Drug and alcohol addictions are scary. Addiction affects everything from health to relationships to careers. If someone has an addiction, no part of their life goes untouched by the effects of the drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol abuse is prevalent in our society. In 2019, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 14.5 million Americans ages 12 and up had an alcohol use disorder. Unfortunately, according to the survey, only 7.2% of people in this group had received any treatment in the past year. This survey shows that many people who struggle with addiction aren’t seeking help. Sadly, this is very common with addiction. Addicts are often in denial that they need help or feel that they can control and fix their addiction. Sometimes it takes a friend or family member showing concern and providing an outside perspective that convinces someone struggling with an addiction to get help. If your loved one is going through an addiction, one of the best ways to help them out is by sharing information about what it’s like at a drug and alcohol treatment center like The Bridges of San Diego. Take the time to learn more about drug and alcohol treatment and how your loved one can get on the road to recovery.
Inpatient Treatment
The first type of drug and alcohol treatment is inpatient care. This recovery option involves patients living full time at a rehab facility for a certain amount of time. An inpatient rehab program allows patients to get the support they need 24/7. Inpatient rehab can be challenging and isn’t necessarily the best option for everyone. This type of rehab requires patients to take time away from their job and family to focus on treatment.
Outpatient Treatment
Intensive outpatient rehab is a way for those struggling with addiction to get the help they need in a less restrictive setting. Outpatient treatment programs allow patients to still live at home, maintaining a sense of normalcy. Outpatient rehab is also a more financially reasonable option for those who can’t afford to quit their job during treatment. An outpatient facility like The Bridges of San Diego allows patients to come in for their treatment while maintaining their career and family life at home. The Bridges of San Diego offers both day and evening programs, meaning you can be flexible with your treatment depending on your working schedule.
The day program is Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and the evening program is from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Depending on the patient and situation, the typical expected enrollment time is three to five days per week for six to eight weeks, but many patients stay for three to six months or longer. The duration is all dependent on your individual case and progress. Your counselors will provide you with updates about how long you will need to stay in treatment as you go through the program.
Another benefit of an outpatient rehab program being much less disruptive to life is that it actually helps patients maintain sobriety once they exit the program. Many patients who exit inpatient care are quickly overwhelmed by work and other obligations once they return home. In fact, 50% of patients who go through an inpatient residential rehab program end up relapsing. By participating in outpatient care, patients can work with their therapists and counselors to practice the skills they are learning both during rehab and in the real world once they get home.
What Happens at a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center? Therapy and Recovery Strategies
Outpatient rehab is a place where those struggling with addiction can get the help they need and learn skills to fight their addiction and move toward healing and recovery. During outpatient rehab, patients will work with counselors in a one on one and group setting. First, patients are educated on the disease of addiction by learning scientific facts. Next, counselors will work to find the underlying causes of the addiction. As patients go through the program, they will learn about getting and remaining sober. Patients will also learn the recovery skills needed to live a sober lifestyle and begin the healing process.
In addition, patients will receive support for conditions like anxiety and depression while also getting guidance in other areas such as spiritual development, social interactions, self-esteem building, and physical health and wellness. Patients will also learn the skills necessary to prevent relapse.
Different Levels of Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient treatment can look different based on the patient and their situation. Some patients are strictly in the “few hours a day” outpatient category, while others are considered outpatient but undergo a more intensive treatment regimen. The Bridges of San Diego also offers a partial hospitalization program where patients are at the facility from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Partial hospitalization gives people struggling with addiction a more intensive option while still allowing them to return to their home and family at the end of the day.
For people struggling with addiction, the road to recovery is never easy. Often it is difficult for addicts to admit that they have a problem, and it’s even more challenging for them to accept help. A drug and alcohol treatment center like The Bridges of San Diego aims to make it easier for patients to receive high quality, effective treatment while maintaining a sense of normalcy in their daily lives. Our outpatient treatment plans keep families together and allow patients to keep working. For more information about our treatment, recovery, and our outpatient programs, contact The Bridges of San Diego today.