Yes, outpatient rehabs often test for alcohol along with other substances. Drug and alcohol testing can be a part of the treatment and monitoring process in both outpatient and inpatient rehab settings. The purpose of these tests is to ensure that individuals are adhering to their treatment plans, which typically require abstinence from alcohol and other drugs.
The frequency and type of testing can vary depending on the specific program’s policies, the individual’s treatment plan, and other factors such as court orders or professional monitoring agreements. Some outpatient programs may conduct tests at every visit, while others may do so randomly or when substance use is suspected.
Alcohol can be detected through various types of tests, including urine tests, breath tests, and blood tests, each with different detection windows. Urine tests can detect alcohol for up to 48 hours after consumption. Breathalyzers provide immediate results regarding current blood alcohol concentration levels, and blood tests can detect alcohol for up to 12 hours after drinking.
It’s important for individuals in recovery to be aware of the testing practices of their outpatient program and to communicate openly with their treatment providers about their struggles with substance use. The goal of testing is not to punish but to support individuals in their recovery journey by identifying relapses early and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
If you need help, reach out to a drug use rehab center or drug abuse treatment center that offers different substance use disorder and substance abuse recovery programs for your well-being, such as intensive outpatient treatment or outpatient treatment programs.