Treatment methods and programs for addiction vary, but one form that has been found to be effective is intensive outpatient treatment. Intensive outpatient treatment works by forcing an addict to leave his or her comfort zone and face their demons head on. This forces them to confront the emotions they were running from in order to keep their addictions going.
The addict will also be able to continue working during the intensive program through flexibility hours. This helps them maintain a work-life balance until they are ready for full time care, which is usually once the addiction is under control.
Reasons to use intensive outpatient program
Cost
- Intensive outpatient program is less expensive than inpatient treatment.
- The need for full-time care is avoided as program participants are able to continue working and further their education.
Flexibility
- Intensive outpatient programs allow participants to choose when and how they want to attend the program.
- This allows those who are busy with work or family responsibilities attend the program without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
No need for detoxification
- Intensive outpatient programs are effective because there is no need for detoxification.
- This means that withdrawal symptoms are eliminated, saving both time and money.
Real world experience
Participants in an intensive outpatient program learn positive and effective social skills to be able to cope with the issues they face while living a normal lifestyle. This includes how to deal with other addicts, family members and employers
Affordability
Due to the lack of need for full-time care, intensive outpatient programs can be afforded by people who cannot continue paying for traditional treatment options. Because of this, those who are working a minimum wage or lower job can have access to full-time care at a fraction of the cost of traditional programs.
Don’t require group therapy sessions
Participants can attend therapy one-on-one if he or she so chooses and will progress at their own pace. This allows the participant to learn at a pace that is comfortable for him or her and will not feel pressured by others in the group.
Quality of care
Intensive outpatient programs receive high marks for quality of care due to the less-than-traditional methods in treating addicts. This includes the one-on-one interaction between participants and therapists as well as group exercises that push participants out of their comfort zones.
These methods have been shown to have success in past cases, and as a result, intensive outpatient programs are used as part of many treatment plans for those struggling with addiction today.
