Absolute Awakenings - Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers i

[absoluteawakeningsnj]

Quality Intensive Outpatient Programs that Work

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

If you have spent any time at all searching for addiction treatment, then you have no doubt encountered the term ‘Intensive Outpatient Program’. But, like many people you may not be entirely clear on what it means. What is an Intensive Outpatient Program? What makes a quality IOP effective? This article from Absolute Awakenings will answer these questions and more. Everything you want to know about what makes a good IOP such a valuable tool in the battle against addiction is below. By the end of this article, you should be in a great position to understand how IOP works and how to find the right one for you or your loved one.

How do Levels of Care Work?

The different phases of treatment in an addiction rehab are called levels of care. An organization called The American Society of Addiction Medicine or ASAM for short defines these levels of care. ASAM is also responsible for many of the standards and practices used in modern addiction treatment. Intensive Outpatient Programs or IOP’s are one of these defined levels of care. Here is a basic summary of the levels of care as defined by ASAM. These are in order from most to least intensive. A more intensive level isn’t necessarily “better”. What is most important is that a patient gets the appropriate treatment for enough time. It is also very important that the patient has support after treatment and they follow an aftercare plan. Compliance with an aftercare plan is a key indicator for success in recovery. People who have an aftercare plan and follow it are far more likely to be sober a year or more after addiction treatment.

Here is a summary of the basic levels of care in addiction treatment:

Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Services (detox)

Residential or Inpatient (RES)

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Outpatient Program (OP)

Is an Intensive Outpatient Program Right for Me?

Addiction treatment is all about using the right tool for the job. You want an appropriate level of care for your needs. Some patients will benefit more from a longer period of treatment at a less intensive level of care, for example. The cost associated with treatment is proportional to the intensity too. In other words, Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Services or detox will be much more expensive per day for an insurance company or a self-pay patient than say residential.

Intensive Outpatient Programs are popular with many people because they offer therapy and treatment several days a week. This makes them much more immersive and intensive than an outpatient program for an hour once a week or counseling. At the same time, IOP addiction treatment offers more freedom and schedule flexibility. A person in an IOP program can stay in a comfortable sober living home instead of a hospital-like institutional setting. They have more free time for therapeutic recreation and even schoolwork or a part-time job in some cases.

How Do I Know IOP is the Right Fit?

IOP may be a perfect fit for patients who don’t require a more intensive treatment program like partial hospitalization or residential/inpatient. Many patients also progress into an Intensive Outpatient Program after completing treatment at one of the more intensive levels of care. IOP can serve as either a less intensive standalone addiction treatment program or as a “stepdown” between more intensive addiction treatment and outpatient care. Another key advantage of IOP is cost-effectiveness. Simply put, health insurance is more likely to authorize a longer length of stay at the IOP level than at the PHP or Residential levels. Combined with a comprehensive program like Absolute Awakenings that integrates a sober living environment and activity planning, this can lead to a longer overall course of addiction treatment than a person might have received at more intensive levels of care.  This versatility and cost-effectiveness have made IOP one of the most popular options in addiction care.

What Makes a Good Quality Intensive Outpatient Program?

Here are the items and characteristics that make a good quality IOP program. Remember that the success someone has in addiction treatment is tied not only to getting the right kind of care but the person’s willingness to work their program. The best treatment in the world cannot help someone who isn’t dedicated to getting better and recovery. But here are the things you should look for in an IOP:

Joint Commission Accreditation – This is an important mark of quality. Insist on it.

State licensing – Don’t even consider a program that doesn’t have current licensing in the state where it operates.

Good reviews – All programs will have some negative reviews. See how many good reviews there are and read them before you decide.

Continuity of Care – A good IOP will offer aftercare planning. Think of this as a roadmap for recovery after treatment.

Sober Living Affiliation – Ideally IOP patients will have the option to stay at an affiliated sober living home connected with the IOP.

Conclusion

The guidelines and lists above are just the beginning. They are a great framework for choosing an IOP, but you should also trust your own intuition. Call the addiction rehab’s admissions department more than once. Speak to staff there. They should be friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. The best programs often hire people who are in long-term recovery themselves so they really understand and have compassion. If you have any questions at all about IOP or addiction treatment in general, please give Absolute Awakenings a call at [phone] we’d love to talk to you!

[absoluteawakeningsnj]

What is the Difference Between Opiates and Opioids?

Opiates and Opioids

Both opiates and opioids are groups of drugs that are considered narcotics. Many people use the words interchangeably but they are different. They are used for medical purposes and are mainly prescribed for pain relief, anesthesia, or even treatment of substance use disorder. The primary difference in both groups is how they are manufactured. Opiates are made from naturally derived chemical compounds. Opioids are made from being synthesized or a chemical compound made in a lab.

Opiates

Opiates are made from the poppy plant. They are considered natural because their main ingredient is found in nature. Drugs that are most common opiates that are derived from poppy plants are:

Opium

Codeine

Morphine

Heroin

Opioids Opioids are not considered natural because their chemical compound is not made from a plant but are synthesized. The pharmaceutical companies have made over 500 different opioids. Opioid has become the more common phrase that is used even though it is distinctly different from opiates. Although they are created in a lab, they act similarly in the body because they have a similar molecule made up of opiates. Using terms like “synthetic opioids” is considered redundant because all opioids are synthetic. Examples that are most commonly used are:

Dextromethorphan (this is more commonly known as NyQuil, Robitussin, Theraflu)

Dextropropoxyphene (more commonly referred to as Darvocet or Darvon)

Hydrocodone (Vicodin)

Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet)

Loperamide (Imodium)

Methadone

Fentanyl

Carfentanyl

Meperidine (also known as Demerol)

Are They Both Addictive?

 The short answer is yes. Both opiates and opioids are highly addictive. Because opioids are manufactured to mimic opiates in the body, they are equally addictive as opiates. There are many signs of an opioid/opiate addiction. Although people with substance use disorder have a way of hiding their addiction, there are signs to look for when someone has crossed the line and has become physically addicted. Some physical signs of addiction could be excessive drowsiness, itchiness, relaxed speech, and sudden weight loss. Behavioral signs could be apparent as well. Some behavioral signs to look for are unusually happiness at times which switches to irritability quickly, secretively meeting up with new friends, unexplained financial problems, and irresponsible behavior such as missing work or important appointments. 

Why do People Switch from Opiates to Opioids? 

Drug overdoses started with the overprescribing of opiates. When laws were put in place to try and prevent the overprescribing of opiates, people switched to drugs that could be easily found and accessible. At first, there was an increase in heroin use, which is not necessarily a switch from opiates to opioids. However, when the crackdown happened on heroin distribution the opioid that came out that was the deadliest of them all was fentanyl. Fentanyl has been the number one cause of overdose death in recent years.

Fentanyl is an opioid that is mostly manufactured by China. It is cheap and easy and extremely addictive. The fentanyl that is being purchased on the streets is different than fentanyl that may be prescribed by a doctor. There is no way of knowing exactly what is in the substance purchased off the street. Those who are addicted to opioids like fentanyl should understand the high risk of overdose associated with fentanyl use. 

Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder 

Those who are addicted may be diagnosed with opioid use disorder. The opioid crisis has affected millions of Americans and continues to grow. Those addicted are at severe medical risk. Many laws have been put into place to try and decrease the exposure and risk of people who are prescribed these drugs. We have learned over decades of misinformation that education about opiate and opioid addiction is key for those who have been prescribed drugs for a medical issue.

Because opiates and opioids are essential for some medical interventions, those who are prescribed these narcotics are in need of current information about the drug they are being prescribed. If education does not work and a person becomes addicted there is treatment available for them. There are medical and behavioral interventions available for opioid use disorder. Treatment is becoming more and more accessible to those addicted but more work needs to be done.

Absolute Awakenings is using evidence-based practices to help treat opioid use disorder. If you or someone you love is struggling with opiate or opioid addiction , please reach out to us today so we can walk you through the process of healing.

[absoluteawakeningsnj]

Why is Addiction Therapy Important and Where Does It Start?

Therapy is an essential part of treating addiction. Most people who suffer from addiction will begin therapy when they enter the treatment process. It is hard for those who suffer from addiction to stop on their own. This is why most people will start their recovery process by entering a treatment center. Addiction is a mental, emotional, behavioral, and physical disease. If addiction could stop without help, most would agree that they would stop. In different levels of treatment, clients are introduced to different therapy techniques to help resolve their addiction.

How does treatment work?

Treatment for substance use disorder has different levels and different types. Assessments are done when someone is seeking addiction therapy to determine what level of care in treatment a person is in need of. These assessments are done to determine severity of addiction, length of addiction, social supports, mental health history, etc. If someone is physically addicted to a substance before they are even beginning with addiction therapy, they may need to enter a detox. Detoxification is a medically managed setting that helps to medically stabilize someone’s withdrawal symptoms from drugs and alcohol. One a person is medically stable they will move onto an inpatient or residential program. Addiction therapy begins in residential treatment while clients are monitored 24/7 and work in group and individual therapy. After inpatient treatment, clients move onto outpatient treatment where they may live at sober living or home and attend group therapy and individual therapy a couple times a week. Addiction therapy takes place during these different levels of treatment and also as different therapy approaches as well.

What are different approaches to addiction therapy?

There are many different therapeutic techniques and approaches toward individual and group therapy with those who are suffering from addiction. These are evidence-based practices that licensed professionals use based on their own approach as well as the best approach for each individual client. The following therapy approaches are used to treat people with addiction:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT is an approach that aims to change thinking patterns in individuals and focus on moving forward with their life. CBT does not focus on the past but on problem solving skills, realistic thinking, developing self-confidence and challenging ambivalence. Many people who have substance use disorder struggle with negative thinking and CBT is used to help challenge that negative thinking.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy - Rational emotive behavior therapy or REBT is a type of therapy that is similar to CBT. Like CBT, REBT focuses on negative or self-defeating behaviors or self-talk. The main difference is that REBT focuses on a person’s belief system and tries to help a person replace these faulty beliefs and use a new belief system based on logic. REBT helps clients to take responsibility for their actions. It helps clients to set more realistic expectations of themselves and others around them.

Motivational Interviewing - Motivational interviewing or MI is a method that is used to help clients identify motivations and values that could help their focus in therapy. MI does not focus on the past but instead helps clients to look at what desires they have and focus on them as a tool in therapy. MI encourages clients to look at their positive traits and their ability to make positive choices for themselves.

Person-Centered Therapy - Person-centered therapy is a technique that focuses on the individual and not the substance that is being abused. Therapists help clients to remove the guilt and shame caused by the substance and move toward self-acceptance which can lead to positive change. Therapists help to show empathy and acceptance so the client can begin to see themselves through another person’s eyes and begin to practice self-acceptance and self-love.

Why do I need addiction therapy?

Often people who struggle with substance use disorder will find themselves making excuses as to why they don’t need addiction therapy. One common excuse is that they can go to 12 step groups and get the same help. While 12 step groups are great for developing a sense of community, support network, and learning more about the disease of addiction, 12 step groups are not therapy groups. Therapy is provided by licensed professionals who have spent years getting an education and practicing different techniques so they can best serve those who suffer the most. Receiving addiction therapy is not only a beneficial aspect of recovery but in most cases a life-changing and necessary part of the recovery process.

To know more about the  Addiction Treatment Therapy and Alcohol Rehab in Northern New Jersey, visit our website https://absoluteawakenings.com/ or call [phone] today!

[absoluteawakeningsnj]

Explore What Does Alcoholism Affect in to Your Life?

Alcoholism is the misuse and abuse of alcohol. Alcohol has become an acceptable substance for people to use for many different reasons. Mostly alcohol is easily obtainable, affordable, and socially acceptable to use. However, there is a line that some alcohol users cross that veer into the path of abuse. Once someone is abusing alcohol there can be a significant impact on their lives and the lives of others because of their alcoholism.

Short Term Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol can have significant short-term effects for someone who is using it consistently. Alcohol initially gives a person the ability to open up, become more talkative and social. At the same time, alcohol is speeding up that same person’s heart rate and expanding their blood vessels even after one or two drinks. Drinking over four drinks starts to impair a person’s judgment and decision-making.

At the same time, alcohol begins to impair the cells of the nervous system. After nine drinks, a person’s reactions begin to change and you may experience slurred speech and lack of focus. After nine drinks the liver struggles to filter out alcohol which is why a hangover typically occurs the next morning. Anything over twelve drinks can significantly impact breathing and heart rate and can lead to other serious complications like alcohol poisoning, coma, or death. Short-term effects can happen before a person even experiences alcoholism.

Impact on Others

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism affect more than just the alcoholic. An alarming number of people die every year in the United States from drunk driving accidents. Alcohol impacts a person’s ability to make rational decisions, make cognitively sound decisions, as well as their reactions. Because of this, driving under the influence is illegal but it still continues to happen. Most states have toughened their consequences on drunk drivers. Even with tougher consequences, alcoholism is still a primary reason for poor decision making which can affect others, not just the alcoholic.

Alcoholism and Family

In addition to the impact of alcoholism on society and others, alcoholism has a significant effect on the person’s family. Alcoholism can increase abuse in the home, financial strain, impairment in family decision-making, and neglect of children. Partners of alcoholics are more likely to experience violence within their relationship. Children of alcoholics are at risk to develop alcohol abuse themselves as well as various other development struggles. Alcohol abuse becomes the central focus for someone who is an alcoholic. Needing time to nurse a hangover, neglecting important duties within the family system, legal problems, and an ability to stop drinking all have serious consequences for the family.

Medical Complications

Alcohol affects the central nervous system which impacts the way the brain communicates with the nerves in a person’s body. It is a common misconception that alcohol is a stimulant because it can increase heart rate and alertness. However, alcohol is considered a depressant which is why people who struggle with symptoms of anxiety might initially feel better when they use alcohol. Because alcohol is a depressant it can slow down awareness and consciousness and cause people to feel depressed the longer, they use alcohol.

Long-term effects of alcohol can lead to liver disease, heart disease, anxiety, and depression. Binge drinking is a form of alcoholism that can be easily dismissed. Binge drinking is defined as someone who drinks a large amount of alcohol in a small period of time and typically does not drink daily. Even binge drinking can have the same medical complications as someone who abuses alcohol daily.

Alcoholism and Recovery

Alcoholism is one of the hardest substances to recover from. Alcohol use is socially acceptable and triggers for drinking can be found everywhere. Those who identify as alcoholics and struggling with alcoholism may have a hard time down the road to recovery. It is important to remember the benefits of joining recovery because of the side effects of alcohol. Quitting alcohol can immediately cause a person’s health to improve. In addition to immediately feeling better physically, stopping alcohol can improve skin.

Effects of alcoholism can leave a person’s skin looking inflamed, dehydrated with broken capillaries on the face. Improving the redness of the skin will happen once alcohol abuse stops. People also have improved sleep. Alcohol abuse can lead to terrible sleeping habits and trouble sleeping. Recovery from alcoholism can also improve mental health. Those who struggle with mental health tend to use alcohol for self-medicating purposes. By stopping alcohol abuse, a person can focus on proper medication management, increased self-confidence and self-respect. Alcoholism also leads to poor nutrition because those who drink eat less and unhealthier. Replacing alcohol with well balanced meals helps with the recovery process.

Explore more details about the Alcohol Treatment Center in New Jersey at Absolute Awakenings.

Visit our Blog page link for more details:

https://absoluteawakenings.com/what-does-alcoholism-affect/

[absoluteawakeningsnj]

What is the Difference Between Partial Hospitalization and IOP Therapy?

Some people may not be able to attend an inpatient addiction rehab program. Is this the case for you? If so, there are other treatment programs. You could choose partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs. Both these can help you to overcome a drug or alcohol addiction. Both these treatments can provide you with many benefits and help you live a life of recovery.

How do you know whether you should choose an iop mental health program or partial hospitalization? Learning about the differences between these two programs can help you to determine which is right for you. You can also contact us to find out more about these addiction treatment programs.

Partial Hospitalization Addiction Treatment Programs

In partial hospitalization programs or PHP, you will spend a lot of time working on your recovery. Most of your day will consist of being at the treatment center. For instance, some addiction rehab centers offer PHP sessions from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., five days a week. During your sessions, you will attend therapy and counseling. You will also participate in rehab center activities and possibly eat some meals at the facility too.

While you will be spending a lot of time in the partial hospitalization program setting, you won’t spend the entire day or night at the facility. Some PHP sessions are as little as 4 hours. However, most of the time, they are closer to 8 hours for each session. According to Medicare, partial hospitalization is a more intensive care option than what you would get from a therapist’s office but less intensive than an inpatient rehab program.

You get a lot of care and support from the addiction rehab center. However, you can still create a daily routine at the sober living house or any other place you are living. A partial hospitalization program allows you to:

Commit to your recovery

Lower your chances of relapsing

Hold yourself accountable

Connect with others who are in the treatment program

Get support multiple days a week from people who understand you

Have a program that helps you integrate recovery tools into your life

Receive medication-assisted therapy

Attend individual and group therapy sessions

Receive family resources to help you reconnect and make amends to loved ones

Now that you know more about PHP, you can decide if it is suitable for overcoming your addiction to alcohol or drugs.

Intensive Outpatient Therapy and Programs

Intensive outpatient programs, or IOP, offer addiction recovery support and treatments, as well.

If you don’t feel you need around-the-clock care to overcome an alcohol or drug addiction, intensive outpatient treatment might be right for you. An IOP is not as long as partial hospitalization programs. The sessions are usually only a few hours in length in these programs and might be 2 to 4 days a week. Most IOP directors recommend their patients attend a 12-step program in addition to the treatment program.

If you attend an intensive outpatient therapy program, you will have extra time to go about other life responsibilities such as school, work or caring for your family. Even though you aren’t in the treatment center as often as with PHP, you still commit to treatment principles.

There are many other benefits of attending iop therapy and treatment programs, including:

Building a solid support network

Receiving rehab center treatments while still maintaining other responsibilities

Building on teamwork skills that can help you to stay strong in recovery

Receiving evidence-based treatments that help prevent relapse and build a strong recovery foundation

Receiving aftercare support to help you continue recovery outside the treatment center

Now that you know more about IOP, you can decide if this is the best choice for overcoming your addiction or alcohol or drugs.

Choosing the Best Addiction Treatment Program

Not everyone experiences addiction in the same way. Some people struggle with addiction for what seems like their entire life. Other people develop an addiction later in life. In addition, some people only have an addiction for a short time before they seek treatment, while others go many years before getting help.

There is no wrong time to seek out support to overcome your addiction. Admitting you have an addiction is the first step. After doing that, you can learn about the various addiction treatment programs available to you. The two options here today, PHP and IOP, are both beneficial. Many people who struggle with addiction have benefited from these programs.

Now that you know the difference between partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient therapy programs, you can choose the one that seems best for you. Contact us today to start your journey into recovery. We would be happy to help you start in either of these programs.

Visit our website: https://absoluteawakenings.com/ for more details.

Facebook:: https://www.facebook.com/absoluteawakeningsnj/

Instagram:: https://www.instagram.com/absoluteawakenings/