When people search for women’s addiction treatment programs, they’re going to run into a large range of programs that may or may not work for them. One of the more common programs is an intensive outpatient program. On the surface, one of these programs can look like a good idea. But if you enter the program and it ends up not working for you, you could relapse. It’s important to know what these programs offer you before you decide to begin one.
What Is An Intensive Outpatient Program?
What is IOP? When people enter an intensive outpatient program, they travel on a daily basis to the treatment center of their choice. The facility builds an intensive treatment schedule around their other responsibilities. People who have work or family obligations, for instance, can enter this kind of intensive program in order to recover from their addiction.
How Is An Intensive Outpatient Program Different From An Inpatient Program?
People who enroll in an inpatient program live in the facility during their treatment. This means that they’re constantly in contact with the staff members of the facility and the support network they’re building during treatment. They’re also able to quickly turn to someone if they suddenly have a craving for drugs or alcohol.
The other option means clients live outside the treatment center. While the treatment schedules can be just as intensive, clients have more freedom when they live outside the treatment center. They don’t have restrictions on where they can go and who they can interact with. However, they may not always be in contact with their support network during difficult times, either. This can increase the chances of relapse.
Treatment centers that offer inpatient programs also keep their clients away from triggering stimuli. Even if they offer services off of the treatment center grounds, such as sober living, clients travel in groups to ensure safety and accountability. People who don’t stay in the treatment center during their recovery can’t always stay away from triggering stimuli. This can cause them to experience more cravings.
Is An Intensive Outpatient Program The Right Option For You?
People who don’t experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they stop using drugs or alcohol may find living outside the treatment center is better for them. They’re less likely to experience cravings when alone, but still get the intensive care that they need in order to fully recover from their substance abuse problems.
People who experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using should seriously consider an inpatient program instead. Withdrawal symptoms show that clients have become dependent on the substance they’ve been abusing. Although some cravings and negative side effects will diminish once they get through withdrawal, these individuals’ recovery will still be fragile. They’ll need continuous support in order to stay sober, especially in the first couple months.
There are some treatment centers that offer inpatient and outpatient treatment programs to their clients. If you’re not sure what your needs for recovery are, you can always reach out to a treatment center that offers both options. They’ll be able to help you determine which program is the best for you.
Women’s Recovery in San Diego, California
At Soledad House, we offer treatment options to female clients who reach out to us for help. We even provide aftercare programs and other services to help with substance abuse recovery. No matter what programs our clients need, we build personalized intensive treatment programs that help every individual that enters our facility.
Your substance abuse doesn’t have to control you. There’s a treatment program out there that can help you. Reach out to someone that can help you determine what program that is. Call Soledad House today at 866.314.3222.