For those with drug and alcohol addiction, an available option for treatment is to enroll in an outpatient program. Yet it can be difficult to know if the time is right for this option. We’ll reveal some common signs that outpatient treatment may benefit you.
What Is an Outpatient Program?
Unlike inpatient treatment, an outpatient program allows you to receive addiction treatment without having to live at a treatment center. You travel from your home or sober living home to treatment, and then return home when your treatment day has ended.
Outpatient treatment is also called intensive outpatient, or IOP. IOPs are different for everyone because each person will be different in terms of the severity of their addiction, which substance is being used, and which treatments have been identified as being most effective for them.
Whether you’re attending group counseling, individual counseling, or treatment for a co-occurring disorder or undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy or all of the above, you can attend outpatient treatment and meet your work and life obligations.
IOP treatment for addiction at One Touch includes the option to be placed in a sober living home. This can be the ideal scenario if the home environment doesn’t provide the support needed for recovery.
Sober living homes provide a structured environment where participants can focus on their recovery. These settings don’t allow drugs or alcohol, and allow for instant access to a community of individuals who all have the same goal of recovery from addiction.
Telltale Signs It’s Time for Treatment
The following signs indicate that the time is right to enter an addiction treatment program for drug or alcohol abuse. Even if you’re only experiencing one of these symptoms, it’s important to consider the benefits of outpatient rehab, which can help you learn how to manage your consumption before your symptoms multiply or your addiction worsens.
You’re Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
Do you experience sweating, nausea, headache, vomiting, or shaky hands when you’re not using drugs or drinking? If so, these are all signs that it’s time to enter treatment. However, these aren’t the only signs of withdrawal. Those who have an addiction that’s more developed may experience different and more serious withdrawal signs, including:
- High blood pressure
- Confusion
- Heavy sweating
- Fever
These are all symptoms of a condition called delirium tremens, also known as DTs. The symptoms of delirium tremens can be fatal. If you’re experiencing them, it’s important to enter an outpatient program for drugs and alcohol.
You’re Lying About or Hiding Your Substance Use
Lying about substance misuse or hiding one’s consumption of a substance is a common sign that treatment is the right next step. Lying about drinking or doing drugs can take many forms. Not being honest about how much you used or drank and saying that you were in a different place with different people are just two examples.
Hiding drug or alcohol use can include hiding your purchased drugs or alcohol. You may have avoided being in situations where others might notice how much you drink or use or may drink before going out to make your consumption less noticeable.
If you have lied or hidden your drinking or substance use, it’s time to seek treatment.
Your Health Is Being Impacted
Chronic excessive drinking and drug use can cause physical, mental, and emotional problems. Many medical conditions have been linked to the misuse of substances, including:
- Nervous system disorders
- Cancer
- Anemia
- Heart damage
- Brain disorders including dementia
- Liver damage
As well, if you have an existing mental condition like depression or anxiety, using high amounts of drugs or alcohol over a long period of time can make your symptoms much worse. Enrolling in an outpatient program can ensure you receive treatment for both your addiction and the health problems you may be experiencing.
Your Relationships Are Suffering
If you find you’re arguing more with your spouse, friends, or other family members, it may not be a coincidence. The same is true if you seem to keep experiencing trouble with your work relationships. Being addicted to a substance can cause you to become more emotionally sensitive.
You may feel depressed, irritable, or angry after the effects of a substance have worn off. As well, withdrawal symptoms can make you feel ill enough that you simply don’t want to interact with anyone at all. All of the above can weaken once-strong relationships and indicate that outpatient treatment might be a good next step.
You Can’t Remember Certain Periods of Time
Blacking out is a common experience for some people who consume too much alcohol or other substances; it occurs when the body becomes unable to handle the amount of substance you have consumed.
When this happens, short-term memory is affected, preventing you from remembering blocks of time. This isn’t all that can happen during a blackout; you may engage in risky behavior and injure someone or become injured yourself. Because blackouts are a common sign of addiction, treatment with an outpatient program can be of great benefit.
You’ve Tried to Quit Before
Trying to quit drinking or using and failing repeatedly is another common sign that you need the help available from outpatient treatment. Many people think that not being able to quit is a sign that they’ve failed or won’t be able to overcome their addiction. Neither of these is true; not being able to quit is simply a sign that additional help is needed.
All of the above are common signs and effects of chronic substance abuse, but they are by no means the only ones. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has a wealth of resources about the effects of substance use disorders on physical, mental, and emotional health.
What to Expect From One Touch Recovery Center
There are many addiction treatment centers to choose from in Southern California, but those who want treatment that’s truly personalized choose One Touch Recovery Center.
We build your individual treatment plan by understanding you and your needs, as well as conducting several assessments and evaluations. Our treatment is based on where you are currently.
At One Touch, we know that getting clean is only the beginning of your recovery journey. That’s why, in addition to addiction treatment and counseling, we also teach you the life skills you’ll need to thrive in your new sober life.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention teaches you how to identify people and situations in your life that can trigger relapse. It also reveals the many ways in which you can deal with these situations without having to return to using.
Stress and Anger Management
Many who misuse substances do so to suppress difficult memories or emotions. As well, withdrawing from a substance can result in feelings of stress, irritability, and anger. Outpatient treatment with our rehab center includes stress and anger management sessions to teach you the skills you need to process your emotions in healthy and positive ways.
Therapy That Addresses Your Cultural and Spiritual Needs
Your cultural and spiritual foundations are fundamental parts of who you are. That’s why every individualized addiction treatment plan recognizes the importance of spirituality and culture and incorporates addiction treatment that takes these into account.
A Treatment Option That Benefits You for Life
One of the many priorities of One Touch Recovery is to provide you with the skills you need to thrive long after you’ve left us. Interaction with others in group sessions will reveal many things, including how much you have to teach and learn and just how far you’ve come since your arrival.
Begin Your Journey with One Touch Recovery Center
Addiction can not only cause many health problems but increase your risk of injury, ruin your relationships, and cause you to feel hopeless. When you seek substance abuse treatment with One Touch Recovery Center in Pomona, you can begin a new life that’s free of alcohol or drugs and rebuild those important relationships with your loved ones.
Our rehab program is offered on an outpatient basis, and we also welcome walk-ins. If you or someone close to you is experiencing signs that indicate rehab treatment is the next best step, contact One Touch Recovery Center today to see how we can help: (909) 351-4480.
