When seeking alcohol or drug addiction treatment, you have a few options available. Everyone handles addiction in their own way, and the different treatment options are designed to help each individual find their best path forward. An intensive outpatient program in San Diego can help you move past your addiction while maintaining your regular life. By merging science based educational sessions with healthy living habits, intensive outpatient programs help reduce the chances of relapse while providing effective tips for achieving and maintaining sobriety.
The Benefits of an Intensive Outpatient Program in San Diego
Each option for addiction treatment can offer benefits for everyone. But some individuals find that an intensive outpatient program offers the most benefits for their situation. An intensive outpatient program isn’t designed for everyone, but it can be a powerful addiction treatment tool for the right person.
Science Based Education
Addiction is considered a mental illness. And like any other mental health problem, understanding the underlying reasons behind it is key for effective treatment. With an intensive outpatient program, you learn how to battle addiction by understanding the root of the problem. This will look different for everyone. Some underlying reasons behind addiction include:
Genetic Predisposition – There are people who are just genetically more likely to become addicted to certain substances. While some people may be able to casually enjoy a drink or two, people who have a genetic predisposition to addiction may not be able to stop themselves, even if they know they have a problem.
Living Environment – Where you live can play a big part in your risk of addiction. Living near substance abuse and illegal drug activities increases your chances of coming into contact with them. And being around these substances when you’re trying to stay sober makes it increasingly difficult to live a healthy life.
Other Mental Health Issues – Alcohol and drugs are often used as a form of self medication for many other mental health issues. People who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder often find that addictive substances help reduce their symptoms.
By identifying the underlying causes of addiction, individuals in an intensive outpatient program can better understand their addiction and find healthy ways to move forward.
Life Integration
Unlike hospitalization programs, individuals continue to live and maintain their normal schedules during an intensive outpatient program. After attending their three hour session (which can be scheduled for the day or evening), individuals return to their sober living environments. By doing this, those going through addiction treatment can continue to work, attend school, and take care of their families. Many hesitate to seek addiction treatment for worry of falling behind in their daily lives. But with an intensive outpatient program, they can keep up with their work while working to improve their health.

More than that, individuals also get responses in real time and feedback on issues surrounding their sobriety. Many hospitalization programs see a significant percentage of relapse cases. This is because it’s much harder to stay sober in your everyday life than it is at an addiction treatment center. But by living at home and attending regular life events, individuals can identify the specific problems that could lead to a relapse. In doing so, they can bring these concerns up while still going through treatment to learn ways to cope with whatever may tempt them.
Appropriate Program Length
Addiction treatment isn’t a one and done kind of deal. It can take a while for someone to feel confident enough to maintain their sobriety after struggling with addiction. And the longer they’ve struggled, the harder it can be to come out on the other side. Intensive outpatient programs are designed to provide lasting benefits through an elongated schedule. During their treatment, individuals will attend 3 to 5 weekly classes over the course of 6 weeks. These 3-hour sessions will provide them with the skills and tools needed to build a better life for themselves. By spending over 50 hours in treatment sessions, individuals walk away with more insight and confidence to live a sober life.
Other Addiction Treatment Options
While an intensive outpatient program in San Diego may be beneficial to many, it’s not always the best option. Those who struggle with addiction in other ways may benefit from alternative addiction treatment options.
Partial Hospitalization
Much like with an intensive outpatient program, a partial hospitalization program allows individuals to return home after their sessions. However, attendees are enrolled in both morning and afternoon sessions, so they stay at the addiction treatment center for the majority of the day. This helps individuals who suffer medical concerns stay monitored for any hazards during their treatment.
Chronic Relapse Program
For those who do struggle to maintain their sobriety, there’s a chronic relapse program available to help. This 12-week program is handled separately from other treatment sessions, allowing for smaller sessions and more individualized treatment. After the program is over, individuals have access to a continued care system for up to a year. This additional support helps avoid more relapses.
Intensive Outpatient Program in San Diego
At The Bridges of San Diego, we believe everyone can achieve the sober lifestyle they deserve. Addiction can be a difficult illness to face, but no one has to deal with it alone. With our intensive outpatient program in San Diego, individuals can get the treatment they need while maintaining their lives. Whether you’re working, going to class, or taking care of your family, you can also improve your life and build a healthier future. For more information on how our addiction treatment plans can help you achieve sobriety, give us a call at 619-639-1458.