Yes, getting rid of alcohol can be a tough ride and have many bumps down the road, but it can be easier with the right people supporting you. At Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, we hope to be that help to anyone who needs it. There are a number of programs to choose from, and each of them planned out to cover all the bases needed in your journey to recovery.
What is IOP Treatment?
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are one of the options available for the recovery of alcohol and drug abuse. In this type of program, a patient will have the possibility of keeping their routine as is, since it is not full-time, and they won’t have to stay in the facilities for the treatment. It is only a certain number of hours a week, and there are often multiple options that you can pick from according to which fits your schedule best.
IOPs usually rely heavily on group therapy sessions and support, with additional individual case management. This is a great way to not just deal with the symptoms, physical, and emotional toll of getting clean, but it gives you an opportunity to work on social interaction in the process. IOP alcohol treatment will allow you to get to know other addicts going through the same process, giving you a chance to learn new ways to cope, to deal with the side effects, and to try to get your life back on track.
It is important to keep in mind that this method is usually recommended for people that do not require detoxification and/or, obviously, 24-hour medical supervision. While it has been proven to be effective, some cases require more time dedicated to therapy, treatment, and IOP alcohol treatments might not provide everything someone in a more intense scenario might need. There are a number of alternatives for different types of cases, so be sure to compare well among your choices in order to ensure that you will choose what is right for you.
What are the benefits of IOP treatment?
Well, as mentioned before, since IOP treatment does not demand that the patient stays in the rehabilitation clinic of their choice 24/7, this can be the perfect choice for those that need to go to work, school, or can’t spend a full day focused solely on their treatment. This is especially interesting for anyone that does not want to feel like they are putting everything on hold – which can be an excuse to not start on a recovery program.
Knowing what you will have to go through can also help decide whether IOP alcohol treatment is the way to go. Some of the symptoms from alcohol withdrawal might be:
- Sweaty, clammy skin and pallor
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Altered/rapid heartbeat
- Irritability
- Mood swings, anxiety, nervousness, depression
- Fatigue
- Unclear mind
These are some of the most common symptoms, which are usually seen in all levels of withdrawal. However, the most severe cases can cause even fevers, hallucinations, or seizures. Symptoms can start in 6 to 12 hours from the moment an addict stops drinking. Therefore, when picking the right treatment for your alcohol abuse problem, consider the type of support you might need. IOP alcohol treatment is more intense than your usual outpatient programs, but inpatient programs should not be ruled out right away.
Nevertheless, a number of studies have been done on the effectiveness of IOP treatments, and research shows that it works just as well as other inpatient and outpatient options when followed correctly. They could also be a great fit for those who need a treatment that’s more intense than outpatient alcohol treatments. IOP alcohol treatments have become so commonly sought that most insurance companies will cover it (at least partially), and they are even often required by judges in order to reduce the chances of recurrent convictions.
Alcohol Abuse in Arizona
Another reason why IOP alcohol treatments might be a great choice for someone in Arizona is that they will give the patient a way to work on and improve their social life. Arizona was the 4th state with the largest number of deaths from alcohol poisoning in the U.S. in 2015. In a state where drinking is so excessive that it has become a problem, having the right people around you can make a difference. Receiving the treatment you need for your substance abuse issue is incredibly important, but being a part of a community that supports a clean lifestyle is just as vital for a former addict to stay that way.
While the age group that sought help more often in 2015 were people from ages 26-30, the age group 31-35 was not too far behind statistically. Considering that the legal age for drinking is 21, this means people have reached the point of needing help quite fast in the state of Arizona. As for gender, the number of men and women seeking help is almost equally divided, with 53% of patients being male, and 47% female.
Help Is Here If You Need It
On the topic of being a part of a healthy social environment, not only do we offer outpatient alcohol treatments, but we also have our very own Recover Strong program. This program has been designed to tackle both the social and physical aspects of a patient’s lifestyle, bringing both together into one plan focused on the neuroscience of movement. While you work on social interactions, you will also have a chance to improve self-image and self-esteem, both of which are vital in order to endure recovery.
Whether you or a loved one need to take that first step towards leaving substance abuse behind for good, we can guide you through what would be best for your needs. Visit our website for any information you might need to contact us and learn more about what we can do for you. We are happy to meet and answer any and all questions you might have to make the decision that can turn your life around.
