatment plan. We’ll discuss whether medication makes sense for you at your evaluation.

There’s no fixed timeline. Many people spend 8–12 weeks in IOP and then step down to less intensive care for another few months to a year. Some continue with ongoing therapy beyond that. The plan evolves with you — we don’t push you out before you’re ready, and we don’t keep you longer than you need.

Yes — that’s the point of outpatient. Our IOP runs in structured blocks most people can fit around work and family. Standard outpatient therapy is even more flexible.

That’s our specialty. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions that co-occur with AUD, and we treat them in the same plan — not referred out somewhere else.

Only if you want us to. Family therapy is available and often helpful, but it happens on your terms. Your privacy is protected by HIPAA and federal substance use confidentiality law.