For those struggling with addiction, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a crucial step in the recovery process. Clients learn the value of getting support and assistance following IOP during therapy. This may make all the difference between maintaining your health and battling to stay sober. Here are some crucial actions you should take whether you are a participant in an IOP or have just finished a term of treatment.
After IOP, Take These Steps
- Enroll in a program for aftercare. After IOP, you’ll probably feel positive about the future and assured that you can control your addiction. Recovery is a lifelong process, and by using the various resources at your disposal, you can stay in control more easily. You can take part in one of several aftercare programs following IOP. Consider signing up for organizations such as the SMART recovery program, A.A. or N.A. Choose the options that you believe best fit your needs.
- After IOP, you’ll likely feel optimistic, but recurrence is a genuine possibility; in case you succumb to urges, already have a specific plan in place. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40-60% of those in recovery are likely to relapse after receiving addiction treatment. Relapse rarely happens suddenly; many people go through specific, recognizable stages before relapsing. Find out about those stages and make a plan for what you will do if you suspect you are headed for a relapse. Create a list of persons you can call if you think there may be a slip in judgment.
- After IOP, adopt a healthy lifestyle. Addiction is an illness that causes a person to have deeply ingrained undesirable or destructive behaviors. People who are dependent on drugs or alcohol sometimes overlook other facets of living a healthy lifestyle over time. You can stay sober by exercising both your body and mind. You will discover the psychological and physical factors that influence your desire to use drugs while in therapy. Try to alter your lifestyle as much as you can to avoid these triggers. Among the most typical triggers is stress, and although not all stress can be eliminated, it can be controlled. Regular, rigorous exercise reduces stress. Additionally, there are a variety of exercises and methods intended expressly to reduce mental stress. Learn a few of these, then put them to regular use.
Learn More About Objectives
Aftercare is often referred to as ongoing treatment or treatment that follows the completion of an addiction treatment program. The objective of all aftercare treatment programs should be the same regardless of the initial treatment you received. These aims include:
- Finding out how to avoid recurrence
- Achieving a life filled with wholesome, good interactions and connections
- Identifying your sense of direction
- Maintaining a recovery-focused way of life
Because it takes time for the brain to adjust to not having to use alcohol or drugs, aftercare treatment is essential. Your brain may not be totally in recovery mode, even if you completed a treatment program of 90 days. Your chances of maintaining your recovery can be significantly improved by adding an outpatient aftercare program to your total recovery process.
Program Elements That Work
You should seek particular elements if you intend to participate in an outpatient recovery program. A successful and efficient treatment plan will include those specific elements. What to look for in an aftercare treatment includes:
- Assessments, tests, medication-related services and any necessary health-related services.
- Services for your home that will help you stay well and recuperate
- Supportive environment
- Assistance in discovering your passion and life purpose
- A sense of belonging
Remember This After IOP: Addiction Is A Disease
It is simple to overlook the fact that your condition is chronic and irreversible. Even if you start to feel in absolute control, cravings will still be a possibility for you. They can occasionally appear out of the blue. At the beginning of each day, it is a smart idea to keep reminding yourself that you have a condition that needs to be regularly handled. You can successfully prevent relapse by keeping this in mind.
It is a true benefit to start attending one of the outpatient aftercare programs, regardless of the type of therapy you have received. People can continue their recuperation with the aid of these programs. Treatments provided as part of aftercare also encourage patients to continue using the equipment and supplies they received from the rehab facility.
To Learn More, Contact Us Today
Do you require further aid and encouragement to start or carry on with your addiction recovery? If so, please get in touch with the Aquila Recovery Center right away. To begin your journey toward recovery, we can place you in the treatment program that is best suited to your unique needs.