1- What to expect in detox
Each detox facility differs, but no matter where you go there are similarities. I tell my patients that the clinician’s job is to provide medicines to keep the patient more comfortable than at home and safe. The patient’s job is to figure out a plan of attack to stay sober after he or she leaves. In doing this, the detox facilities will have patients talk to counselors to help patients set appointments up so that the patient does not have to do this at home. Furthermore, there are expectations each facility gives the patient. Most places patients are not allowed to access the internet, some places may or may not allow smoking. At detoxes, individuals will be with a group of people also undergoing detox.
2- What is ambulatory detox
Instead of spending the night at the detox facility, some patients may be a good candidate for detox at home. This is what it means to be ambulatory detox. During the day the patient will be detoxed at a facility and monitored by a nurse/clinician. The Facility/clinic will have activities for the patient (counseling, lounging, etc) to do. At the end of the day, if the nurses/clinicians feel it’s safe for the person to go home, the patient will be sent off home with perhaps some medications for symptoms and then be expected to return the next day.
3- What is IOP
IOP (AKA Intensive Outpatient Program, Intensive Outpatient Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Services). Many IOPs focus on Addiction Medicine, but there are IOPs that focus on behavioral health and mental health. Like detoxes, each IOP differs, but no matter where you go there are core similarities. IOPs have group classes led by counselors that typically go over a workbook. The workbooks go over concepts such as triggers, coping skills, insight about self, and so forth, In IOP, you might have interesting classes on mindfulness, tai chi, and calming techniques. The programs attempt to make IOP enjoyable. Of note, during IOP the programs keep attendees accountable by keeping attendance and possibly enforcing random Urine checks. They typically last for 3 months.
4- What is PHP
PHP (Partial hospitalization program) is like IOP for just more hours. PHP is at least 20 hours a week or more. Typically 5 days a week.
5- What is Residential Treatment
Occasionally, people in active addiction need to leave their environment to go to a safe place where there are no drugs/alcohol to stay sober. They usually range 30-60 days. Residential facilities have rules and expectations. They expect patients to talk to counselors, attend group classes, and plan ahead to stay sober (similar to detox). Residential facilities are a good starting point. It’s important to know it’s not the end all be all of the treatment. Once someone leaves more is expected- from PHP/ IOP/Aftercare. Staying sober at home is a different skill set, and the structure and accountability can help. Residential facilities may provide gym access, video games, activity. Many don’t allow smoking while others do. They try to make it a place you want to stay in.
6- What is sober living?
They provide a structured living place for those with addiction. They enforce rules such as no drugs, alcohol, violence. They may provide a curfew, not allow overnight guests, uphold random alcohol and drug screenings, mandate active participation in a sobriety program. What each program does differs. Sober houses may have a house father or house mother that lives there. Find out that is beneficial for you. It is important to realize, Sober living homes are not regulated like “Treatment Centers” are. Because of this, they vary in quality. Find one that invests effort in sobriety, as this can make a tremendous difference.
7- I don’t have time to do what is recommended
A common concern patients have is that they do not have time for treatment such as residential facility PHP/IOP/AA/NA. This is understandable, and no provider or counselor wants to make things worse for the patient by recommending treatment. I, however, encourage patients to strongly consider adding treatment to the work/home life schedule. Many IOP centers cater to working patients. Night and morning classes are available in many communities. I also encourage patients to think of the big picture of his or her life. Investing a commitment to oneself pays huge dividends in the long run. I see lots of patients truly transform life for the better in a fairly short period of time.