01 Aug Intensive Outpatient Programs: How Does It Help Those Combating Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse is a rampant problem in the United States. There are reports that a whopping $39 billion has been spent by the federal government on the war against drugs.
There are ways to treat substance abuse. An intensive outpatient program is one of them.
Intensive outpatient programs provide counseling and access to treatment for patients without the need for hospitalization.
If you or someone you know is a victim of substance abuse, you should consider getting professional help. Outpatient programs are one of the many treatment options that are available.
Substance Abuse Statistics
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, over 138 million people have used drugs at least once in their lives. 25% of illegal drug users have a disorder, and 27% of those who try illegal drugs develop a disorder.
About 9.7 million young adults between the ages of 18-27 suffered from substance abuse disorder in the past year (2023-2024). Substance abuse has also been known to disproportionately affect people with a criminal history.
What is Substance Abuse?
The WHO defines substance abuse as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. This includes drugs like
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Alcohol
- Nicotine
- Prescription drugs
Multiple factors can cause substance abuse, including:
- Genetics
- Peer pressure
- Mental health issues
- Environmental factors
Substance abuse could be mild or severe. It can significantly impact the relationships and quality of life of the victims.
What Does Treatment Involve?
Treatment is often dependent on the individual and can be customized to suit their condition. Individuals can undergo multiple treatments at the same time, which can include:
- Medications
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Detoxification
There are also different types of treatment settings:
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient counseling
- Long term therapeutic communities
These treatment programs offer different options based on duration, from full-time treatment programs to a few sessions per week, depending on the needs of the patient.
How Do Outpatient Programs Work?
Outpatient programs are typically used by people who need treatment for serious substance abuse but either can’t make the time for it or can’t afford inpatient programs. These programs typically involve some or all of the following aspects:
Education on Addiction
Treatment for substance abuse often starts with educating patients about the effects of addiction or drug use. Patients are taught the effects of using drugs, how they can impact their lives and health, and ways to curb substance use.
Having an understanding of how drug abuse works enables people to overcome it more easily or employ effective strategies to keep addiction under control.
Treating Underlying Mental Health Issues
Sometimes, substance abuse comes with what is called a dual diagnosis, which means the patient may have underlying mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or serious disorders like schizophrenia.
These underlying conditions contribute to their addiction and can affect the treatment program if they are not addressed.
Community support
Having the support of the community is essential to overcoming any hurdle in life, especially addiction. People with substance abuse often struggle with mental health issues.
Being part of a community can provide support in several ways. One of them is having someone listen to their problems. This can alleviate some suffering for patients and give them motivation to overcome their addiction.
Having people hold patients accountable could help them stay on track with their recovery. Listening to others who suffer from the same disorder could help overcome the shame and stigma associated with addiction.
The biggest advantage of outpatient programs is that patients can build a treatment program that suits their lifestyle and won’t have to miss out on important work or family events.
Conclusion
Substance abuse claims thousands of lives every year. Intensive outpatient programs provide a solution to this problem by offering a combination of therapy, group counseling, and medication, depending on the patient’s needs.
Treatment is essential to getting the patient’s life back on track. Not seeking help for substance abuse can have disastrous consequences for the victim and their family.
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Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD