It’s a big step to admit that you need help when struggling with substance addiction. It’s an even bigger step to actually follow through and get the help you need. After further research on substance addiction treatment, you quickly come to learn about inpatient and outpatient programs. Outpatient care can be enticing to those who want more freedom on their treatment journey. But what does an intensive outpatient program look like, exactly, you might wonder? Here’s a quick overview:
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An outpatient program is a method of treatment that provides care and guidance without requiring the patient to stay in a hospital overnight. Patients are free to go about their daily lives and spend time in the comfort of their own homes while still receiving intensive outpatient rehabilitation treatment.
So, what exactly happens in an outpatient care program? Patients often attend therapy three to five times a week. It may be individual therapy, group therapy, or even a combination of both. Outside of therapy, they have the opportunity to do as they please, hopefully using the skills and healing tactics they’ve been learning in therapy.
On the other hand, inpatient care requires a patient to stay overnight in a facility to receive the higher level of care that they need. An inpatient program is much more strict. Patients may not have access to digital devices and cannot come & go as they please.
Who Qualifies for Outpatient Care?
Anyone struggling with addiction can qualify for an outpatient program, whether they’ve completed inpatient care previously or not. This can be a great opportunity for those who need a smoother transition from substance use to life after substance. It can be a relatively comfortable and less intimidating method of treatment than staying in a facility overnight.
However, those who need 24-hour medical care, are going through detox, or need extra supervision won’t be good candidates for outpatient care. Inpatient treatment would be more appropriate in their circumstance. They may wish to complete inpatient care before graduating to outpatient care.
See if an Outpatient Program is Right for You
Are you convinced that an outpatient program might be best for you or your loved one who’s struggling with addiction? The next step would be to start looking at a few different outpatient facilities and learning more about what their specific programs offer. No two programs are exactly alike in terms of program lengths, quality of care, and pricing.
Looking into a highly-rated IOP in San Juan Capistrano is one such great idea for those seeking treatment. Don’t be shy to give a few facilities a call and visit their websites to learn more about their outpatient care!
Conclusion
Outpatient programs aren’t ideal for everyone dealing with substance addiction. Although, they can be beneficial and successful for certain individuals. In the end, an intensive outpatient program can make a huge difference for many when an inpatient program might not be the best option or when it has already been completed.
