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What Makes IOP Different than Inpatient Treatment?

Now that you’ve made the life-changing decision to get help in overcoming your drug addiction, where are you going to get that help? Should you go to an inpatient drug rehab or will an intensive outpatient program (IOP) be effective for your problem? There are ways in which both approaches to treatment are alike and ways in which they differ. There are advantages to each approach just as there are certain drawbacks on both sides. Understanding how the two approaches compare can be helpful in deciding which is best suited to you and your situation. Apart from their shared goal of helping patients achieve a drug-free life, there are a few things inpatient and outpatient drug rehab programs have in common. Both approaches to drug rehab rely on group, individual and family therapy programs. Both will work with you to learn how to handle the daily challenges life presents with new perspective, awareness of inner strength, effective communication tools and successful problem-solving skills. What are the Differences between IOP and Inpatient Treatment? The main difference between the two treatment methods has to do with where the patient resides. Outpatient drug rehab allows the patient to remain in their present home situation and continue working at their job. However, you are not under constant supervision and need to be more vigilant about the temptation of drugs and alcohol, especially in the early stages of treatment. The number of hours/days required for outpatient treatment varies according to treatment guidelines and the individual’s needs. Inpatient drug rehab requires the patient to live 24 hours/day at the treatment facility for three to six weeks or more. The length of treatment depends upon the facility’s policies. Outpatient treatment is more open-ended, depending on your individual needs. The outpatient program at Discovery Transitions in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles combines the best in individualized care with various group therapies that work to help clients establish a sober support system. While enrolled in outpatient, you will receive one weekly customized one-on-one session with your counselor and will be expected to participate in support groups a minimum of nine hours per week. Outpatient treatment is desired by many people because of its flexibility. For adults with children or other family obligations, those who cannot afford to attend treatment for months at a time or people who do not have the insurance to cover their stay, outpatient treatment can be a very helpful means of recovery. On the other hand, inpatient care may be more effective than IOP because it offers a very structured and defined atmosphere. This type of a setting helps a person to forget about the distractions of life and allows them to focus on physical and psychological healing. One important difference in inpatient treatment when compared to outpatient treatment is the amount of medical attention received by a patient. In inpatient treatment, constant medical supervision is placed over each resident. Also, detoxification is provided in many inpatient drug treatment centers. The Importance of Commitment Whichever drug rehab environment is decided upon, nothing will produce success unless the person is 100 percent invested in the recovery process. Inpatient or outpatient is not as important as the commitment to beat addiction and live sober. Discovery Transitions offers outpatient treatment programs for men and women seeking either to initiate or to continue recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. Discovery Transitions utilizes a variety of treatment programs that allow each client to receive the individualized care they deserve. The Southern California rehab center offers a range of outpatient drug treatment programs to help drug addicts and alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety. Each client at Discovery Transitions receives customized care to end their dependence on prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin and other opiates and/or alcohol to live a sober life. To learn more about Discovery Transitions, visit DiscoveryTransitions.com or call +1-(866)-916-3211. Do you or a loved one have experience in an Intensive Outpatient Program? Please share with us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DiscoveryOP or Twitter http://twitter.com/DiscoveryOP #OutpatientRehab.

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How Outpatient Drug Rehab Can Change Your Life

If you are tired of drugs and alcohol being at the center of your life and you just want to feel better, outpatient drug rehab can improve the quality of your life and health. With outpatient addiction treatment, you can successfully manage the disease of addiction and experience the positive change that sobriety can have on your life. If you are suffering from the disease of addiction, you must understand that this is a chronic and frequently progressive condition. It will not spontaneously go away, and there is every likelihood that this disease will continually worsen until you enter into treatment. “Discovery Transitions has a program for you right in the heart of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley,” says David Dequa, Program Director of the Discovery Transitions Intensive Outpatient program. “Whether you are stepping down from a residential treatment facility or just starting your journey to sobriety, Discovery Transitions can help you build a foundation for long-term recovery.” Is Outpatient Drug Rehab Right for Me? Some addiction sufferers are not able to seek inpatient drug treatment for their condition. They may be struggling to remain at work, have family obligations, or have already paid for tuition and want to keep up their education. Some recovering addicts may have previously completed an inpatient program but require the ongoing support that outpatient therapy can give them. Most addiction centers today offer outpatient addiction treatment for precisely these reasons. In some cases, inpatient therapy is truly the best option; individuals who require medical detox, for example, should opt for inpatient programs. However, if you believe that you would benefit from an outpatient treatment, you’ll find there are many options available to you. Adds Dequa, “What you can expect in Discovery Transitions’ outpatient drug rehab program is a gradual awakening and a new freedom, not only from addiction itself but from everything that goes with it: isolation, fear, anxiety—the list goes on and on. Recovery offers a healthy and fulfilling alternative to the substance dependent life.” What Should I Look for in an Outpatient Drug Rehab Program? There are many approaches to addiction treatment, so you’ll want to search for a rehab program that is ideal for you. Generally speaking, however, you’ll want to seek out an outpatient drug rehab center that is patient, focused, and adaptable to your needs. If you have scheduling concerns, it’s best to meet with an addiction specialist before beginning treatment so you can develop a plan that allows you to maintain your other commitments, such as caring for children or working. Naturally, you should choose a certified addiction treatment center that has the experience and expertise you can rely on as you embark on your road to lifelong recovery. Types of Outpatient Drug Rehab Therapy Various drug and alcohol addiction centers provide multiple options when it comes to outpatient therapy. In many cases, sufferers can expect to find programs for ongoing support, family therapy, individual and group therapy, and even educational programs. Some centers, like Discovery Transitions, may offer alternative addiction treatments, such as Neurofeedback, which has been shown to nearly double recovery rates. Many outpatient drug rehab programs, like Discovery Transitions, are very intensive, so addiction sufferers can still obtain the level of treatment they need to meet their recovery goals. Many individuals also combine their participation in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous with their outpatient therapy. How Can Outpatient Addiction Treatment Save My Life? Outpatient alcohol and/or drug treatment can be highly successful for many addiction sufferers. For individuals who are able to self-regulate, you may find this to be an ideal way to overcome your addiction. Outpatient drug rehab therapy can help sufferers sever their psychological and behavioral dependencies on drugs or alcohol. By learning new strategies for coping with triggers, these individuals are better able to ward off relapse and meet their goal of long-term sobriety. By refraining from abusing drugs or alcohol, addiction sufferers will experience improved mental and physical health. The fact is, both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs can save lives. Each time an addict abuses drugs or alcohol, they risk overdose and they compromise their health and their future. Treatment can save your life if you suffer from the disease of addiction. The sooner you enter treatment, the sooner you can change your life for the better. Discovery Transitions for Intensive Outpatient Treatment Discovery Transitions, located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California, offers outpatient treatment programs for men and women seeking either to initiate or to continue recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. Discovery Transitions utilizes a variety of treatment programs that allow each client to receive the individualized care they deserve. The Southern California rehab center offers a range of outpatient drug treatment programs to help drug addicts and alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety. Each client at the San Fernando Valley’s Discovery Transitions receives customized care to end their dependence on prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin and other opiates and/or alcohol to live a sober life. To learn more about Discovery Transitions  call +1-(866)-916-3211. Have you received outpatient treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction? Share with us on our Facebook page or on Twitter at @DiscoveryOP #AddictionTreatment

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3 Famous Heroin Drug Addicts Shine Light on Recovery

Even without a personal association with heroin, most of us have witnessed how destructive heroin addiction can be through the stories of famous heroin drug addicts who have had to suffer through it publicly. They are testimony to the power of heroin addiction, and some of them are shining examples of the possibilities for recovery. Take, for example, Angelina Jolie. In a 1996 newspaper interview, she called out heroin as her favorite among the array of drugs she took in her youth, and she confirmed her past heroin use in a 2011 60-minutes episode. Clean and sober today, she serves as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and participates in an array of charitable activities. Robert Downey, Jr.’s story may be one of the best known heroin-kicking tales. Between 1996 and 2001, he was often in the media for his arrests on drug-related charges, including heroin possession, and his forays into drug rehab were legendary. Today he is not only of drugs and alcohol, he was recently named by Forbes magazine as Hollywood’s top-earning actor, and he is known for his charity work with a number of non-profits, including the March of Dimes and the Orca Foundation. Rock star Eric Clapton found his way to heroin in the early stages of his career and even had to take a brief career hiatus as a result of his habit. At a rock concert in 1971, he passed out on stage from drug use, but after a protracted struggle, he is clean and has founded a drug addiction treatment center called Crossroads Centre. While we may have found their antics on drugs somewhat horrifying (or maybe even entertaining), we can thank these famous heroin drug addicts and a host of others for persisting with recovery, and for going on to show that heroin addiction does not have to end in a heroin-related fatality.

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Recovering from Drug Abuse and The Risk of Relapse

If someone you love is recovering from drug abuse, you’re probably concerned about the risk of relapse. It can be hard for people who have never dealt with substance abuse and addiction to understand why an individual would go back to drinking or using after working so hard on their recovery. Addiction is a complex condition, and it requires a lifelong effort to stay sober. Relapse in Drug Addiction Recovery More than 50 percent of people who have completed drug or alcohol addiction programs end up sliding back into addictive behavior at some point. Your loved one will need your support if they relapse, but you may not know the best way to help. Here are some tips for dealing with a relapsing friend or family member, as well as a few mistakes to avoid. How to Deal When Someone You Love Relapses Support Their Recovery from Drugs and Alcohol By Staying Calm It’s easy to panic or get angry when a loved one suffers a relapse, but staying calm is essential. A relapse doesn’t have to signal the end of the person’s recovery efforts–they still have all the knowledge and coping skills they learned at the recovery center. Try to collect your thoughts and figure out how you can best support them. Take Care of Your Loved One Recovering from Drug Abuse by Taking Care of Yourself Watching a loved one relapse can be devastating, and it’s easy to let your own wants and needs go in the process. It’s essential that you take care of yourself and deal with the complicated feelings that come with the situation. Make sure you’re getting enough exercise and sleep and try to keep your stress levels in check. You may want to join a support group for families who have been affected by addiction, or you might try counseling. Don’t Play the Blame Game You might find yourself blaming yourself or blaming your loved one for the relapse, but pointing the finger of blame isn’t going to help the situation. If your loved one recently completed treatment, you may want to blame the addiction center, but nobody is truly at fault. Addiction is a disease with a chronic, relapsing nature, and it’s more constructive to avoid blame and focus on being there for your loved one. Guide Them With Addiction Support It’s important to help your loved one get back on track by making sure they have the right level of addiction support. Counseling sessions, support groups, and 12-step programs are all excellent resources that can help a person stick to their recovery efforts after a relapse. In some cases, more intensive treatment is necessary, and a person may need to go through the process of addiction withdrawal again. You can speak to addiction professionals at drug addiction treatment centers to discuss your loved one’s case and help determine the best therapy for substance abuse. Remember: Relapse From Drugs or Alcohol Abuse is Not Failure Relapse is a part of many people’s addiction journey, but it doesn’t mean that their recovery has been derailed for good. Addiction is like many chronic diseases: Sometimes more than one round of treatment is needed. With your support and the appropriate resources, they can put a plan of action into motion and get back on the path to recovery.

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How to Gain Perspective in Drug Abuse Treatment

Everyone has the occasional bad day, and those tough days are even more likely if you’re going through drug abuse treatment. One of the most effective ways to get through a challenging time is to develop a positive inner dialogue with yourself. Positive, motivating affirmations can help you push aside negative thoughts and overcome the obstacles in your life. Here are a few simple, but powerful, thoughts to keep in mind when life in recovery from drugs and alcohol gets tough. 7 Things to Keep in Mind When Drug Abuse Treatment Gets Tough 1. We can grow and learn through failure. We aren’t meant to succeed at everything, and some of life’s greatest lessons are learned through failure. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, try looking at them as opportunities to grow and learn from your mistakes. 2. If you’re doing your best, that’s enough. The quest for perfection can be toxic. The truth is, nobody will ever be perfect – you can’t be everything at all times. Recovery from alcohol addiction or substance addiction is a lifelong process, and it’s hard to get through this process without error. As long as you can honestly say that you’re doing your best, then that is enough. 3. You have everything you need within you right now. Let’s face it – life isn’t always fair. It’s easy to get discouraged and tell yourself that you can’t achieve your goals because you don’t have the same things other people have. Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, remind yourself that you already have everything you need to succeed. You’re an incredible person with the potential to be whatever you want to be. 4. Your emotions and thoughts do not define you. One principle of Buddhist meditation is the concept of being a “watcher” of your thoughts and feelings. This helps you detach yourself from thoughts that go through your mind: You have thoughts and feelings, but they aren’t part of your identity. When you can develop this awareness about your mental activity, you’ll become less consumed by your thoughts and emotions and more able to achieve a sense of peace. 5. You can control your stories. Another key Buddhist principle is the concept of “emptiness”. This means that things only have meaning when we assign them meaning. When you realize that you control the meaning attached to things, it’s easier to change the way you view things that happen to you. You’re not denying that things happen, you’re just adjusting your outlook to see things in a more positive light. 6. It’s ok to have negative feelings. Nobody feels positive all of the time, especially when you’re in recovery. Disappointment, discouragement and fear are part of life’s reality, and it’s ok to have these uncomfortable feelings sometimes. Prepare yourself to accept these feelings as they come and do whatever it takes to work through them. 7. Look how far you’ve come! Think about it: You’ve survived substance abuse, and you’ve made it this far in your recovery. You’ve already made it a lot further than many people in your battle against addiction. Don’t feel discouraged if you hit a bump in the road. You’ve got this. Life isn’t easy, and it can be particularly difficult when you’re in recovery from alcohol addiction or drug abuse. The temptation to drink or use again gets worse when you’re having a rough day. With these simple mantras in mind, you’ll be better prepared to handle life’s challenges and move forward with a positive outlook.

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5 Questions for Finding the Right Sober Living Home

Choosing a sober living home is only one of the many major decisions that you will have to make during your recovery. Wherever you currently live, there are a number of sober living programs available in all states across the country. However, it isn’t wise to simply choose the first one that you come across. It is important to find excellent social support in order to reach long-term sobriety. Therefore, you should never stop your search for sober living homes, until you find one that is the best fit for you. Here are five questions to keep in mind when you begin your search for a sober living home. 5 Questions for Finding the Right Sober Living Home How is the Sober Living Home Structured? Structure is one of the most important components in recovery. People who just come out of the drug or alcohol rehab wonder about the overwhelming amount of decisions that they have to make every single day. If there isn’t anyone to guide you with your day to day work, you may end up falling back to drugs or alcohol abuse. Therefore, you need to live in a sober living environment that will implement rules and regulations in your day to day life. When you are spending your time around people who value this structure, you will be able to focus on your recovery just a little bit easier. What are the Current Conditions? It is important to know about the living conditions in a particular sober living home and if they may lead to your sobriety being jeopardized or if they will affect your physical safety. Have a look at the other people who will be living inside the sober home with you. Then you need to ask about the safety and technological measures that are used within the facility. It is important to pay special attention towards the neighborhood as well. Is it a Positive Sober Living Environment? Having a strong social network is vital to your recovery and if you can have that right at home, that’s even better. Read into your intuition. Do you get a good vibe from the people who are currently living there? Is this going to be a place filled with people that will support your recovery? Then you need to check whether the sober living facility has a positive environment or not. Do They Have a Strong Sober Support Team? Being surrounded by those who support your sobriety is also a very important aspect of your recovery. The sober living business that you select should be equipped with an excellent staff and support team as they are going to play an instrumental part in your life and your recovery. The staff of the sober living facility should be supportive and they need to care about your success. Do They Encourage Personal Responsibility? As much as you need others to care and support you through your recovery, don’t discount the power you have to guide yourself through to a happy and addiction free lifestyle. While your sober living buddies should have the ability to analyze you and guide you towards proper sober living programs and practices, individual recovery plans are extremely important for staying sober. Look for a sober living home that offers an excellent personal responsibility. They will assist you with the first few steps and then you will have to put in the hard work and be able to work independently toward your life free of substance abuse. Remember, long-term recovery is a long-term commitment. You’re always in recovery and you can be happy without drugs or alcohol. If you or someone you care about could benefit from outpatient addiction treatment, contact Discovery Transitions today at +1-(866)-916-3211 to speak with an addiction counselor. We can provide information about the treatment programs at our intensive outpatient addiction treatment center and answer any questions you might have about your addiction and recovery.

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Keys to Forgiveness in Drug Addiction Recovery

Overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction is never easy and forgiveness in drug addiction recovery can be even harder. From the early stages of addiction intervention and detox through to the later stages of aftercare support, each element of treatment plays an important role in the overall process. While medications help to treat the physical nature of drug addiction, it’s also important to grow emotionally throughout the recovery process. Forgiveness is one of the most important lessons of all, with recovering addicts much less likely to relapse when they have made peace with themselves and the world around them. Defining Forgiveness in Drug Addiction Recovery Forgiveness is a voluntary and intentional act that involves recognizing and releasing negative emotions. By definition, forgiveness is about letting go and starting again, two things that are essential to any successful rehabilitation. Those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction often feel the weight of resentment and bitterness, with people often unable to forgive themselves and the people around them. In order to break the bonds of addiction once and for all, it’s important to break old emotional ties and start again with a fresh new outlook. The Nature of Addiction Addiction is a learned behavioral response maintained by neuronal adaptations. Before anyone can truly recover from a drug or alcohol dependency, they need to break the old unhealthy relationships that lead to impulsive and compulsive behaviors. While detox and medication therapy help to reset physical associations, this is only half of the battle. By learning the gentle art of forgiveness, you are giving yourself the best opportunity to throw away unhealthy psychological associations. Rehabilitation centers can help with this process, with mental and emotional health an important aspect of drug addiction recovery. The Benefits of Forgiveness in Drug Addiction Recovery People who are able to forgive themselves and the people around them are much more likely to recover from a substance use disorder. By letting go of past mistakes and grudges, you are releasing negativity and making room for healthy thoughts and emotions. Forgiveness also reduces stress levels and improves mental health, with people who experience resentment, bitterness, and anger much more likely to suffer from depression disorder. Learning how to forgive can even improve your physical health by helping to lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Residential drug rehab facilities and outpatient rehabilitation centers help people to forgive and start fresh every single day. The Importance of Mindfulness Learning how to forgive is almost as important as forgiveness itself. In order to overcome any kind of addiction, it’s important to be mindful of the sensations, feelings, and thoughts that arise throughout the recovery process. This simple act of paying attention is known as ‘mindfulness’, and it plays a central role in many drug programs. You can only forgive those things that you are already aware of, with mindfulness and meditation practices helping people to identify these problem areas. You don’t have to forget about your past or even forgive people face-to-face, you simply have to recognize the negative emotions that are holding you back and throw away the things that are no longer serving your better interests. If you or someone you care about could benefit from outpatient addiction treatment, contact Discovery Transitions today at +1-(866)-916-3211 to speak to an addiction counselor. We can provide information about the treatment programs at our intensive outpatient addiction treatment center and answer any questions you might have about your addiction and recovery.

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The Power of Outpatient Addiction Treatment

When people think about drug and alcohol treatment, they usually picture a stay at a residential rehab facility. While an inpatient substance abuse program may offer the best chance of success for individuals with a severe addiction or an unstable home environment, many people in the earlier stages of addiction benefit from the flexibility of outpatient treatment. Outpatient addiction treatment programs are an effective option for individuals who may not be able to take extended time away from their work and personal responsibilities. Is outpatient treatment the right choice for you? Understanding the facts about this type of addiction treatment can help you make an informed decision about your own care. “No one wants to let an addiction get in the way of their life,” notes David Dequa, Program Director at Discovery Transitions, an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center in Los Angeles. “If you have had a short history of addiction, are at low risk for relapse and can be counted on to attend therapy sessions faithfully, then outpatient treatment might be the ideal path to a new and better life. Addicts who fit this profile still need professional help. They will benefit greatly from therapy sessions, but they are able to incorporate our outpatient treatment into the rest of their busy life and schedule.” Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment There are many advantages to receiving therapy through an outpatient treatment program: Presence at Work or School:You’ll be able to hold down your job or continue attending school while you participate in your outpatient drug or alcohol treatment. This flexibility is critical for individuals whose careers or school enrollment simply cannot be paused for several weeks while they are in residential rehab. Presence at Home: If you run a household or have young children at home, it can be difficult to step away from your personal responsibilities to receive alcohol or drug addiction treatment. Outpatient substance abuse treatment offers clients the capability to continue looking after their children and family members each day. It’s helpful to have a spouse or relative available to pitch in with childcare and chores during this time, but the ability to be present for your children is invaluable to many people. Access to Your Support Network:For some people, the chance to get away from relatives and friends at a residential treatment center helps them focus on their recovery, but other individuals need the daily support of their loved ones to help them through a challenging time. Outpatient alcohol or drug treatment enables clients to stay in touch with the members of their support network each day as they complete their therapy. Privacy: Not everyone is comfortable discussing their recovery journey with friends and coworkers. A substance abuse treatment program that allows you to come home each night and maintain a presence at work offers a greater degree of anonymity and privacy. Adds Dequa, “Outpatient rehab provides more freedom than inpatient treatment, but both types of rehab take addicts through a rigorous program that teaches them how to live a sober life and avoid relapse.” Who is a Good Candidate for Outpatient Addiction Treatment? Outpatient rehab isn’t the right choice for everyone. Some individuals will fare better in the substance-free, supportive environment of a residential treatment center. Certain factors help determine that a client would be best served by residential treatment: History of relapse:A person who has a history of slipping back into substance use may struggle with the temptations and triggers that are part of everyday life. If you’ve experienced a relapse in the past, you may have an easier time focusing on recovery in a residential program with no access to alcohol or drugs. Dangerous behavior:It’s not uncommon to suffer from suicidal thoughts or violent tendencies when you’re struggling with severe addiction. If there’s a chance that you might harm yourself or a loved one, you’ll be better off in the safe environment of a residential treatment facility. Outpatient treatment has been proven to be an effective, flexible treatment option for individuals who need to continue working or taking care of their families while they receive addiction treatment.  If you have a stable home environment and a strong support system, it may be the right treatment approach for you. The addiction professionals at Discovery Transitions can provide more information and help determine the level of care that meets your unique needs. Discovery Transitions, located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, offers outpatient treatment programs for men and women seeking either to initiate or to continue recovery from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. Discovery Transitions utilizes a variety of treatment programs that allow each client to receive the individualized care they deserve. The Southern California rehab center offers a range of outpatient drug treatment programs to help drug addicts and alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety. Each client at Discovery Transitions receives customized care to end their dependence on prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin and other opiates and/or alcohol to live a clean and sober life. To learn more about Discovery Transitions call +1-(866)916-3211.

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