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Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Programs
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According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder, or SUD, include:

The recovery program is designed to facilitate individuals who want more monitoring during their recovery stage. An IOP treatment has plenty of benefits to offer.

You Maintain Household Responsibilities
This one benefit is what distinguishes IOP from inpatient treatment. The treatment option allows patients to maintain and manage their household responsibilities while completing their recovery phase. It especially benefits people who have children to look after and need continued supervised care. Plus, people with demanding jobs or those who can’t afford full-time nannies can manage everything with this option. In short, IOP treatment offers flexibility and freedom when needed.

Allows you to Strengthen Family Networks
IOP brings you a great opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your close friends and family by making a strong network with them. You intentionally meet or spend time with them as a part of the treatment process.

Helps You Keep Things Private
You might not have thought of IOP from this perspective, but it is no doubt one of the important aspects to consider. A lot of people feel a great deal of embarrassment when it comes to disclosing that they are recovering from an addiction.
Admitting to recovery centers is one of the roadblocks for them. At 1stStep Behavioral Health Center, our professional therapists are committed to providing privacy if you opt for intensive outpatient treatment. You don’t only feel confident, but also safe during the recovery process.

Inexpensive Process
Another great benefit that you get when you choose IOP treatment is that it costs you less money. As it is significantly inexpensive and feasible, more patients tend to choose it.

Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder 1024 612 admin

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of a substance use disorder, or SUD, include:

  • Feeling that you must use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day.
  • Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts.
  • Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect.
  • Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period than intended.
  • Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug.
  • Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it.
  • Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use.
  • Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it’s causing physical or psychological harm.
  • Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing.
  • Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug.
  • Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug, or recovering from the effects of the drug.
  • Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug.