Blogs
Recovering from substance use disorder is a difficult and lengthy process. Clients who have completed their treatment often find staying sober afterward to be a challenge they were unprepared for. In situations like these, an aftercare program can become indispensable. Aftercare covers anything, from services to housing, provided by a treatment center after the detox and recovery portion of rehab has ended.
At Clear Steps Recovery, aftercare is just as important as every other aspect of treatment. Our New Hampshire aftercare program center provides a continued support system that provides ongoing assistance after rehab ends. We work with clients to design an aftercare program suited to their needs. To learn how to take advantage of the many aftercare program benefits, contact our team today by calling 603.769.8981 or filling out our online form.
The 5 Benefits of an Aftercare Program
Aftercare programs can make a world of difference for individuals returning to life as usual following rehab. Participation in an aftercare program benefits those who might experience the biggest shock in going from residential rehab back to home, where substance abuse may have been common.
1. Continued Support
Offering continued support to individuals who have completed their substance abuse treatment program is a major part of aftercare. The specialists at Clear Steps Recovery are committed to helping individuals stay focused on their sobriety goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle for the long term.
2. Access to Resources
Our aftercare program provides a range of resources individuals can use to aid in the recovery process. Educational materials, 12-step programs, and counseling services all have an essential role in aftercare, which is why it’s vital clients have access to them well after rehab has ended.
3. Reduced Risk of Relapse
Relapse is always a threat, to some degree. Clients who have recovered from substance abuse still have to remain mindful of the substances they consume, in what quantity, and how frequently. With aftercare involvement, individuals are more aware of their goals, weaknesses, and the progress that they stand to lose by relapsing.
4. Accountability
Aftercare provides an important level of accountability through health check-ins and social support. Meeting with your care team or getting involved in a support group makes the post-rehab climate feel less isolating.
5. Improved Mental Health
Substance use disorder can leave a lasting mark on mental well-being. Aftercare includes access to counseling services, therapy, and other mental health programs for managing ongoing mental health concerns.
Why Participate in the New Hampshire Recovery Alumni Program?
Each of the aftercare program benefits provides individuals with higher chances of success and the skills and resources necessary to make sobriety a permanent fixture of their lives. Our alumni program invites those who have completed our substance use disorder treatment program to return every week to discuss their recovery process with other alumni and those who continue their treatment.
The alumni program helps facilitate connections with those in similar situations. If your living situation after rehab becomes unsustainable, having a community at your side makes staying sober and healthy much easier. Clear Steps Recovery’s alumni program is just one part of our comprehensive aftercare.
Call Clear Steps Recovery for More Aftercare Program New Hampshire Benefits
Aftercare has proven to be a valuable follow-up treatment for clients at every level of care. Clients who have worked for months to overcome their substance use disorder deserve the highest degree of care even after rehab ends. If you or a loved one are in need of an aftercare program in Londonderry, New Hampshire, Clear Steps Recovery is a click or phone call away. Reach out to our team of compassionate specialists at 603.769.8981 or online.
Family meetings can serve as some of the most vital support in helping individuals overcome their substance abuse problems. Especially for clients who are spending long periods of time away from home, the weekly family meeting benefits everyone involved immensely. Family support helps individuals keep themselves accountable for their progress in becoming sober and motivates clients to see their goals through.
At Clear Steps Recovery, we understand the importance of family involvement. Our programs for substance use disorder encourage clients to invite their families into the healing process. Addiction and health consequences stemming from substance abuse often harm more than just the individual—the entire family can also be hurt.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder of any kind, don’t hesitate any longer. Contact the team at Clear Steps Recovery today at 603.769.8981 and learn how our support for family meetings for recovery in New Hampshire can help you better overcome substance abuse.
The 5 Benefits of Family Meetings
Family meetings are some of the most helpful activities a patient in treatment for substance use disorder can engage in. Working with the team at Clear Steps Recovery allows us to coordinate therapy sessions where you and your loved ones will be able to experience many of the family therapy benefits, including:
1. Improved Communication
Family meetings can provide structured space for open, honest communication among family members, where it may have been more constricted before. This dialogue helps individuals foster a mutual understanding of substance abuse, its consequences, and how it can be treated going forward.
2. Increased Support
The support of family members can be among the strongest motivators for pressing on through the difficult stretches of recovery. Loved ones are encouraged to offer support, congratulate successes, and help push through difficult times.
3. Understanding Addiction
Addiction is different for everyone and difficult to understand fully. Clients will be able to become more aware of their own addiction and allow family members to better understand the nature of their disorder.
4. Accountability
Being held accountable by family members is another strong motivator to stay on target. Clients have a unique and irreplicable attachment to members of their family, which can make their accountability much more meaningful than that of a therapist.
5. Relationship Strength
Substance use disorder often puts strain on the family well before treatment. Family meetings can rebuild trust, repair broken relationships, and create a stronger foundation for future interactions.
Other Benefits of Recovery Family Meetings
While many of the family meeting benefits listed above focus on the individual receiving treatment for substance use disorder, family meetings can help in even more ways. They can strengthen the familial bond and support every family member. You and your loved ones can build upon a foundation of sobriety and trust by participating in regular family meetings.
We incorporate family meetings into every level of our treatment plan. Spending meaningful time with the people who have your best interest in mind can make all the difference in substance use disorder treatment for both the short and long term.
You’re Invited to Family Meetings for Recovery in New Hampshire at Clear Steps Recovery
If you or someone in your family are struggling with the trials of a substance use disorder, we invite you to work as a team to overcome the perils of addiction. At Clear Steps Recovery, our goal is to help individuals become their best selves through self-betterment, therapy, and introspection. The long list of family meeting benefits can help you take the steps to sobriety with your family nearby.
Whether you’re ready to begin treatment or still have questions, our team is a phone call away. Reach out to us by calling 603.769.8981 or by contacting us online.
Many Americans struggle with addiction and related behavioral health issues every year. Millions of Americans battle substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions daily, and the need for professional treatment has never been greater. Therapy programs benefit those with behavioral health issues—that much is certain.
At Clear Steps Recovery, our therapy treatment center is a short drive from Boston, the beach, or the White Mountains. We are located just minutes from Exit 4 on I93 but comfortably set back and situated in a private, peaceful environment. Call 603.769.8981 today, and one of our professional and courteous staff will be happy to help you take the first steps toward recovery.
5 Therapy Program Benefits
Programs are typically tailored to the individual’s needs and may involve counseling, dialectical behavior therapy, family therapy, or other forms of treatment. In addition to supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health conditions, these programs can provide much-needed education and resources for those at risk of developing an addiction.
1. To Gain a Better Understanding of Addiction and its Effects on an Individual’s Life
Through individual counseling sessions, group therapy, and educational classes, participants in an addiction therapy program can learn more about the underlying causes of their addictive behaviors and the long-term implications of continued substance use or abuse. Additionally, participants in these programs can gain insight into managing cravings and triggers that may lead to relapse.
2. To Develop Effective Coping Skills for Managing Stress and Triggers
Many people who struggle with addiction find themselves in situations where they have difficulty managing their emotions or dealing with difficult life circumstances in a healthy manner. By participating in therapy programs, individuals can learn various coping strategies to help them navigate challenging situations without resorting to drugs or alcohol.
3. To Foster Healthier Relationships with Family Members and Friends
Addiction often has profound effects on relationships within families and social circles; however, by participating in an addiction therapy program, individuals can learn how to improve communication and other essential relationship skills that can help rebuild these connections over time. In addition, attending group therapy sessions may provide opportunities for participants to share their experiences with others who are also struggling with similar issues related to addiction recovery—this type of support network is invaluable for long-term recovery success.
4. To Create a Personalized Treatment Plan Tailored to Specific Needs and Goals for Recovery
By working closely with counselors and therapists during an addiction therapy program, individuals can create individualized plans that focus on addressing their unique challenges related to substance use or abuse—and these personalized treatment plans offer concrete steps towards achieving sobriety or abstinence from drugs or alcohol over time.
5. To Gain Access to Additional Resources That May Be Helpful to the Recovery Process
Often individuals need additional support beyond what they receive through institutionalized settings like residential treatment centers; as such, participating in an addiction therapy program provides access to various forms of recovery resources which are essential for successful long-term outcomes associated with recovery from addiction (e.,g., 12-Step meetings) or providing temporary housing options (e.,g., sober living homes).
By participating in an addiction therapy program, individuals can find the guidance and help necessary to start a new life free from addictive behaviors. With the right support system in place, many people have been able to take back control of their lives and reach their personal goals.
Contact Clear Steps Recovery Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider participating in an addiction therapy program. With the proper support and guidance, individuals can begin to make positive changes and take the first steps toward a healthier and happier future.
Clear Steps Recovery offers comprehensive outpatient treatment offering numerous therapy benefits. Some of our programs and services include the following:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient program (OP)
- Ambulatory detox
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Call 603.769.8981 or contact us online to learn more about our programs and services.
Inpatient and outpatient programs have several differences that can make one more suitable to certain individuals than the other. At the heart of outpatient treatment is the goal of making treatment as accessible as possible, and its benefits mainly lie in its broad reach and unobtrusive nature. For those looking into potential treatment solutions, determine how well the five major outpatient program benefits align with your needs, daily life, and priorities. If you or a loved one are battling a substance use disorder, know that professional help is the safest and most effective means of recovering.
Clear Steps Recovery offers a personally tailored outpatient program center in New Hampshire’s woodlands. Located in Londonderry, Clear Steps Recovery is a short drive from Boston, the beach, or the White Mountains. We are located just minutes from Exit 4 on I93 but comfortably set back and situated in a private, peaceful environment. Call us today at 603.769.8981, or reach us online to ask questions and learn more about our outpatient program benefits.
The 5 Major Benefits of Outpatient Programs
Outpatient programs are becoming more popular by the year due to their accessibility and adaptiveness. The strength of any outpatient program is that individuals with a full-time job, an academic life, or a family to attend to can still make room for periodic visits for wellness.
1. Flexibility
Most outpatient programs only require a few hours out of the day, for 3-4 days a week. This figure can be adjusted depending on work/other extenuating life circumstances, but 3-5 hours 3 times a week is the standard minimum. Scheduling is also highly flexible.
2. Connections
Family and friends are invited to play a major role during outpatient treatment. The staff is committed to creating a strong support network. In contrast to inpatient care, where full-time hospital stays can feel totally isolating, remaining close to your loved ones is an essential part of outpatient care.
3. Cost
Given the reduced amount of time and accommodations required for outpatient treatment, the cost is almost always lower than an equivalent inpatient program. Accessibility doesn’t just mean availability—a high price point shouldn’t prevent someone from receiving aid in treatment for substance use disorder.
4. Transition
Outpatient recovery functions well as a step into higher levels of treatment if necessary and a step down to resuming life as usual. Often, jumping back into the deep end after an extended period of tightly supervised and scheduled treatment can lead to relapse, so these transition steps are essential.
5. Practical Application
Since outpatient treatment emphasizes the importance of life as usual, it can allow for highly practical skill application. This ties into the abovementioned point about how relapse is common among a cold reentry into daily life. Applying the skills and habits formed in therapy alongside everyday living can help significantly in the long term.
Outpatient Benefits vs. Disadvantages
Outpatient therapy has significant upsides, but it’s essential to remember that it’s not the solution for everyone. Outpatient program benefits really shine in situations where home life is secure and drug/alcohol-free. How well outpatient vs. inpatient programs work is highly subjective to the individual, so be sure to communicate all relevant details. The main reasons why an outpatient program would not be suitable include the following:
- Home environments – Outpatient addiction treatment can be ineffective if the home environment is not conducive to sobriety. If an individual’s home contains triggers that lead to substance abuse, such as the presence of drugs or alcohol, then participating in outpatient treatment may be counterproductive.
- Limited supervision – With outpatient addiction treatment, an individual is not supervised 24/7. This can be a significant disadvantage if an individual does not have the self-control or motivation to avoid drugs and alcohol while in recovery.
- Intensive therapy – Outpatient programs offer fewer hours of therapy than inpatient programs, which may be beneficial for some people but too limited for those with severe addictions. Inpatient programs provide more intensive therapy, which can benefit those with long-term addictions.
For a great many clients, an outpatient program works. Outpatient program benefits include much greater accessibility and flexibility than inpatient treatment, as well as a smaller financial burden and the ability to remain close to family and friends. If an individual’s home environment is conducive to sobriety or if they are dealing with a mild addiction, then an outpatient program may be the ideal treatment option.
Find the Right Outpatient Program in New Hampshire at Clear Steps Recovery
Understanding the benefits of the outpatient program can greatly inform how one approaches recovery from substance use disorder. Ultimately, the decision as to which works best for you or your loved one will be made between you and the treatment center professionals. To learn more about outpatient treatment, contact the team at Clear Steps Recovery and determine whether our outpatient program in New Hampshire is right for you.
Opioids and alcohol are two of the most prevalent addictions in the United States today and have an almost uniform status across each state. Massachusetts is no different, with an estimated 6-7% of people over 12 suffering from AUD—nearly 300,000 people1. Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a highly effective means of reducing some of the most physically and mentally demanding points of recovery. By combining certain medications with counseling and behavioral therapy, MAT can be an effective tool to have in your arsenal of coping and management skills.
For those seeking medication-assisted treatment in Lowell, MA, Clear Steps Recovery is here to help. Our compassionate staff has years of experience in applying MAT in comprehensive treatment. Call us today at 603.769.8981 or reach us online to learn how you can qualify for MAT or about our Lowell, Massachusetts, medication-assisted treatment program.
What Is Medication-Assisted Therapy?
Medication-assisted therapy is a treatment approach that combines the use of certain cleared medications with behavioral therapy to help individuals manage their addiction. Currently, MAT has various uses in treating alcohol and opioid use disorders. The medications used for MAT attempt to reduce symptoms of withdrawal and cravings. They do so in different ways, either by making the substance physically repulsive or by neutering its ability to excite the reward centers of the brain. Some of the common medications used for MAT include:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
While it might seem counterintuitive to substitute reliance on one medication for another, the objective of MAT meds is to reduce their own cause for use as quickly and safely as possible. Medications used for MAT are not just non-addictive; they are addiction antagonists, meaning they make addictive substances ineffectual or even unpleasant. MAT medications are restricted to prescriptions given by a healthcare professional as part of comprehensive treatment.
Why Choose MAT in Massachusetts?
MAT is an extremely helpful tool for reducing the most unpleasant or alluring aspects of substance abuse. Its only major drawback is, besides its limitations to just alcohol and opioid cases, the fact that it’s a form of reactive treatment rather than being proactive. Alone, it does very little to treat the underlying causes of substance use disorder. For that reason, MAT is often utilized as a part of a comprehensive treatment program that involves therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Those who suffer from opioid or alcohol use disorder have to be eligible to participate in medication-assisted treatment in Lowell, MA. The first major step is to receive an official diagnosis from a physician. This assessment isn’t arbitrary. It’s a way to gauge which medication will prove most effective in MAT or if it’s even the correct course of action. Patients who do learn that MAT is the right call will be able to overcome their withdrawal symptoms faster, suffer from fewer to no cravings, and feel more at ease during treatment.
Clear Steps Recovery Provides Lowell Medication-Assisted Treatment
At Clear Steps Recovery, we want to make treatment as safe and comfortable as possible for our patients. Recovering from substance use disorder can be a painful ordeal at times, but with the right oversight, the process can be smooth and painless. That doesn’t mean it’s going to be effortless—breaking addiction is still a mentally and physically demanding task regardless of medication assistance. It takes a high constitution and total commitment to seeing your recovery through to achieve sobriety that will last.
We’re willing to work with you all the way to your goal. Call the team at Clear Steps Recovery today at 603.769.8981 to learn how our medication-assisted treatment in Lowell, MA, can improve your journey to recovery.
Sources
Outpatient care is a method for treating substance use disorder that’s been rising in popularity over the years. Now more than ever, people regularly find themselves without enough time to commit to a full stay at a hospital or residential treatment center. Our outpatient program in Ayer, MA exists as a way to bridge the gap, allowing for care that’s effective without being intrusive.
At Clear Steps Recovery, we believe that time and obligations shouldn’t keep the people of Massachusetts from receiving treatment for substance use disorder. Our outpatient program is as robust as comparable inpatient care, with more freedom in how you choose to schedule your program and at a fraction of the cost. Call us at 603.769.8981 or reach out online to find out how our Ayer, Massachusetts outpatient program center can help you or your loved ones overcome addiction.
What to Expect from Clear Step’s Ayer Outpatient Program
An outpatient program allows individuals to live at home while participating in substance use disorder treatment. Higher flexibility means patients can continue care while managing work or school without having to sacrifice any of the program’s quality. There are many considerations that go into determining whether outpatient care is the best choice for a patient, including:
- History/severity of substance use
- Previous level of care (transition from inpatient care)
- Mental health status
- Stability of living situation
Benefits of Choosing an Outpatient Program
Outpatient care has several advantages over inpatient treatment, almost all of which have to do with its more flexible nature and lower bar of expense. Depending on your personal situation, any one of these could be a benefit of choosing an outpatient program in Ayer, MA:
-
Flexibility
Outpatient treatment requires considerably less time than inpatient care allowing individuals to receive treatment in between their daily responsibilities. Typically, outpatient treatment asks for anywhere from 3-5 hours a day, 4-5 days a week.
-
Affordability
Since patients in outpatient care will continue on in their current place of residence, lower overhead costs mean treatment is less financially demanding than a full-time residential care plan. This still means patients will be keeping up their normal expenditures, such as food, gas, and other living expenses.
-
Personalized Treatment
Ensuring that individuals receive the most effective treatment for their situation is central to our objective. Providing a diverse selection of therapies and treatment options is the strongest way to allow more patients to succeed in overcoming addiction.
-
Support Network
Access to a support network gives patients the resources they need to manage their addiction and maintain their recovery. Group therapy sessions provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where people can connect with others and learn from their shared experiences.
-
Deboarding from Inpatient Care
Outpatient care isn’t a replacement for inpatient care—in fact, it can even be a transition step back into regular life. It’s tough to adapt from weeks or months of fully hospitalized treatment back into a pre-treatment setting. Outpatient care helps maintain the structure of treatment while lowering the risk of relapse.
While outpatient care can be a highly effective option for many individuals, it isn’t an objective improvement over inpatient care. Some cases of substance use disorder can be too medically dangerous to leave untreated, either due to the risk of relapse or to the potential complications that can stem from withdrawal. We extensively discuss the pros and cons of outpatient vs. inpatient care with our patients to help them make the best decision.
Clear Steps Recovery Provides Outpatient Treatment in Massachusetts
The flexibility offered by outpatient treatment makes it the ideal choice for many patients, but its pros and cons still must be considered. Speaking to the experienced professionals at Clear Steps Recovery, you can learn about whether PHP, IOP, or OP services best suit the needs of you or your loved one. Call us at 603.769.8981 today to learn more about how our outpatient program in Ayer, MA can help in your recovery journey.
According to SAMHSA’s most recent report, upwards of 16% of Massachusetts residents over 12 years of age struggle with addiction, and approximately 18% with mental health issues annually. For those who find themselves in the overlapping territory, you know firsthand how difficult to live with the combination of substance use disorder and behavioral health disorders can be. Therapy can be an effective way to treat co-occurring disorders and strengthen the programs it’s incorporated into.
At Clear Steps Recovery, our therapy programs are personally tailored and responsive to each patient’s needs. For those searching for a therapy program in Billerica, MA, our facility is located a matter of minutes from Exit 4 on I-93 in a scenic, private environment. Call us at 603.769.8981 today to ask our experienced staff about how our Billerica, Massachusetts, therapy program center can provide relief and aid on the road to recovery.
What Can a Therapy Program in Billerica, MA, Do for Me?
Therapy is not just limited to the traditional patient-therapist interaction we tend to think of. Instead, therapy includes a broader category of programs that encourage individuals to introspect and gain a greater understanding of self to achieve a particular goal. In our case, taking a therapeutic lens to addiction allows patients to see why their addiction is so difficult to break, even if they know it’s detrimental to their health.
These reasons are often more than just the chemical hold drugs tend to have on the brain. In almost any case, addiction is an answer to another seemingly detached problem. It’s rarely a good answer, of course, the relief provided by drugs or alcohol is ultimately unable to do more than dull the feelings of depression, anxiety, low self-worth, or other emotional states that contribute to addiction. However, the fact that it’s a response indicates that there’s a need that the individual has yet to fulfill.
Understanding this line of thinking through therapy allows patients to assemble the pieces of why addiction has become this faulty solution. Therapists engage patients in different ways of thinking, not to make a conclusion for them but to aid them in making their own.
Why Choosing a Massachusetts Therapy Program is a Clear Choice
Massachusetts residents have the opportunity to take to therapy for a greater understanding of their substance use disorder. Participating in a therapy program in Billerica, MA, allows patients to develop themselves in ways that can last for the rest of their lives. In therapy, people can:
- Gain a better understanding of addiction and how it relates to their life
- Develop coping skills to help manage triggers and stress
- Develop beneficial relationships with their friends and family
- Set goals for their personalized treatment
- Find access to extra resources
Building a connection with your therapist incentivizes growth in a way that quitting alone simply can’t. The added accountability and access to insight from someone who’s been a veteran in the field have made therapy for substance use disorders a universally implemented program.
Contact Clear Steps Recovery to Participate in our Billerica Therapy Program
Addiction is one of the most mentally and physically taxing things a person can endure. When compounded with an existing mental or behavioral health struggle, it’s easy for people to feel like there’s no path of action left. At Clear Steps Recovery, it’s our calling to give our community access to a therapy program in Billerica, MA, with a variety of treatment options.
Therapy is just one tool we use to help patients fight addiction. With the right guidance, recovery is always within reach. Contact us at 603.769.8981 or visit us online to learn about our programs and services.
An addiction to opiates is one of the hardest to break, especially by oneself. Combined with the worldwide prevalence of these substances and the relative ease of abuse, the need for opiate addiction treatment has grown massively over the last few decades. Without external help, sufferers of opiate use disorder are faced with two potentially life-threatening consequences: either endure the taxing process of withdrawal or let addiction wreak lifelong havoc.
The many benefits of opiate addiction treatment may be of assistance to you or your loved one. Professionally guided therapy combined with medications and techniques to avoid relapse is among the strongest ways to ensure total recovery. To learn about how you can benefit from our opiate addiction treatment center in New Hampshire, call the team at Clear Steps Recovery at 603.769.8981 or visit us online today. We strive to help each of our patients develop the skills for beating addiction that can last a lifetime.
Benefits of Opiate Addiction Treatment
An effective treatment plan has to be flexible—not just to suit the needs of every patient, but to adapt to their needs as time goes on. Because we strive to provide a diverse, effective selection of therapy and treatment programs for our patients, the way you approach your opiate use disorder treatment is up to you and your therapist. With that said, there are several standard practices that apply to most patients that can be safely expected beforehand.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Certain medications can help reduce the symptoms of withdrawal and overall contribute to patient retention. While MAT does require direct supervision, these medications pose no addictive risk and can not introduce an additional layer of substance use disorder.
Outpatient Care
Outpatient care provides a way for people with densely packed schedules to receive the same quality treatment as a full-time stay. This model of treatment requires the substance use disorder to be relatively mild and to have very little medical attention.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
In any other case, partial hospitalization programs can help facilitate new routines and foster coping skills, as well as provide medical supervision to ensure patient safety. Discuss with your provider whether outpatient or partial hospitalization programs would best suit your situation.
Health Realization
Health realization is our psychological approach to overall bodily health. By taking a look at the ways in which we think, we can outline and address the root causes of addiction and ultimately address them in a meaningful way. Patients are encouraged to introspect, learn more about themselves, and overcome addiction internally, too.
Family Support
Having the support of friends and family members can make treatment less isolating. Families are encouraged to get involved with treatment not just to assist their loved ones but to learn about the underlying causes of addiction and create a support network to improve care in and out of treatment.
Opiate Addiction Treatment Benefits
Receiving professional care for opiate addiction is superior to going it alone in virtually every way. One major reason for such is that addiction is a deeply internal battle, so fighting it without relying on another individual can feel like an uphill battle. The benefits of opiate addiction treatment extend into patient safety as well. Some symptoms of opioid withdrawal can be extremely discomforting or even dangerous. In short, getting proper treatment can reduce the harm incurred by getting sober to a minimum and give individuals another leg to stand on.
Clear Steps Recovery Offers Opiate Treatment in New Hampshire
Opiates affect more people each day, not to mention the ones they’re closest to. The damage an opiate use disorder can do is immeasurable, only growing more severe with time. At Clear Steps Recovery, our specialists use their life experience and professional skill to help those in New Hampshire struggling with opiate use. If you or someone you care about are dealing with the pain of opiate abuse, call us at 603.769.8981 or visit us online to ask about the benefits of opiate addiction treatment today.
There are undeniably positives that come from having a multitude of options, especially for addiction treatment. Because the causes and effects of addiction are so personal, everybody has needs that differ from one another. One byproduct of having so many options, though, is that navigating the treatment styles available can be confusing or even stifling. Making treatment accessible includes more than just physical accessibility—patients need to know what their options are in a meaningful way. To that end, what is an outpatient program vs. outpatient detox?
In essence, outpatient detox is just one part of the wider outpatient approach. Outpatient care allows patients to remain in their usual habitat rather than spend extended periods of time in a treatment center or hospital. Some patients won’t require the detox aspect of outpatient treatment, but all outpatient detox is part of an outpatient program. At Clear Steps Recovery, we offer outpatient care with a variety of treatment options. To learn about our outpatient detox program in Lowell, Massachusetts, call 603.769.8981 to learn more about what treatment plan suits your situation best.
What Is Outpatient Detox?
Outpatient or ambulatory detox is a part of the overall outpatient program that focuses on allowing patients to restabilize their bodily chemistry. This treatment involves gradually reducing the amount of the substance present in the body while managing the symptoms of withdrawal. Typically, detox is carried out in a treatment center for as long as flushing out the offending substance takes. Ambulatory detox, on the other hand, is part of a program that allows patients freedom in how they choose to go about their day.
When patients visit the treatment center, they can access addiction-antagonistic medication and doctors can monitor their progress. Notably, this approach to detox should only be applied to less severe cases of substance use disorder. In cases where the risk of relapse or health complications is exceptionally high, traditional inpatient detox is always the safer option.
Choosing an Outpatient Detox vs. Outpatient Program
So, what are the differences between an outpatient program vs. outpatient detox? To put it one way, outpatient detox is just one component of the wider outpatient program. Not everybody who participates in outpatient treatment will need to engage in outpatient detox because “outpatient treatment” applies to many substance use disorders—many of which have a relatively short duration in the body. Additionally, some patients may be long past detox, especially those who were previously in an inpatient or intensive outpatient program (IOPs).
An outpatient program is an option for individuals who require ongoing treatment and support beyond the detoxification process. Outpatient programs tend to include more than just detox, focusing on other aspects of care, including:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Health realization
While outpatient programs vary in intensity and duration, they generally focus on routine therapy sessions and access to support groups to help patients manage their addiction. Outpatient programs are most beneficial for those who need ongoing support without requiring round-the-clock medical care. Outpatient programs can also serve as a way to deboard from higher levels of treatment and back into everyday life.
Clear Steps Recovery Offers Outpatient Detox in New Hampshire
Understanding the benefits of an outpatient program vs. outpatient detox is just one step in getting a complete understanding of the ways substance use disorder can be treated professionally. At Clear Steps Recovery, it’s our mission to provide a diverse selection of treatment options to help everyone, no matter their required level of care. Even after departure from treatment, we provide ways to receive continued support to stay strong for the long term. To find out the ways outpatient care can be of help, start by reaching out to our compassionate staff today and calling 603.769.8981 or contacting us online.
When pursuing treatment for substance use disorder, it’s inevitable that the terms “outpatient program” and “intensive outpatient program” will be part of the discussion. Upon the first reading, the two can seem interchangeable, but the I in IOP denotes some major distinctions that can make all the difference in treatment. Learning the pros and cons of choosing an outpatient program vs. IOP is essential for anyone seeking to overcome their substance use disorder.
At Clear Steps Recovery, we offer both outpatient programs and IOPs to better adapt to the needs of our patients and their families. Speak with us to help come to a conclusion about which program suits you best, and our team of specialists will be along every step of the way. Call us at 603.769.8981 or reach out online today to learn more about our outpatient or intensive outpatient program in Ayer, Massachusetts.
What Are IOPs and How Do They Differ From Outpatient Programs?
Outpatient programs and IOPs are, true to their name, similar approaches to treatment. In contrast to inpatient programs, which involve lengthy stays at hospitals or other treatment centers, both outpatient and intensive outpatient programs allow patients to spend the majority of their time at home. Whereas inpatient care is typically reserved for cases of substance use disorder that require constant medical supervision, the outpatient approach is for less severe instances.
As for the differences between outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, it’s best described as an interval of care that suits some patients more than others. The gap between outpatient and inpatient can be pretty wide, especially for people that have a mix of qualifiers for either approach. For example, patients who need more medical attention than can be provided in 12-15 hours a week but can’t afford to spend time away from work and/or domestic responsibilities find IOPs to be an ideal middle ground.
Comparing an IOP vs. Outpatient Program
There are several ways you and your care provider can determine whether an IOP or an outpatient program will be more appropriate for your situation. Some of the factors involved in making the decision of an outpatient program vs. IOP include:
- The severity of addiction
- Amount of medical supervision required
- Scheduling availability
- Work/other responsibilities
- Intake assessment results
Sometimes, patients can take advantage of the descending intensity of these programs to transition back into normal life. Outpatient programs make for a less rigorous way of treating substance use disorder while allowing for more freedom in scheduling than either IOPs or inpatient programs. Patients run a serious risk of relapse when entering back into life as usual post-rehab, especially when they’ve gone extended periods of time away from their normal living environment. As a result, it may be advised to move down to an outpatient program from a more intense plan.
Find an Intensive Outpatient Program in New Hampshire at Clear Steps Recovery
Ultimately, determining whether an outpatient program vs. IOP is right for you is down to your individual specifics. Working with a treatment specialist to understand your situation, receive a proper diagnosis, and select a treatment plan based on the assessment.
At Clear Steps Recovery, we offer a wide variety of therapy styles to allow each patient to determine which will be of the most help to them in achieving their sobriety goals. Everybody is on different parts of the road to recovery, but the destination is something each of us has in common. Take the first step by calling 603.769.8981 or by reaching out to us online, and learn how choosing an outpatient or intensive outpatient program can make a clear difference in your life.
