How Intensive Outpatient Therapy Helps Patients Cope With Depression
17.3 million people in the United States are affected by major depressive disorder. If you're one of them, you know how bad the bad days can truly be.
If you're dealing with depression surrounding your sobriety, you know how bad days can turn into devastating days.
You should reach out for help even if everything seems like it's okay. One of the best resources out there is intensive outpatient therapy. Keep reading to learn about this amazing treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Therapy: The Basics
Intensive outpatient therapy is less structured than an inpatient mental hospital. However, it's still more structured than traditional therapy.
This kind of therapy typically meets three to five times a week for three to four hours a day. Many participants work or go to school full-time while they're in therapy.
Intensive outpatient therapy is also great for those who have just left an inpatient treatment center. This kind of therapy can help individuals transition back into the real world. This is useful for them as they navigate their symptoms and situations again.
This is a great way for people to continue recovery while working their ways into old patterns and old situations. It is also a safer way of doing this for people who struggle with suicidal ideations.
Intensive outpatient therapy also typically also offered in group settings. This means that you will be surrounded by people who are going through what you're going through. These people are also trying to navigate the world with you.
Having people to bounce ideas off of it great for those who may feel alone in the cloud of depression. Their situations may also help with learning coping mechanisms and living strategies.
This group will become a community of people to build off of. Having a counselor tell you who to approach situations may be nice, but having others who understand your situation offer you advice is better.
Intensive Outpatient Therapy: The Goals
There are different forms of intensive outpatient therapy. Different forms help people with different conditions.
There are intensive outpatient therapy programs for people with anxiety, people with depression, and people who struggle with substance abuse. Some groups are even catered to certain ages and genders.
There is bound to be a program that you'll succeed in. With all of these forms, there is bound to be a group that can meet your personal goals.
Intensive outpatient therapy is made to help you build a successful foundation for mental health skills. Furthermore, it is made to help those individuals face any triggers or other stressors that they may face as they experience life.
More specific goals will shift with the purposes of the program that an individual joins. However, the main goal of trying to help the individual navigate life stays the same throughout all of the programs.
For example, there are programs that are designed to help people with substance abuse disorders. There are made to assist individuals in identifying triggers and maintaining sobriety in the presence of those triggers.
There are other goals involved in these intensive outpatient therapy programs as well. You will learn problem-solving skills, coping skills, and self-awareness. These skills will help you maintain sobriety.
Intensive Outpatient Therapy: The Difference
You may be wondering why some people choose intensive outpatient therapy over inpatient alternatives.
The most commonly reported reason is that outpatient therapy allows the patient to be present in the world while getting therapy. Inpatient therapy does not allow the patient to be present in the world while getting help.
The advantage of the outside exposure is that the patients can ask real-world questions and transition into the hardships rather than being shielded from them. The transition into the real-world is better for those people who may experience triggers throughout their lives.
However, inpatient therapy does use physical separation. Someone in an inpatient facility will not have access to any of their triggers.
You will have access to alcohol and drugs in the real world. Outpatient therapy will give you the resources you need to feel confident about your sobriety. Even though you do have access to substances, you will understand how to cope.
People who are employed, in school, or have families have more trouble completing inpatient treatments. This is because of the time commitment. Outpatient therapy allows its patient to balance life while still receiving the help that they need.
Intensive Outpatient Therapy: The Patients
Outpatient therapy is not for every patient. Intensive outpatient therapy is not for every patient.
Inpatient therapy may be best if you have severe depression and cannot thrive in the real world yet. You may want to consider outpatient therapy after you've had a stay in an inpatient therapy program.
There are levels of addiction treatment for those who experience substance abuse disorders. These different levels represent the severity of their substance abuse disorder. It also shows what treatment each level of severity may benefit from.
Level 0.5: This is the earliest stage of addiction treatment in which early intervention services work the best.
Level 1: This is where outpatient services may be needed. These patients are still able to benefit from outpatient therapies.
Level 2: These patients benefit the most from intensive outpatient programs. They could also see improvement with partial hospitalization programs.
Level 3: These patients may want to take part in residential treatment services or inpatient treatment services.
Level 4: This is the highest level of addiction treatment. Medically managed intensive inpatient treatment services may be best for patients at this level.
Intensive Outpatient Therapy: Our Services
Here at Transformations by the Gulf, we offer intensive outpatient therapy programs. Our program occurs three days a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Our participants typically take part in our services for 8 to 16 weeks, depending on their individual needs.
Our services are accredited by The Joint Commission. We offer a 3:1 client-to-counselor ratio so that your treatment is more individualized.
If you're interested in intensive outpatient therapy, feel free to contact us for more information. We'd love to talk to you about how we can help with your specific situation.
6 Tips to Help You Adjust to Your New Life After an Intensive Outpatient Program
Adjusting to life after an intensive outpatient program can be both overwhelming and exhausting to think about. It can also be terrifying for a recovering addict because completing the program isn't the end of your recovery journey.
While some walk out of the rehab doors excited and looking forward to the future, others may be terrified about relapsing once treatment has ended. Most programs that are centered around substance abuse treatment only last for a couple of months.
With the help of counselors, patients within the program learn to process life without the haze of drugs and alcohol. The program will also teach them coping tools so that they are able to handle future decisions without turning to drugs and alcohol.
Here we are going to provide you with information that will help make your transition from treatment back into the real world less intimidating.
Have a Post-Treatment Plan
If you are returning home or making your way to a sober living house, you will need to have a plan once you get there. Once you are nearing the end of your outpatient program, the counselor should be working closely with you to develop a plan to help you maintain your sobriety.
The plan will include treatment outside of the program that will help an addict continue to move forward rather than backward. A treatment plan will insist that a recovering addict has a healthy support system.
This system will be made of family, friends, and health care professionals that are reliable and will help them maintain their sobriety one day at a time. The plan will also illustrate ways to continue living a healthy lifestyle.
Things such as exercising daily, spending time meditating or writing in a journal, and perhaps perfecting a new hobby will help you stay focused on maintaining your sobriety. For some former users, the treatment plan includes medications that will help to curve cravings.
Counseling may be apart of a post-treatment plan because not every single life crisis can be worked out in 3 months. Recovering addicts must continue to meet with someone that helps them to process their feelings and thoughts regularly.
Lastly, the treatment plan will outline how the addict will need to manage situations that could cause them to be triggered to use.
Find a Support Group
After rehabilitation programs, most recovering addicts will attend support group meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These 12-step programs, and at each step of the program, the addict works on a different phase of the healing process with a sponsor.
It may sound incredible to finally have to stop going to meetings after a rehab program. Still, it is recommended that you join a support group such as the ones listed above. This is because, in these programs, you will be around other addicts and can speak freely without the feeling of being judged.
It takes the stress off your shoulders that you may feel if you were attempting to share your feelings with your family or friends. Plus, your sponsor will be able to point out any backsliding you may be doing that family and friends can't easily spot.
Make Better Friends
It can be comfortable to sleep back into the same old circles with the same old friends, but after rehab, when you're adjusting to life again, you should make new sober friends. Your friends will help you steer clear of things that may trigger you and tempt you to use it again.
Some addictions began because people were peer pressured by their friends to start using. Therefore a recovering addict should eliminate that negative peer pressure. If you are upfront with your new friends about your past struggles, they can help you maintain your new lifestyle.
Continue to Work on Your Mental Health
Mental health plays a large part in addiction, and some addicts have underlying psychological issues. Life after alcohol rehab can leave a recovering addict with anxiety and stress about the things that they will soon face. The important thing is to focus on establishing a positive new routine.
This routine could mean starting the day with positive affirmations and meditations throughout the day. It can also mean maintaining your new exercise regiment.
Working on your mental health means doing your best to steer clear of focusing and obsessing about all of the negative thoughts that are swirling around in your head. It is crucial to find a way to silence the noise in your head and remind yourself that you can do this.
If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed and overcome with negativity, it is never to early to seek a therapist.
Intensive Outpatient Program: Volunteer
A significant focus of the recovery process is sharing your story with other recovering addicts. In that way, you are helping one another. Your past struggles and traumas may be beneficial and help another addict relate to you and the things you've gone through.
When your program is complete finding a place where you can volunteer and continue giving back to others. It will make you not only feel good to help others, but it will also keep you busy and help ward off thoughts of using.
Know the Signs of Relapse
Within the first year of sobriety, more than 85% of recovering addicts will relapse and begin using drugs and alcohol again. This doesn't mean that your outpatient program wasn't effective. It just means that adjusting to life is hard, and you may not have seen all of the signs.
Before treatment ends, you will discuss your triggers and things that make you vulnerable to using again. After treatment, you must continue to be on the lookout for triggers that may cause you to relapse.
Triggers can come from anything, and once you allow it to grow in your mind, it is easy to relapse.
You've Got This
Whether you are fresh out of an intensive outpatient program or have been out of your program for a while, we can all use some support. It is crucial that you use these tips above to maintain your sobriety.
If you want more tips and information on maintaining sobriety and continuing the steps of rehabilitation, check out our blog.
What Exactly is an Intensive Outpatient Program? An Informative Guide
The latest statistics show that 23.5 million Americans struggle with an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Of these individuals, it's hard to say how many will break their addictions. There is one thing you can know, though. It is easier to break an addiction if you seek help.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction right now, there is help, and there is hope.
One of the options you can choose for treatment is an intensive outpatient program (IOP). IOP programs are not only useful for helping people break addictions, but they offer a lot of other benefits too.
If you are interested in learning more about IOP programs, here is a detailed guide that will help you understand more about these types of programs.
The Basic Characteristics of Intensive Outpatient Programs
There is not just one treatment option available for treating addiction. Instead, there are many types, and one is called intensive outpatient. An intensive outpatient program has unique characteristics that set it apart from other treatment plans.
One trait of an IOP is that you live at home while completing the program. This quality makes this form of treatment different from inpatient programs. An inpatient plan requires you to stay at a facility for weeks or months.
Living at a facility during your treatment plan isn't the most convenient option for many people.
With an IOP, you get the convenience of living at home. During this time, you can continue working, spending time with your family, and doing all your regular daily tasks and routines.
For an IOP to work effectively for you, you'll need to make sure your home life is stable, healthy, and safe for you during this time.
Another type of treatment you can select is a traditional outpatient plan. The difference between this type of plan and an intensive plan is the amount of time you must devote to the program. An intensive program will be more time-consuming.
The Time Frame of an IOP
An intensive outpatient program is a commitment. Most programs generally require attending treatment three to four times every week for around eight to sixteen weeks. Each session lasts approximately three hours.
While this may seem like a significant commitment, it can be well worth the time you spend there. Developing an addiction might be easy to do, but breaking one takes time and effort.
Some people find that completing an inpatient program first is beneficial. IOPs do not provide detoxification services.
If you need to detox first, you will benefit by enrolling in a program that helps with that. If you already detoxed, IOP is a smart choice.
What the Sessions Involve
Each session with an IOP involves several different things. Here are some of the activities that take place during these sessions:
1. Individual Therapy
Part of the time you spend in the program will involve one-on-one counseling. Individual counseling helps you specifically address the issues you are dealing with.
It can help you learn why you chose this path in life, how to break free from it, and how to develop the best methods for avoiding relapses in the future.
2. Group Therapy
You will also spend time completing group work. Everyone working through the program will participate in these sessions, and you will have people in all different stages.
Group work helps you find assurance that you're not alone. You can hear stories from other addicts, and you can learn the methods they are using to stay sober.
You'll also be encouraged to talk about your story during these meetings. Opening up and discussing your struggles is an effective way to help you face the truth and work towards a new life.
3. Educational Activities
You will also learn a lot about addiction, the way it develops, and the effects it has on your brain. Learning and understanding how addiction works is a crucial element in recovery.
You may have homework assignments to complete before your next meetings, and you should always complete these projects if required.
What You Will Learn
Not only will you learn the things mentioned already, but you'll learn a lot more, too. One critical factor you'll learn during this time is triggers. You'll discover what your triggers are and healthy ways to respond to them.
They will also teach you the importance of attending meetings for your addiction. Attending NA or AA meetings can be helpful for you right now and in the future, and they will encourage you to participate in these meetings.
Additionally, you'll learn what to avoid in the future. A lot of addiction centers focus on helping addicts learn the importance of making the necessary changes for recovery.
The Goals of an IOP
The goal of any treatment program is to help addicts break their addictions and learn how to stay clean and sober afterward, and this is true for IOPs, too.
The other goal of an IOP is to find a support system to lean on for help. When you commit to a program and complete it, you are always welcome to come back.
The group of people you meet will be your support system, and you'll need people to encourage and support you in the future.
The third goal is to provide a safe environment for you during this time. Treatment centers know how hard it is to decide to break an addiction. Because of this, they offer help in a non-judgmental environment for everyone who enrolls.
Help Is Only a Phone Call Away
You can find many types of treatment options for breaking addictions, but an intensive outpatient program might be the best choice for you.
To learn more about these programs and other forms of addiction treatment, call us today or visit our website for more information.
PHP or IOP: Which of These Rehab Programs Is Right for Me?
About 46% of Americans have a friend or family member with a current or past addiction. Without proper treatment, you might not find the resources you need to fight your own addiction.
Have you started researching rehabilitation options? You might want to consider the differences between IOP and PHP during your search. However, you'll need to determine which is the right choice, given the situation.
Keep reading to discover the difference between IOP vs PHP.
With this guide, you can make an informed decision before choosing the treatment program that's right for you. Then, you can kick your addiction and get back to living a happy, healthy life. Get started with this guide.
What is PHP?
Let's start with the question you're likely asking: what does PHP stand for?
PHP stands for "Partial Hospitalization Program." This is a more comprehensive approach to outpatient treatment.
With this type of treatment, the patient doesn't spend nights at the facility. Instead, this is considered a full-time outpatient addiction treatment program. The program runs five days a week, six to eight hours each day.
There are a few reasons you might want to consider a PHP program. For starters, PHP patients are free to leave at the end of the day. You can choose to either return home or to a sober living community.
If you live a busy life or live at home with family, a PHP is an ideal choice.
A PHP is also ideal if you are sober and in recovery but recently relapsed. The program can help provide follow-up care and supportive treatment so you can maintain your sobriety.
Some patients who recently graduated from a longer stay in a residential facility might choose a PHP as well. A PHP can provide these patients with continued reinforcement and structure. In time, you can grow more capable of maintaining your sobriety on your own.
Patients in a PHP aren't institutionalized. It's best for patients who aren't considered a risk of causing any imminent risk of harm to themselves or others.
The decision to place a patient in a PHP depends on:
- The doctor and treatment staff's discretion
- The severity of the patient's illness
- Patient history
- Environment
- The patient's support system
You can speak with your doctor to determine if a PHP is right for you.
What Happens?
While you're in a PHO, you'll take part in therapy sessions. Qualified professionals will also monitor your progress and stability each day. At night, you'll head home.
While you're not at the facility, you can establish suitable support networks to ensure your safety.
A partial hospitalization program will give you access to a range of therapies. This often includes one-on-one sessions, as well as group sessions. You might also benefit from family counseling as well.
Group sessions aren't always within the facility. In some cases, you might enjoy recreational activities together. These can include hiking, day trips, or even equine therapy.
Make sure to explore the facility's services before choosing one that suits your needs.
PHP treatment is sometimes more demanding than IOP. The intensity of this treatment is sometimes similar to residential recovery programs.
A PHP can make you feel safer in your transition as you try to maintain a routine again. During your treatment, you'll become exposed to opportunities that could cause you to develop old habits. While the process for a PHP takes longer, it can help you avoid the temptations that could cause a relapse.
A PHP is ideal if you need detoxification services as well. If you require medication and a hands-on approach from staff, a PHP can help you track and control your changes.
The exact care you'll receive often depends on your individual needs. You can speak with someone at the facility to develop a treatment plan that suits your treatment needs.
What is IOP?
IOP stands for "Intensive Outpatient Program." While similar to a PHP, an IOP offers more flexibility.
An IOP is designed to offer a structured model of care to help patients overcome their substance abuse. The level of care depends on the patient's individual case.
An IOP will consider your home life and work life. Then, you'll receive a high level of outpatient care to ensure you maintain sobriety.
There are different ways a facility might choose to manage your IOP. For example, you might structure a schedule that allows you to continue working and attend therapy sessions after work. In other cases, you might schedule a session during the weekend as well.
Once the patients have maintained their sobriety for a few months, the facility will help you tackle deeper-rooted issues associated with your addiction.
Unlike a PHP, an IOP isn't daily. Instead, you can schedule your sessions to take place during the days and times that best work for you. This will allow you to schedule your treatment alongside other commitments.
An IOP program is usually scheduled for 10 to 15 hours each week. You can break this time up into various sessions.
The length of the program will vary depending on the patient's individual needs.
Sometimes, a patient will leave a PHP and transition to an IOP instead. An IOP is ideal for PHP patients who aren't ready to leave therapy completely.
What Happens?
As with a PHP, you'll take part in group and one-on-one sessions during your time in an IOP. You'll also explore a different range of therapies depending on your treatment needs. These group therapies can keep you from feeling isolated throughout your recovery.
An IOP can take longer than inpatient treatment for you to complete. It also requires you to remain honest with yourself about your medical and psychological needs.
If you're exposed to situations that could cause you to turn toward substance abuse, an IOP isn't the ideal option for you.
In 2017, about 20.7 million people ages 12 and older needed substance use treatment. However, only 4 million people ages 12 and up received treatment. Receiving the treatment you need could make all the difference in helping you maintain your sobriety.
PHP or IOP: Which Rehab Program is the Right Fit?
IOP vs PHP; which is the right choice for you? The rehabilitation program you choose depends on your distinct needs. Making the right choice can help you maintain your sobriety and live a happier, healthier life.
Ready to receive the help you need? Get started today to receive high-quality care.
How Long Does an Intensive Outpatient Program Last?
Does it ever feel like your drug or alcohol addiction is a life sentence? Are you looking for an affordable treatment option that doesn't require losing time from work?
There are more than 20 million Americans with substance abuse issues, but only a small fraction seek care. You might want to detox, but you may not be able to drop everything to attend a 90-day inpatient program.
If you're ready to seek treatment for your addiction, this article's for you. We'll give you the inside scoop on what to expect from an IOP or intensive outpatient program.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient Treatment
No matter how long you've had a drug or alcohol addiction, you've got treatment options. The first step toward recovery is to meet with an intake counselor. They will run your insurance, give you a physical and a drug test, and evaluate your mental health.
The intake counselor will also run your insurance and help you decide whether you need an inpatient or an outpatient program. Here are a few key differences:
- Time Commitment. Most inpatient programs last at least one month, sometimes going as long as six months to a year. Do you have that kind of time? If you want to keep your job while you recover, intensive outpatient treatment might be the best choice. Most outpatient programs meet three times per week for eight to 16 weeks.
- Therapy Options. Depending upon the severity of your addiction, you may meet with support staff every day for the first few months. IOP treatment options can include group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy. Your counseling schedule will be customized to your needs so that you're not losing time with your children or family.
- Support Networks. Do you have any family or friends that you can talk to about your recovery? Are your work colleagues rooting you on? IOP therapy works best when you have people to talk to in addition to your therapist. Outpatient and inpatient programs may require you to attend AA meetings or keep a personal journal.
- Success Rate. The relapse rate for drug and alcohol addiction hovers between 40 and 60 percent. It's not an encouraging figure, but customized intensive outpatient therapy can help make you a success story instead of a statistic. If you relapse, your IOP therapy network will help you detox and get recommitted to your recovery.
Are You Ready for IOP Treatment?
How can you tell if you're ready for recovery? Is getting clean as easy as making up your mind to change?
If you can check off three or more items on this list, you're probably ready to seek treatment for your addiction.
- You've had severe financial problems due to your addiction.
- You've lost time from work or been fired from several jobs.
- Your family has staged an intervention and you think that they may be right.
- You have a mental health diagnosis and are ready to take medication.
- You sincerely believe that you can get clean and stay clean.
If you have been using drugs or alcohol for many years, you may need to start with medically-assisted detox. You would enter a hospital facility for three days to one week and take FDA-approved medications like Suboxone and Vivitrol.
The good thing about medically-assisted detox is that it takes you safely past withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations and dangerously high blood pressure. Stopping "cold turkey" isn't a good idea if you're a long-time user.
You could end up having seizures or even a heart attack.
Does Intensive Therapy Really Work?
After you detox, you'll have access to a wide range of therapeutic support. Even if therapy isn't your cup of tea, you should still give it a try.
Group therapy can help you feel less isolated, even if it's a little bit intimidating. You're not required to share your recovery journey, but you might want to step out of your comfort zone.
You might find that your story is inspirational to one of your fellow group members.
One-on-one therapy can be helpful, but you have to trust your therapist. They may want you to discuss personal things like your finances and relationships. They're not just trying to pry: they're trying to address taboo topics so that you can discover lasting solutions to your problems.
Look for intensive outpatient programs that offer holistic therapeutic options. You may find that going to the gym helps you maintain your peace of mind. That's not traditional "talk therapy" but it's effective.
Other holistic therapy options could include:
- yoga and deep breathing
- acupuncture
- sports massage
- meditation
- volunteering in your community
The good news is that while recovery is a challenge, there are several ways to help it along.
Do You Need an Inpatient Program?
As you progress along your healing journey, your team may recommend that you participate in an inpatient recovery program.
You would receive therapy, medication, and supervision by a team of experts. Where outpatient therapy goes up to four months, inpatient programs typically end after 90 days.
If you have a dual diagnosis or are struggling with homelessness, an inpatient program could help you manage your mental illness and find housing.
You can always transition into one of our outpatient programs after you've completed your inpatient stay.
Find an Intensive Outpatient Program Near You
If you think that you're ready to change your life, you need to take the next step. Call or email your local addiction recovery center and make an appointment to meet in person.
We are committed to providing you with compassionate care that meets your needs. We can help you talk to your family or to your supervisor at work, and we're more than happy to help you make travel plans.
If you would like to talk to us, please call us at any time. We have a helpline that's open 24/7, even on holidays. We are Golden Seal Approved and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
We look forward to meeting with you and helping you develop a long-term recovery plan!
7 Things to Expect When You Begin Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Substance abuse disorders have been on the rise in America for quite some time. In 2016, the NSDUH found that nearly 8% of US citizens over age 12 struggled with alcohol and/or drug dependencies. That equates to over 20 million people.
Of those 20 million who needed treatment, only 5.6% received it. One of the barriers people face when deciding whether to seek help is whether they're affected enough to enter a residential program.
Even if you're still able to maintain some level of "normal", substance abuse shouldn't ever be ignored. Intensive outpatient treatment programs (IOPs) can help the majority of people who need help, but not full-time.
Starting any type of rehabilitation can be a daunting experience, but you don't need to be afraid. Read on to find out what to expect when enrolling in an intensive outpatient program.
1. Everything Starts with an Intake
Before any actual treatment begins, you'll need to touch base with your care team at an intake appointment.
During this initial screening, you'll go over your current physical, mental, and emotional health with a medical professional or mental health clinician. They'll ask questions about the type and frequency of your substance abuse and how it affects you in your everyday life. You'll likely have a drug test and physical exam as well.
Facing the reality of your problems in the form of a questionnaire can be an uncomfortable experience. But your care team isn't trying to invade your privacy—they're working hard to design a treatment program that meets your individual needs. You'll be met with compassion and encouragement, not judgment, as you take the first step on your journey.
2. You'll Meet Multiple Times Each Week
In residential treatment, participants live in a dedicated rehab center for a few weeks or months as they work through the program. But not everyone needs that level of supervision—many just need accountability and a helping hand.
In an IOP you'll have sessions an average of three times per week for an average of 2-4 months. Each of these sessions will last for around three hours on-site, and you'll be given exercises to work through while you're at home. This gives you the flexibility to keep working and spending time with your family during recovery.
3. There Are Options for Group and Individual Sessions
Getting support from your people who are going through the same challenges you are can make a huge difference in your recovery. That's why many IOPs follow a group therapy format.
At Transformations By The Gulf, we maintain a 3:1 client to therapist ratio in group sessions so every participant still gets the individual attention they need. To make it easier to talk about personal subjects, we hold gender-specific sessions with some opportunities for mixed-gender interaction.
But for those who would benefit most from one-on-one treatment, individual counseling sessions are also available. There may also be options for family therapy so your loved ones can join in your journey of healing.
4. You'll Get Help from Experienced Licensed Professionals
Friends and family members are a valuable part of your support system. But when dealing with a medical condition like a substance abuse disorder, it's best to have an experienced professional on your side.
In an intensive outpatient treatment program, you'll work side by side with clinicians who are trained in a mix of traditional and holistic counseling methods. They'll use powerful techniques like motivational enhancement and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you identify and fix distorted thinking. They'll also use expressive methods to help you work through difficult emotions and learn more about yourself.
5. You'll Learn New Coping Strategies
No matter how strong our resolve is, all of us find it hard to resist temptation in the moment. So what will you do when you're faced with emotions and situations where you used to turn to drugs or alcohol for comfort?
A huge part of outpatient treatment is arming yourself with an arsenal of healthy coping mechanisms to replace the bad ones. They can be simple, like doing a breathing exercise or going for a run. Or they may be more contemplative, like writing out your thoughts in a recovery journal.
But whatever coping strategies end up working for you, they'll all have the same result. When you find yourself faced with the opportunity to binge drink on New Year's Eve or turn to drugs when you're feeling down, you'll be able to say no and do something productive instead.
6. You'll Plan for the Future
The benefits of outpatient treatment don't end when the program does. Before you graduate, you'll work with your counselors to come up with a plan for the future.
How will you avoid triggering environments, and how will you stay clean when they're unavoidable? Who can you call when you need a bit of extra support? How will you occupy your time when you're alone?
Figuring out the answers to questions like these and writing a plan of action can help your sobriety last for the rest of your life.
7. It Will Be Hard, but Worth It
Overcoming an addiction is one of the largest challenges you can take on in your life. And in an intensive outpatient program, you'll still have the freedom to engage in bad habits while at home. The power to change is in your hands, and while it may seem impossible at times, a life free of substance dependency is more than worth it.
If you're ever losing motivation or feeling unsure about your ability to stay strong, reading the success stories of people who were once in your shoes can help.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Can Be Life-Changing
It's natural to be nervous before any big life change, especially one as major as entering an intensive outpatient treatment program. But if you take these things to heart and open your mind to the possibilities, your life can transform for the better.
Are you looking for an IOP program to help overcome a drug or alcohol addiction? Transformations By The Gulf can help you take the first step.
We take a holistic approach to recovery, aiming to treat the whole person, not just the addiction. If you'd like to learn more about our program, refer someone, or enroll yourself, please contact us today.
Looking Into The Many Benefits Of An Intensive Outpatient Program For Drug Rehab
What if your best wasn't good enough when it comes to addiction?
With drug addiction, many people think that they can make it through this struggle alone. Or if someone else is suffering, a person may think that all they need is a friendly support network.
The truth is that there is no replacement for actual drug rehabilitation. And with Intensive Outpatient Programs, the road to recovery is faster than ever before.
Wondering what the benefits of such a program are? Keep reading to discover the answer!
What Are Intensive Outpatient Programs?
We have put together the definitive guide to how these programs can help those struggling with drug addiction. First, though, we must define what intensive outpatient programs really are.
In traditional drug rehab, a patient may have to stay within a facility for a certain period of time. This helps medical professionals both monitor their condition and facilitate their needs.
With an outpatient program, no stay is required. Instead, patients attend multiple sessions over a period of time to deal with their addiction as well as any co-occurring disorders.
Many treatment plans start out with multiple sessions each week (sometimes even one a day), with the number of sessions winding down as the patient recovers.
Now that you know more about what these sessions are, it's time to learn more about the benefits of such a program.
More Affordable
There are many different benefits to these outpatient treatment programs. One of the biggest benefits is that they are more affordable.
When it comes to rehab, the only real choices are inpatient and outpatient care. Simply put, inpatient care comes with a much higher price tag.
Inpatient care effectively includes room and board for a patient over a period of weeks or even months. Throw in the cost of medical care and medication and you may end up with a truly frightening bill.
With outpatient care, costs are lower all around. And medical professionals can help develop a treatment plan that takes your budget into consideration.
Access to Support Network
Like we said before, the friends and loved ones of an addict often try to stage an intervention (or two) before seeking professional help. It's easy to develop the idea that a patient must choose help from only one group or another.
However, the flexibility of outpatient care means that a patient still has the same level of access to their support network. While they receive one kind of support within the network, they receive another kind altogether from their friends and family.
Ultimately, recovering from addiction is a long road with many different paths. Outpatient programs are beneficial because they keep every path open while still providing quality care and support.
Open Schedule
Some patients struggling with addiction have a good reason to resist inpatient care. Being tucked away in a rehabilitation center for weeks or months may completely disrupt everything from their home life to their full-time job!
Outpatient programs offer a relatively open schedule for patients. This lets them attain the care they need while still letting them attend to private and professional matters.
This open schedule also lets patients be a bit more discrete about their care. They will not have to disclose their treatment plan to a boss or coworker as they would in the event of inpatient care.
Structured Care
Patients and family alike may worry that outpatient care is somehow inferior to inpatient care. The truth of the matter is that outpatient care provides a higher level of structured care than inpatient care.
With outpatient care, patients help develop a treatment plan that fully meets their needs. As we noted before, this may include meeting with a professional 7 days a week.
Under this system, a patient gets the exact level of care they need exactly when they need it. And a variety of different therapy styles are available to suit various patients and their differing needs.
Extended Network
The scariest thing about addiction is that it never fully goes away. Instead, it is a problem that patients will have to deal with long after their last session has ended.
However, no one should have to struggle alone. And outpatient programs are great because they help patients develop an extended support network that they can call on for help over the years.
Whether it's medical professionals or fellow patients, the members of this network can help patients in their darkest moments. With their help, patients can find their way back into the light.
Different Kinds of Therapy
The outpatient program professionals understand that there is no one solution that fits every problem. That's why they offer a wide variety of therapy options.
Individualized therapy provides a great opportunity for a counselor to learn the nature of the patient's issue and develop a custom treatment plan. It also provides an open environment for the patient to voice their questions and concerns about the process.
Family therapy options help offer "the best of both worlds" to patients. Such sessions allow family members to become part of the healing process, all while providing a powerful incentive for the patient's recovery.
Some programs even offer holistic therapy. This allows patients to discover how outlets such as art and yoga can help them obtain peace of mind and body.
Finally, group therapy options help patients understand that they are not alone. And such sessions form the backbone of the patient's support network, allowing them to meet new allies and friends on their journey.
Customized Treatment
When you or someone you love is suffering, you don't want them to receive just any kind of treatment. Instead, you want them to get treatment tailored to their specific lifestyle and needs. With Intensive Outpatient Programs, patients can receive the kind of customized treatment plan they truly deserve.
The Next Few Steps
Now you know about the power of Intensive Outpatient Programs. But do you know who offers the very best in care and comfort?
At Transformations By the Gulf, we help patients conquer addiction and get their lives back. To find out more or schedule an appointment, contact us today!
Why You Should Consider Going to an Intensive Outpatient Program
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 31 million people have drug use disorders. In fact, harmful alcohol use causes 3.3 million deaths every year.
Through an intensive outpatient program, people who are trying to recover from substance abuse can get the help they need. Meanwhile, they can still continue their daily lives. Without proper help, however, the number of deaths from substance abuse will continue to rise.
Here are seven benefits of choosing an intensive outpatient program.
By getting outpatient treatment, you can live a full, healthy life without substance abuse.
1. A Continuum of Care
An intensive outpatient program will ensure you receive the continuum of care you need.
A continuum of care includes multiple levels of treatment. Patients who experience the whole continuum of care receive support at every step of their recovery.
As you research the benefits of outpatient services, consider your needs. A few continuum of care examples include:
- A medical detox
- Inpatient addiction treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Sober living
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Regular therapy
- Recovery meetings
- Returning home
An intensive outpatient program is only one part of the continuum of care. With outpatient treatment, you can get the support you need even while you live outside of a treatment center.
Otherwise, you might find yourself falling into old habits.
The continuum of care ensures you have the resources you need within reach. With the right combination of care options, you'll have everything you need to achieve long-term sober living.
In addition to continuous care, some intensive outpatient programs will also offer:
- Gender-specific treatment
- Holistic wellness
- Evidence-based treatment
- Access to experienced clinical staff
- A serene location so you can focus on your treatment
- Family therapy
Finding a recovery center that offers a range of outpatient services can also ensure you receive the continuous care you need.
2. Access to a Community
Recovery is easier when you can lean on a loving, caring community to support you along the way.
Intensive outpatient programs give you access to a community of people who have gone through what you're going through now. They can provide you with a fresh perspective. They can also tell stories about their own recovery journey.
In many cases, hearing about how far your sober community has traveled can provide you with the hope you need.
Choosing an outpatient treatment plan can give you access to a community. You'll meet new people with their own stories of recovery along the way. Some intensive outpatient programs also host meetings where you can all share your stories.
In other cases, you might choose to hang out with the people you meet in your free time.
Interacting with sober people can also make other interactions throughout your life easier.
With a sober community, you can talk to people who understand the struggles you're facing as a sober individual. When you plan to attend parties where people will be drinking, your sober community can help support you with advice or an understanding ear.
3. Activity Diversity
For some people, recovery meetings are an easy way to maintain sobriety. For other people, however, attending these meetings can feel tedious.
An intensive outpatient program can introduce you to other alternatives.
If you don't like attending meetings, there are other recovery groups you can choose from. Plus, intensive outpatient programs often offer non-recovery program groups. For example, you might attend groups for:
- Art therapy
- Grief or trauma workshops
- Family groups
- Relapse prevention
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Medication management
- Psychoeducation
- Meditation groups
These groups cover a range of topics that can help your recovery in different ways.
4. Access to Resources
During your recovery, you might realize it's difficult to find all the resources you need in one place. An intensive outpatient program can introduce you to these resources (and some you can't find anywhere else).
Some treatment centers will even provide transportation to and from your intensive outpatient programs. If you don't have access to a car or good public transportation, they can also ensure you make it to your recovery meetings.
Outpatient treatment programs also give you access to a therapist or psychiatrist.
That way, you don't have to worry about finding someone you know and trust for your treatment. Instead, you'll have access to everything you need straight from your outpatient program.
5. It's Covered
Another one of the benefits of outpatient services is that they're usually covered by insurance.
Many people don't consider getting treatment because of expenses. If the program is covered by your insurance plan, you can get the treatment you need without worrying about costs.
Try to choose an intensive outpatient program that's accredited. For example, The Joint Commission Gold Seal is the highest accreditation available for addiction treatment centers. This accreditation assures the program makes strides for continuous improvement to keep clients satisfied.
6. Keep Yourself Accountable
According to this research, intensive outpatient programs are effective for people recovering from alcohol and drug use disorders.
When you continuously keep up with your treatment, you'll feel accountable to maintain your sobriety. You're not only accountable to therapists, staff members, and other patients, but also to yourself.
You might also find a mentor or sponsor during your recovery.
They'll help guide you throughout your path to sobriety. They can also help keep you accountable to check-in and get additional help.
7. Easy-going Reintegration
The transition between inpatient care and sobriety on your own isn't easy for everyone.
With an intensive outpatient program, you don't have to rush the process. Instead, you can focus on your recovery. The continuum of care will help you return to daily life while also helping you avoid a relapse.
With easy-going reintegration, you can develop the skill and access the tools you need for long-term sobriety.
The Care You Need: 7 Benefits of an Intensive Outpatient Program
Your sobriety is important. Otherwise, you'll miss out on the happy, healthy life you deserve. With an intensive outpatient program, you can ensure you're getting the proper care to live that life for the rest of your life.
Contact us today to start your transformation through an intensive outpatient program. We can't wait to help.
Life After Addiction: What to Do After Florida Beach Drug Rehab
Are you considering attending a Florida Beach drug rehab but nervous as to what will happen after graduation? The decision to quit drinking or using is a big one and can leave you feeling anxious about relapse and how to live life sober.
During treatment, your counselors will discuss the best options for your personal journey. However, it is often helpful to have an idea of what to expect once you leave the safety of the treatment center.
Everyone's life after addiction is different but we are going to explain the general idea of what to expect. Keep reading for more information!
Finding a Place to Live
Upon leaving treatment, you will need to secure a place to live. Your first thought may include simply going home. However, this is not always the best option for people that are new to recovery.
Going home will place you in the same environment and around the same people. With these two factors, it is likely to return to old behaviors and old ways of thinking.
There are many options available to you and your counselor will recommend the one that best suits your needs. These choices may include staying with a sober friend or family member, moving into a day treatment facility, or opting to live in a sober living home.
Sober living houses are an excellent choice as they group like-minded individuals together and each member helps others stay accountable. Most of these houses offer affordable rent that may be paid weekly and require you to hold a job, attend 12-step meetings, and have a sponsor.
Looking for Work
Many addicts and alcoholics lose their job when they hit rock bottom. Some people may be fortunate enough to return to work, but this is not typical.
Whether you hold a degree or have minimal skills, you will need to find a way to make money. Before jumping into a new career, find something that you enjoy doing and can help pay bills. The goal isn't to become rich; the goal is to stay sober.
People with service industry backgrounds may want to return to waiting tables or tending bar. These jobs often center around alcohol and a party lifestyle. Instead of jumping right back into the same patterns, consider other customer service jobs such as retail or hospitality.
Remember to keep time for yourself and your recovery; some jobs are more understanding than others.
Establish a Routine
Once you find a place to live, you can begin to establish what you want each day to look like. This will likely include whichever job you find, but should also include time for recovery and loved ones.
Keeping a busy schedule and routine will help keep any thoughts about using or drinking as thoughts, not actions. Hopefully, between your new home, job, and sober social connections, you are too busy enjoying life to be tempted with relapse!
Build a Network at a Florida Beach Drug Rehab
In rehab, you will meet many people that have the same goals as you. If you choose to attend AA or NA, you will also be surrounded by people in recovery.
Take time to get to know a few of these people better. Get their phone numbers and call or text them. People in recovery want to help others stay sober so use this to your advantage.
Some people do not wish to work any type of 12-step program and that's okay. However, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals will keep you accountable.
If you choose to attend AA or NA meetings and work the steps, get a sponsor you can trust. Talk with them regularly and continue to be honest, open-minded, and willing.
Attend Aftercare or Continuing Therapy
When you leave rehab to begin your life after addiction, you will likely be given the option to attend aftercare sessions. These sessions are akin to group therapy and allow you to 'check-in' with other recent graduates and counselors.
Whether your journey keeps you in Florida or takes you to the coast of California, you can find (with some research and help from your counselors) an aftercare or therapy group.
Part of this is staying connected to other sober people, but the other part is identifying any triggers that can lead you to relapse and preventing this issue from occurring.
Attending aftercare or seeing a therapist after rehab is especially important if you deal with co-occurring disorders. This is due to the fact that any mental disorder may become worse while dealing with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).
A therapist or group leader will help guide you if your PAWS symptoms are becoming unbearable. They can also give you a referral to a medical doctor who is familiar with the condition and can prescribe medications such as antidepressants or non-narcotic anti-anxiety medicine.
Have Fun While Breaking Old Habits
A huge part of recovery is relearning how to have fun without the use of drugs or alcohol. In addiction, your Friday night may have included going to a bar or using with friends. Now, it may include a trip to the movies, a good restaurant, or socializing at a 12-step meeting.
The idea is to continue living your life and having fun while doing so. Every time you opt to grab a coffee over grabbing a beer, you are slowly beginning to break those old habits that led you to a Tampa Beach drug rehab.
Don't test yourself by choosing to hang out with old friends, in old places assuming that you are immune to your addiction. This is a set-up for failure.
If you would like to find out more about what your life could be like after addiction, contact us for all of the information you need!