Addiction is a difficult disease to deal with on your own. But there are options for effective alcohol and drug addiction treatment. Each program is designed to help fight the different struggles an individual can face when getting and staying sober. An intensive outpatient program is ideal for those who need help with their addiction but who can’t afford to step away from their daily lives to seek help. However, an intensive outpatient program is not for everyone, and it’s important to understand how it works to determine whether it’s the right option for you.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
Some addiction treatment options have individuals stay at the treatment center during the course of their recovery. But this isn’t always a viable option. Intensive outpatient programs work differently to provide valuable addiction treatment without interfering in your daily life. During these programs, individuals attend treatment sessions three to five times a week. These sessions are three hours long and consist of group educational courses, as well as individual and group counseling as needed.
An intensive outpatient program is designed to fit around your schedule. Sessions are offered both during the day and in the early evening. This means you can still go to work, attend class, and take care of your family while going through treatment. These programs are the perfect solution for busy working adults who need help overcoming their addictions.
The Benefits of an Intensive Outpatient Program
Outside of the flexibility with scheduling sessions, intensive outpatient programs have a variety of other benefits that help individuals achieve and maintain their sobriety.
Education Backed by Science
Knowledge is power, and the more you understand your addiction, the better equipped you’ll be to overcome it. Learning about the science behind addiction isn’t as complicated as it may sound. Medical health professionals are learning more about how and why certain people suffer from addiction, and this knowledge can help you in your mission to live a sober life.
During your treatment sessions, you’ll participate in group education courses that aim to teach you about addiction. Not only will you understand your own body better, but you’ll find the tools and references needed to fight your addiction. Education backed by science is a powerful treatment tool that all treatment programs utilize.
Understanding Co-Occurrence
There are many different reasons someone might become addicted, but one of the most common is an underlying mental health issue. Illnesses such as anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, and ADHD often go undiagnosed in many adults. While it’s now easier than ever before to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, we’re still a long way from proper diagnosis and treatment for most.
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Because alcohol and drugs alter your brain chemistry in the same way prescriptions do, many individuals with undiagnosed mental health issues turn to these substances as a form of self medication. Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol aren’t designed to be as helpful for your mental health. They often mask the symptoms while doing damage to your brain and body. Understanding the underlying disease that perpetuates an addiction is a crucial step in helping individuals find and employ healthier coping mechanisms.
Facing Life Challenges
Part of why an outpatient program is so effective is because it allows individuals the opportunity to recognize and discuss challenges in their daily lives. It’s easy enough to stay sober when you’re at a treatment center, but many find themselves relapsing once they return home. By going about your regular life during treatment, you can identify which aspects of your routine may challenge your ability to stay sober. And since you’re still in treatment, you can focus your sessions on ways to improve your life so you can avoid addiction temptations in the future.
When an Intensive Outpatient Program Isn’t Right for You
While there are many benefits to an intensive outpatient program, it’s not always the best option. There are different treatment programs available to help with different addiction struggles.
Partial Hospitalization
Addiction dramatically affects your health, both mentally and physically. Reaching sobriety isn’t always an easy journey, and some individuals need a little extra assistance getting there. A partial hospitalization program is a perfect choice for those who need additional counseling or medical monitoring as they go through treatment. In these programs, individuals stay at the treatment center during the day, participating in treatment courses before returning home at night. This allows them to receive the extra attention they need to overcome their addictions.
Chronic Relapse
Even though intensive outpatient programs are designed to help prevent relapse, they can still happen. And if they happen frequently, it can be discouraging (and expensive) to keep going back to treatment. Chronic relapse programs are specialized treatment options focused on the issues of staying sober. They run separately from any other treatment program and only include those who suffer from chronic relapse. And once sessions are complete, graduates get access to a special aftercare program for six months to a year. This program is designed to help individuals maintain their sobriety and avoid another relapse outside of treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Programs in San Diego
At The Bridges of San Diego, we’re dedicated to helping all of our visitors understand and overcome their addictions. With an intensive outpatient program, you can successfully achieve and maintain sobriety in your life. Our programs are designed to help you learn about the underlying reason behind your addiction and what steps you can take to avoid further drug and alcohol abuse. If you’re ready to build a better, sober future for yourself, give us a call at 619-639-1458 to learn more about how we can help. With financing options available, anyone can get the alcohol and drug addiction treatment they need.