When we are involved in outpatient treatment, we’re able to pursue our addiction recovery in an intensive way – while still being able to return home to our families and carry out other responsibilities of daily life. A 2015 study published in the journal Psychiatric Services further evidence the success of these programs by assessing previous research conducted between 1995 and 2012; they found that overall, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are extremely successful in aiding alcohol and drug use disorders. Of course, we have to be on the right track in our recovery for outpatient treatment to be a good fit; having a supportive home environment, a drive for success in recovery, appropriate transportation measures and not needing detoxification are a few qualities of those in IOPs. Once you’re in, however, there are many benefits you can gain.
A 2017 study conducted by researchers from Portugal assessed 254 individuals in IOPs for addiction recovery. They randomly placed participants in separate groups: individual psychological counseling, individual psychiatric counseling, both psychological and psychiatric counseling, or the attendance of both individual forms of counseling along with group sessions. Ultimately, the study proved what many treatment centers are just now catching up to: the importance of integration in addiction recovery care.
- Individual psychological counseling
- Individual psychiatric counseling (the implementation of medication for specific needs)
- Both types of individual counseling
- Group therapy sessions
Implementing all of these approaches to treatment can make a huge difference for someone in recovery – because we all have different needs, thought processes, learning styles and personalities, and the various implementations can help fill in gaps that other approaches to treatment can’t. In the book, Integrative Addiction and Recovery, the authors highlighted the various treatment modalities that have expanded over time. Some of these include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neurofeedback therapy, 12-Step programs (such as Alcoholics Anonymous), contingency management, exercise, acupuncture, meditation and more.
If you’re ready to take on a holistic, integrative approach to recovery, speak with a professional from Cumberland Heights. You’re not alone.
Cumberland Heights in Murfreesboro Tennessee is a 12-step based outpatient alcohol & drug rehab program. Cumberland Heights’ Intensive Outpatient Program is designed for individuals age 18 and above who may be in the early stages of dependency or are experiencing problems with alcohol or drug use. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first.
