Medically reviewed by Alejandro Alva, M.D., Medical Director · Last reviewed October 2026
Outpatient alcohol use disorder treatment with ambulatory detox, medication-assisted treatment, PHP, IOP, and OP.
Care ranges from ambulatory detox to day programs and weekly therapy.
Severe withdrawal risk, such as a history of seizures, needs 24-hour care.
Medication can be added to therapy when our medical team finds it appropriate.
Verify your insurance online or call (858) 215-1655 for a confidential assessment.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition in which a person has trouble stopping or controlling drinking despite harm to their health, work, or relationships. Clinicians diagnose it with the DSM-5, which lists 11 criteria. Meeting at least two within 12 months indicates AUD, and the number met indicates whether it is mild, moderate, or severe, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
AUD usually develops from a mix of genetics, stress, mental health conditions, and drinking patterns. Treating it early can keep problems from growing and lets many people stay connected to work and family while they recover.
Planning to cut back on your own? Read how to wean off alcohol safely first. Stopping suddenly after heavy drinking can be dangerous.
Signs and symptoms
Care starts with a medical and psychosocial assessment. Your team recommends where to begin and moves you up or down in intensity as your needs change.
Medically supervised withdrawal without an overnight stay.
Often a fit when you need medical oversight for withdrawal that can be safely managed outpatient.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Several hours of structured treatment each day, then home at night.
Often a fit when you need daily structure and can stay safely at home.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Therapy and groups several days a week, with evening and weekend options.
Often a fit when you need structure while you keep up with work, school, or family.
Ongoing therapy and recovery planning.
Often a fit when you are building independence and want continued support.
Outpatient care is only an option when it is safe. If your assessment shows you need 24-hour medical care, our team will tell you and discuss safer options.
Your plan is personalized and evidence-based, and you keep the same clinicians from intake through aftercare in our 15,000-square-foot outpatient center. Common approaches include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Spot the thoughts and situations that lead to drinking and practice new responses.
Motivational Interviewing
Work through mixed feelings about change and build your own reasons to recover.
Relapse prevention
Plan for triggers, cravings, and high-risk situations.
Group therapy
Practice skills with peers and build accountability.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, used when trauma is part of what drives drinking.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) pairs FDA-approved medication with counseling. Our medical team prescribes and monitors medication alongside therapy, when clinically appropriate, through our integrated medical services.
Each medication has its own benefits, risks, and side effects. Your provider reviews your health history before recommending one and monitors you while you take it.
FDA-approved medications for AUD, per the NIAAA:
Many people with AUD also live with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another mental health condition. Our co-occurring disorders program treats both at the same time, under one plan, an approach supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
These services are coordinated by the same team that manages your treatment.
Family therapy →
Sessions and education that help loved ones understand addiction and rebuild trust.
Case management →
Help with benefits, employment, housing, and aftercare planning.
Transitional housing coordination →
Referrals to independent, vetted sober living providers, who run and bill for housing separately.
Physical wellness →
On-site gym, group fitness classes, and education on nutrition and sleep.
Outpatient treatment lets you keep up with work, family, and home while you recover. Your assessment looks at withdrawal risk, medical and mental health needs, and support at home to recommend a level of care.
| Outpatient (our programs) | Inpatient or residential | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you stay | At home, with scheduled clinic visits | In a 24-hour facility |
| Medical oversight | Scheduled medical visits; ambulatory detox when appropriate | Around-the-clock nursing and medical monitoring |
| Typical fit | Mild to moderate withdrawal risk and a stable place to live | Severe withdrawal risk, or medical or psychiatric instability |
| Schedule | Day, evening, and weekend options | Full-time program |
If you have a seizure, hallucinations, severe confusion, or thoughts of suicide, call 911 or 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Most people move through these steps with the same care team.
What to bring
San Diego Transformation Center accepts most insurance plans. Benefits and authorization rules vary, so start with a free, confidential insurance verification. Our team checks your benefits, handles required authorizations, and reviews copays or coinsurance with you before you begin. Self-pay options can be discussed with admissions.
Answers to common questions about alcohol use disorder treatment at San Diego Transformation Center.
Often not. Most outpatient programs let you keep working, and evening and weekend IOP and OP options are available. If you need ambulatory detox or a higher level of care first, your team plans around work and family.
Same-day assessments are often available. Call (858) 215-1655 or verify your insurance online to begin.
For people with mild to moderate withdrawal risk, ambulatory detox with medical supervision can be a safe option. People at risk of severe withdrawal, including seizures, need 24-hour care. Your assessment determines which is safer for you.
Many plans cover outpatient addiction treatment, but benefits vary. Verify your insurance with our team to learn what your plan covers.
Yes. Your care team explains how your information is protected during intake.
Our co-occurring disorders program treats alcohol use disorder and mental health conditions together, with one team and one plan.
San Diego Transformation Center
9909 Huennekens St., Suite 110
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 215-1655
Our center is in the UTC and Sorrento Valley area and serves adults across San Diego County. Evening and weekend IOP and OP options help working adults fit treatment around their schedules.
Certified by the California Department of Health Care Services, Certification Number 370256AP, expiring October 31, 2027. Learn more about us.
One Team. One Location. Your Complete Recovery Journey.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your situation. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
