Determining the best treatment option for you can be challenging. Especially when considering either an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or residential treatment, deciding on the best option proves difficult. Nevertheless, discussing these options with friends, family, and professionals in the field can help you make the right decision.
Depending on your situation, IOP may be more convenient. However, the severity of your addiction may mean a residential program will be more effective. These factors come in addition to many others you may need to consider before entering a facility.
You can always come up with a million reasons to avoid choosing and entering an addiction treatment program. Fear, doubts, and worry can prevent you from seeking the help you deserve, but know that taking the leap is always worth it.
Before choosing an IOP or residential program, you must accept your struggle. Make today the day you come to terms with your situation and seek treatment.
As mentioned, before finding residential treatment or an IOP, you must first accept your struggle with addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes addiction as a "chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences." Individuals tend to feel guilt or shame around their substance use disorder (SUD). However, no one chooses to develop an addiction. Yes, initial interaction with substances is often voluntary, but the development of SUD is out of your control.
Additionally, SUD is not the only kind of addiction people can experience. Many also struggle with behavioral addictions. Like SUD, behavioral addictions are characterized by unhealthy compulsions, habits, or dependencies. However, instead of dependence on a substance like drugs or alcohol, a person is dependent on an action or behavior. Common examples include addiction to the internet, shopping, gambling, food, and sex.
Like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), behavioral addictions are chronic and make it immensely challenging to control your actions. Like SUD, if you have a behavioral addiction, you may also experience co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression. You may also experience severe isolation due to your condition.
Recognizing the signs of these addictions is vital but challenging. If you struggle with an addiction, you may not recognize the symptoms within yourself and have trouble believing family members who express concerns. In those cases, family and friends can host an intervention to help you recognize and acknowledge your issues and seek the necessary treatment.
Addiction treatment has undergone many advances over the last few decades. This is a great thing, but it can make determining which treatment method is best for you seem overwhelming. The question spans further than determining an IOP or residential program. Even within each program, you might experiment with evidence-based modalities, holistic practices, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Some different options within these categories include:
These are just a few examples of addiction treatment methods that have the potential to help you overcome SUD. Additionally, life post-pandemic has introduced the concept of virtual mental health care. This option allows you to seek mental health treatment from the comfort of your home and removes geographical limitations.
Nevertheless, there is something to be said for in-person treatment, specifically an IOP or residential program. You may be wondering which is best for you. The truth is many factors go into determining the route that will be most beneficial for you.
Choosing a program is not always easy. Residential treatment or an IOP can be effective, depending on your situation.
IOPs offer treatment without detox, 24/7 monitoring, or around-the-clock care. Instead, IOPs provide you flexibility in addition to quality care. You do not have to live in a treatment facility. Rather, you will attend individual therapy, group sessions, or other treatment activities throughout the day or week, after which you will return home. For example, NorthStar Transitions offers IOP groups in the morning and evening to accommodate busy schedules or family needs.
Residential treatment programs are more structured and intensive. They provide a more concentrated therapeutic experience where you reside in the treatment facility and can be surrounded by a supportive community of peers and professionals. Residential treatment truly offers you a break from everyday life where you can focus on recovery. Additionally, many offer detox services, and nearly all have around-the-clock care.
One of these options may be more effective than the other. For example, IOP may be the way to go if you do not require detox and have family or strict work obligations. On the flip side, a residential program may be best if you require an intense detox program to manage withdrawal symptoms, have little or no family support, don't have a stable living environment, or need 24/7 supervision.
There is no right or wrong way to go. When choosing the best option for your situation, first accept your struggle, then research the options and discuss them with friends, family, and professionals. Make today the day you finally embark on your recovery journey.
Determining the best addiction treatment option proves challenging for many. That is why researching all your options and discussing them with friends, family, and professionals is vital. Of course, you must first accept your struggle with addiction, whether you have a substance use disorder, behavioral addiction, or other mental health condition. For some, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are effective ways to seek treatment and remain present in everyday life. However, others require detox, around-the-clock care, and time away from daily life. Both options can be effective depending on your circumstances and needs. To learn more about the differences between IOP and residential programs or to seek treatment, call NorthStar Transitions at (303) 558-6400.
