therapist supporting a person in a group meeting

 

Are you struggling with alcohol addiction?
Hit the stop button with an Intensive Outpatient Program

Alcohol addiction is like a runway rollercoaster that’s exciting at first but often gets overwhelming, especially when not handled carefully. Here you’ll find a guide to comprehend the Outpatient Rehab process better.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is one of the best rehab options that allows addicts to manage substance use disorder while enjoying flexibility, autonomy, and convenience. The model offers an optimal path to recovery, where you stay in a rehabilitation center for a specific period, get treatment during the day, and comfort of home at night. This balanced freedom makes it easy to manage your work or school life while overcoming addiction. 

The best thing about the treatment is that your journey is not solo – you surround yourself with support, regain your sobriety, and bounce back. 

Ready to learn more about the Intensive Outpatient Program? Stick around as we unveil its main structure and components, the success stories, and the myths and misconceptions that may be holding you back.

A Comprehensive Guide – Intensive Outpatient Program

Every alcohol program has a personalized approach to healing that aligns with individual needs. 

However, there are standardized methods that are widely accepted irrespective of your location whether you are in Lake Forest or somewhere else. Let’s have a look at the most common healing methods.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to curb behaviors that may lead you to abusing a certain drug or alcohol. So how does it work? It operates under the principle that “behaviors can be learned and unlearned.” Thus, through the help of therapists, individuals can identify their destructive behaviors, unlearn them, and learn healthy ones. Not to worry, you will have new coping strategies to help you adapt to healthy behaviors.

12-Step Facilitation

Just as the name suggests, the 12-step Facilitation allows individuals to recover one step at a time. This means that patients are introduced to 12-step groups where they are expected to have 12 sessions. During the sessions, the patient and the provider discuss themes like the purpose of a higher power and spirituality. Through this, patients learn how to overcome obstacles and obstacles even when not restricted by the four walls of a rehab center.

The Matrix Model 

The matrix method was formerly developed to help people who used stimulants. Now, the technique is also used in Intensive Outpatient Programs to help people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Using different approaches, including structuring a routine, individuals can develop healthy relationships, emotions, and behaviors.

Family Therapy 

rehab outpatients applauding at a recovery meetingImage Source – Freepik

A strong support system is integral during outpatient alcohol rehab. That said, family therapy can make a great difference in a person’s recovery journey. This type of therapy aims to incorporate the victim’s family into the treatment. As a result, they can understand the patient more and develop new strategies to help them reclaim a sober life.

Contingency Management

Just as you punish a child for bad behavior and reward them for good behavior, the same applies to contingency management. While patients are not punished for relapsing, they are usually rewarded for abstaining from using drugs or consistently attending group meetings. Rewards are generally vouchers given after a patient submits a negative urine drug test.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication Assisted Treatment is another component of an Intensive Outpatient Program. This approach focuses on combining approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders, decrease drug abuse, and control cravings. The MAT approach, however, is used on individuals who are addicted to opioids.

Debunking Common Myths and Concerns About Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient Programs Operate on Religious Grounds

Well, many Intensive Outpatient Programs indeed have spiritual themes. However, this doesn’t mean that they operate on religious grounds. Plus, to calm your mind, spirituality has nothing to do with religion. 

Spirituality focuses on finding your inner self and focus. A large fraction of Americans say they’re spiritual but not religious. Religion, on the other hand, leans on a set of beliefs. Listening to your inner voice is the core step to full recovery, and that’s what spirituality is all about.

Outpatient Rehab Programs Aren’t Effective

As mentioned earlier, recent studies have proven that outpatient alcohol rehab is as effective as inpatient rehab. While it may not be suitable for someone who has relapsed before, that doesn’t mean that they don’t work. For individuals who are seeking treatment for the first time or perhaps those who have completed a rehab program, the outpatient method will serve them well, whether dealing with mild or acute addiction.

Outpatient Rehab Treatment Isn’t Fun 

You can have fun without relying on drugs! One of the best parts of being in outpatient alcohol rehab is that they teach you how to have fun in your sober life. Remember how you used to laugh until your ribs cracked without that glass of wine or beer? Well, it’s possible to achieve such happiness when you are in an outpatient program. With you having your freedom at night, the program teaches you how to participate in sober events and get-togethers with alumni.

Intensive Outpatient Program Will Drain Your Wallet 

If you live in Lake Forest, California, going for an Intensive Outpatient Program is more cost-effective compared to standardized treatment packages. Here is why- Most national and regional health insurance providers usually cover almost all services provided by outpatient treatment. In addition to that, patients also have access to a daily curriculum, just that it’s offered for a shorter duration.

An intensive outpatient program is a strategic route to rediscovering yourself without compromising your normal work or school life. With the right medication, therapy, and support, you will be able to regain your full sobriety. For more successful results, we recommend you go for a personalized approach. This way, you will find the right solution to your problems.

At Still Water Wellness Group, we recognize that every person has unique needs and concerns when it comes to fighting addiction. Thus, with a personalized approach, we create a customized solution for you. 

If you know someone with alcohol addiction, don’t wait. Get in touch with us for the best outpatient alcohol rehab program in Lake Forest, California, and reclaim your sober life. Call now for admission!