Addiction is on the increase in the United States; President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to address the opioid crisis during his tenure. With up to 30% of patients misusing prescribed opioids, this is just one statistic highlighting the substance abuse epidemic across the U.S. Intensive outpatient programs are a type of program allowing patients to live at home while still receiving the treatment they need. These programs typically consist of nine or more hours of group treatment three to five days a week. The average intensive outpatient program will last 90 days. They can be lengthened or shortened based on the needs of the patient.
Determining If You Are A Good Fit For An Intensive Outpatient Program
Intensive outpatient programs are well-equipped for helping patients overcome serious substance abuse issues.
The intensive nature of these programs means the patient may still work and study, but only part-time. These programs are ideal for people with less chaotic and volatile personal situations, as patients will still return home every evening to sleep in their own beds. Since intensive outpatient programs rely chiefly on group sessions, patients who are more partial to individual counseling may want to consider an inpatient program.
However, all intensive outpatient programs are not the same; some intensive outpatient programs will have individual counseling and other forms of therapy available. This is why it is essential to speak to different rehabilitation facilities before deciding on a program. Intensive outpatient programs are unsuitable for patients who have yet to undergo drug and alcohol detoxification, as withdrawal symptoms have a high chance of causing relapses and other serious medical issues.
Main Proponents Of An Intensive Outpatient Program
Before determining whether an intensive outpatient program is a right option for overcoming addiction, it is important to be aware of the different components the program consists of. Intensive outpatient programs typically take the form of group therapy sessions lasting between one and two hours for three to five days every week. The majority of sessions will take place either in the morning or in the evening to enable patients to maintain their responsibilities outside of therapy.
Abstinence
Abstinence forms the core of any intensive outpatient program. Participants in these programs are required to abstain from alcohol and drugs throughout the program. This also includes anything that may be used as a replacement, such as someone addicted to drugs replacing drugs with alcohol use. Healthy lifestyles are widely promoted in the 14,000+ treatment centers across the country. Addiction professionals will provide patients with personalized plans to maintain healthy diets and exercise programs. Emphasis is placed on this type of abstinence so patients can heal the damage their addiction has caused and promote a positive approach to mental health. Relapses can and do happen within these programs, but abstinence will continue to be promoted across all addiction treatment programs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a core therapy used in treating addictions of all kinds. The goal of CBT is to change the way addicts look at the world. It combats black-and-white thinking and emotional reasoning to enable patients to avoid potentially harmful situations. CBT will break the thought patterns that undermine existing relationships. It will also help fight substance abuse and promote new, healthy strategies for coping with personal and professional turmoil. Traditional CBT sessions last up to 60 minutes for between 12 and 20 weeks. Shorter, more intense CBT sessions, known as I-CBT, may take place over the course of a shorter period in certain scenarios.
12-Step Group Facilitation
Since the 12-Step system for beating addiction was created in the late 1930s, it has continued to form the basis of inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs today. 12-Step group facilitation provides a roadmap for addicts to understand their disease and how to move forward. It focuses on building strong character through a tradition of love and acceptance. Most 12-Step programs are rooted in spirituality, but more modern 12-Step programs utilize the principles of the more traditional Christian based approach to the 12 Steps. Non-Christian and non-religious patients are not required to compromise their beliefs in order to extract the maximum value from the 12 Steps.
The 12 Steps will be taught together as a group and serve as a foundation for addiction treatment and future success with abstaining from harmful substances. Patients should remember that there are differences in the 12 Step programs offered by alternate treatment facilities. Although the principles never change, the way in which those principles are taught and acted upon is geared towards the patient as an individual.
Consider Intensive Outpatient Programs At Aquila Recovery
Intensive outpatient programs offer an excellent balance between intensive treatment and the work/study obligations for those in treatment. They are a crossover between the intensity of an inpatient program with the flexibility of an outpatient addiction treatment program. Call Aquila Recovery Clinic at 202.618.9125 or schedule a consultation online today to find out more about how intensive outpatient programs can help you conquer substance abuse.