7 Signs You May Need Outpatient Substance Use Treatment

By Jessica Means, LPC, CCTP, ADS

After 20 years of working in this field, I fully recognize that making the step to seek out treatment for substance use disorders can feel intimidating, embarrassing, impossible…but also empowering and life changing! Recognizing when it’s time to seek help for drug or alcohol use isn’t always easy. Many people try to manage on their own before realizing that professional support can make all the difference. If you’re struggling to balance recovery with work, school, relationships or family life, outpatient substance use treatment might be the right fit.

At Encore Outpatient Services in Arlington, Virginia, we specialize in helping individuals build healthy, fulfilling lives through flexible, evidence-based outpatient programs. Knowing when to seek support or encourage a loved one can be tricky, however, here are seven common signs that it might be time to consider treatment.

1. You’ve Tried to Quit or Cut Back — Without Success

If you’ve told yourself you’ll stop drinking or using drugs but can’t seem to follow through, that’s a strong signal you may need professional support. An outpatient addiction treatment program provides structure, therapy, and accountability — giving you the tools to achieve lasting recovery.

2. Your Substance Use Is Affecting Work or School

Missing deadlines, showing up late, or struggling to stay focused can all be signs that substance use is interfering with daily responsibilities. Encore’s outpatient programs help clients rebuild structure and motivation while continuing to work or attend school.

3. Your Relationships Are Suffering

Conflict with family, friends, or partners often accompanies substance use. Outpatient therapy can help you repair those relationships through individual counseling and family support group, teaching communication and boundary-setting skills that support long-term recovery.

4. You’re Experiencing Mental Health Challenges

Many people who seek substance use treatment in Virginia also face mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Encore Outpatient Services takes an integrated approach to care, addressing mental health and substance use together through dual-diagnosis treatment.

5. You Feel Alone or Ashamed About Your Use

Are you hiding your use? Missing out on social family/friend events? Isolation and shame often keep people from seeking help. In an outpatient setting, you’ll find a compassionate community of peers and clinicians who understand what you’re going through. Recovery begins when you realize you don’t have to face this alone.

6. Substance Use Has Led to Legal or Financial Problems

If you’ve had a DUI, lost a job, or run into financial trouble due to substance use, outpatient treatment can help you rebuild stability. Programs at Encore Outpatient Services include life-skills coaching and relapse prevention planning to help you move forward confidently.

7. You Want Help — But Need Flexibility

Residential treatment isn’t the only path to recovery. Outpatient programs offer the support you need without putting your life on pause. At Encore Outpatient Services, our flexible scheduling allows clients to receive Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) or General Outpatient Treatment (GOP) while maintaining family and work commitments.

Why Choose Encore Outpatient Services?

Located in Arlington, Virginia, Encore Outpatient Services offers comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment where we meet each person where they are and support every persons unique needs to successfully navigate treatment and prepare for long term recovery. Our team provides a full continuum of care, including:

• Comprehensive evaluation
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), day and evening groups offered at 3, 4 or 5 days per week
• General Outpatient Program (GOP), day and evening options
• Psychiatric Evaluation, medication management, medication assisted treatment
• Individual therapy
• Virtual, weekly family support group
• Virtual, weekly alumni support group
• Dual-diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders
• Life skills, relapse prevention, and recovery coaching

Our mission is simple: to help individuals create sustainable, meaningful recovery through evidence-based care and compassionate support.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today

If you see yourself in any of these signs, you don’t have to wait for things to get worse. Encore Outpatient Services is here to help you reclaim control and rediscover purpose.

📞 Contact Encore Outpatient Services today at (703) 436-8158 or visit EncoreRecovery.com to learn more about our outpatient substance use treatment programs in Northern Virginia.