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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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Why IOP Treatment is the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Why IOP Treatment is the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

Intensive outpatient programs – or IOP treatment – are a fantastic alternative for people who do not want or need residential care, providing people with access to comprehensive treatment while living at their regular home address. Why IOP Treatment Is a Good Option For You The drug treatment process includes three separate yet integrated phases: detoxification, rehabilitation, and aftercare. While detox programs help people to stop using drugs and alcohol in a safe medical setting, detox does little to address the psychological undercurrents of drug addiction. Extended rehabilitation and aftercare are always recommended, with inpatient and outpatient programs both widely available. What is IOP Treatment? Intensive outpatient programs provide the best of both worlds, offering intensive structured treatment in a flexible and affordable package. Depending on the individual and substance in question, outpatient programs provide a range of medical and psychotherapeutic programs that tackle all aspects of substance abuse. Medication therapy is often needed to treat physical drug dependencies, including alcoholism, prescription opiate dependence, and heroin addiction. Psychotherapy programs are also initiated to address the emotional and social aspects of drug addiction, including family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational enhancement programs. Benefits of IOP Treatment Outpatient drug rehab is an important aspect of substance abuse treatment. While inpatient programs provide a more comprehensive level of care, they are more expensive and less flexible than comparable outpatient programs. People attending outpatient programs are able to live at home for the duration of treatment, meaning they can carry out their regular home and work commitments while in therapy. This has a number of practical and psychological benefits, with people much less likely to relapse when they have stable employment, stable accommodation, and access to family support networks. IOP is also more affordable than residential care, making it more accessible to people in need. Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment Before entering a drug rehab program, it’s important to understand the difference between inpatient and outpatient care. Also known as residential care, inpatient programs involve an intensive live-in arrangement for the duration of the program, which can last from a couple of weeks to a few months. There are two primary levels of inpatient care, with residential hospitalization involving 24-hour access to medications and inpatient rehab providing less intensive support. Outpatient care offers a less intensive alternative, including partial hospitalization and outpatient rehab. During a typical outpatient program, the patient lives at their usual domestic address while attending treatment sessions on a periodic basis. Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Relapse is a common outcome of drug addiction, with dedicated measures needed to reduce relapse rates and ensure long-term recovery. Outpatient programs, including IOP, are designed to help people transition between rehab and everyday life. Most aftercare programs attempt to reduce relapse rates through cognitive and behavioral methods, including mindfulness training, trigger recognition strategies, and ongoing family therapy. While most relapse prevention systems are based on psychotherapy, intensive outpatient programs may also help people find suitable employment, training, and accommodation opportunities.

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3 Ways Alumni Group is Helpful in Outpatient Drug Rehab

Making it through outpatient drug rehab for addiction is a pivotal, life-changing event. The initial surrender—Yes, I need to do this—the break from the grind of addiction, the new things learned, hope, vulnerability, and a whole new sense of possibilities all add up to a starting point for a changed life. And fundamental to all this is the fact that we do it alongside others. Not all treatment centers offer an active alumni group for post-treatment support, but at Discovery Transitions we understand the importance of connection during early addiction recovery. Why Joining an Alumni Group is Helpful During Outpatient Drug Rehab Nobody goes through treatment in isolation; it’s a necessary part of the process to recover in a group. In drug addiction treatment, that group consists of our fellow treatment patients. You Meet and Connect With a Variety of Recovering Drug Addicts Many of the people you will find yourself in drug rehab centers are people with whom you may not ordinarily mix with. But what the college-dropout heroin smoker and the pill-addicted housewife have in common is an addiction, and the feelings and frustrations underlying addiction prove to be stronger ties than the lifestyle differences are barriers. Addicts together in recovery have been likened to survivors of a shipwreck—the bonds of mutual survival take priority. You Form Bonds That Support Your Recovery from Drug Abuse As we move together through the early phases of recovery, we find—through sharing at the group level in treatment—that we are not alone. When others share their fears and failures, as well as their hope and determination, we identify. And when people who have successfully completed treatment and are living productive, drug-free lives come back and share, we gain strength from their experience. These Relationships Are Helpful From Early Recovery and Beyond When the time comes to go on with our lives—clean and sober—the relationships we’ve built in treatment are assets to our recovery. Furthermore, our own recovery becomes an asset to those who are newer in recovery. An alumni group can keep us grounded: they know where we came from and can keep us accountable, and in turn we can watch who succeeds and who falters, and we can learn from each. Join the Discovery Transitions Alumni Group There really is no denying the power of connection through participation in an active alumni group. You get to meet a variety of people from different walks of life that can teach you a lot about recovery and about life. If you are an alumni of The Discovery House drug rehab program or the Discovery Transitions outpatient treatment center and you are not already a member of the alumni group and would like to participate, reach out to us today at +1-(866)-916-3211. We also keep an active alumni group Facebook page, so you can stay connected no matter where you are. Call us today for more information on our alumni group.

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Family Therapy Drug Rehab Los Angeles

5 Ways to Set Boundaries in Drug Addiction Rehab

Setting boundaries is an important life skill for anyone, but it’s particularly helpful for people in drug addiction rehab. People dealing with substance abuse and addiction often come from families with unhealthy boundaries. In some cases, the lines drawn were too rigid, leading to stifled emotions and a lack of emotional support; in other situations, a lack of boundaries left families too intertwined, making it nearly impossible to form a real identity. As life goes on, it can be hard to break out of these family roles and patterns, which increases the risk of depression and addictive behavior. Part of most addiction programs and addiction support groups involves learning how to set healthy boundaries and respect the boundaries of other people. Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Boundaries in Drug Addiction Rehab When you’ve lived your whole life in a family with unhealthy boundaries, you may not even know what positive boundaries look like. Healthy boundaries aren’t designed to control other people or keep them at arm’s length; instead, they allow you to take care of your needs, say “no” when it’s appropriate and define the kind of alcohol or drug addiction treatment that you’re willing to accept. Positive boundaries keep you from feeling used by others or allowing other people to define you. How to Set Your Own Boundaries in Drug Addiction Rehab If you’ve completed outpatient or inpatient substance abuse treatment, you’ve probably spent some time learning about boundaries, but you may not be sure how to set them yourself. A few tips recommended by drug addiction support professionals can keep you on track: 1. Recognize your own rights: The first step toward setting healthy boundaries is to acknowledge that you have the right to your own feelings and beliefs. For people who grew up in dysfunctional families, this can be a difficult task. 2. Set your limits: Once you’ve figured out how you want to be treated, you’ll need to begin setting limits with other people. A simple example of setting limits might involve friends who still drink or use. You might only want to meet these friends during daytime hours, or you may limit your meetings to certain places that don’t trigger you. 3. Speak up for yourself: It’s important to assert yourself if you feel your boundaries have been violated. You don’t have to lash out at people to communicate your needs: A clear, honest approach is most effective. 4. Respect your inner voice: When you get an uncomfortable feeling inside, chances are good that one of your boundaries is being crossed. Staying in touch with your inner voice and trusting your instincts will help you act in ways that honor your boundaries. 5. Enforce your boundaries: Your boundaries will be tested from time to time, so you’ll need to define some consequences that you can enforce. If certain people repeatedly violate your boundaries, you may need to reconsider your relationship with them. It’s clear that setting healthy boundaries is a key step in the journey toward recovery. Breaking free of old patterns can be hard, but the rewards of defining your own voice make the effort worthwhile. When you establish clear and healthy boundaries, you begin to discover who you really are. 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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Family Therapy Drug Rehab Los Angeles

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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