Those who are battling with addiction and mental health concerns have a variety of options for receiving professional help. Determining which of the many types of substance abuse treatment may work for you will depend upon how you personally cope with maintaining a treatment schedule, as well as whether you need medical assistance while you detox. If you believe that you may be able to overcome substance abuse without the need for medical detox and constant supervision, an intensive outpatient program may be the best choice for you.
What Is An Intensive Outpatient Program
An intensive outpatient program is a type of substance abuse rehabilitation that assists addicted individuals with developing healthy, drug-free patterns without requiring them to live in a medical facility 24/7 during the rehab process. Outpatient programs ensure that patients can maintain their work, school, and family responsibilities by creating a schedule for visits, appointments, and other necessary procedures. However, those who thrive best in intensive outpatient programs are those who are responsible and able to be consistent in attending their appointments on their own.
No Constant Supervision
One of the primary aspects of an outpatient program is that it does not offer constant supervision, which is a hallmark of inpatient or medically assisted substance abuse treatment. Because individuals are not required to move into a rehab facility and live there for the duration of the program, they are free to remain at home and continue on with their lives as normal. For some, this is a benefit, as they do not have to abandon their responsibilities to their employer, school, family, and others. However, this also means that individuals are accountable to themselves; no one will force them to attend rehabilitation appointments. Thus, outpatient programs work best for those whose addictions are moderate.
No Detox
Another critical element of intensive outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation programs is that medical detox is not involved. Individuals who are severely addicted to a substance may experience dramatic medical side effects during withdrawal that require the attention of a physician. Because outpatient programs are conducted outside of a rehab facility, this process of medically assisted detox does not occur. Any individual who is considering an intensive outpatient program should speak with an experienced addiction recovery professional to ensure that withdrawal symptoms will be safe to endure at home.
Greater Freedom
One of the main benefits of an intensive outpatient program is the level of freedom it affords. Unlike inpatient rehabilitation where individuals are expected to live in a facility for the duration of their treatment, those who choose an intensive outpatient program may continue on with their lives as normal; appointments with addiction recovery professionals are scheduled and are no different than simply attending doctor’s appointments. Thus, those in recovery are free to continue with their jobs, education, and family or childcare responsibilities uninterrupted. This makes outpatient programs the top choice for many people who cannot afford to take a hiatus from their responsibilities.
Custom Schedule
Another positive of intensive outpatient programs is their ability to suit your schedule. They consist of personalized meetings with therapists, psychologists and peer support groups or group therapy as needed, and all of these aspects of treatment are fit into a schedule that works for the individual. Not only does this prevent the outpatient program from interfering heavily in a recovering individual’s life, but it also improves the odds that a person will complete the program, since the custom schedule allows for flexibility and ease of attendance.
Many aspects of peer support groups and group therapy can even be done from home using technology such as message boards and forums, as well as chat rooms. The specific combination of therapies, individual and group meetings, psychologist appointments, and peer support options will depend upon your unique situation and relationship with addiction. A skilled addiction rehabilitation professional will assist you in crafting a program that suits your individual needs.
Speak To Experienced Addiction Recovery Experts
Whether you are considering addiction recovery for the first time or you would like to try a new method because previous rehabilitation did not work for you, be sure to speak to addiction recovery professionals who are experienced in substance abuse and mental health challenges. Insight Treatment Center would be happy to work with you to develop a customized intensive outpatient program that will suit your individual needs. Reach out to schedule an appointment with an addiction recovery professional so that you can begin the road to overcoming your substance abuse and mental health challenges.
