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Effectiveness of Outpatient Treatment in South Florida

When it comes to addiction, treatment is a necessary element of recovery. Getting help is necessary for the recovery process, irrespective of the substance used. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, addiction causes the deaths of more than 70,000 Americans each year. In the United States, nearly half of all adults have coped with a close relative or loved one who has struggled with addictions. Flexible treatment alternatives are needed to aid people on the road to sobriety because addiction is such a deeply embedded element of the fabric of society.

Many people put off seeking treatment for substance addiction because they still have life’s responsibilities and obligations, such as employment or family, which makes it difficult for them to attend an inpatient program. However, folks who cannot attend an inpatient program can opt for outpatient treatment. South Florida has some of the best drug rehab centers in the United States, offering multiple treatment options to cater to any number of people who seek rehabilitation.

What is Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment is a flexible and adaptable approach to overcoming mild alcohol and drug addiction. However, a severe addiction to substances like Oxycodone and Heroin should be treated in inpatient programs as it requires medically-assisted detox.

Outpatient treatment is an excellent way for people who want to quit using drugs but need the flexibility of a program that fits into their schedule.

Since addiction is a sickness, most people cannot quit using drugs for a few days and be cured. Addiction makes you believe you have the ability to stop whenever you want, but it will always lure you back in. People usually require long-term or recurrent treatment to attain their lifelong goal of ongoing abstinence and recovery.

Outpatient treatment is offered under two scenarios: an alternative to inpatient treatment or a follow-up after a patient has completed an inpatient program. There are various types of outpatient rehab treatments. Partial hospitalization programs are another name for intensive outpatient programs. For individuals who require it, partial hospitalization can involve a medical detox followed by 4 to 6 hours of psychiatric care administered 3 to 5 days per week.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the length of treatment programs is directly linked to successful recovery. Individuals in a rehabilitation program should expect to stay in treatment for at least 90 days. Outpatient alcohol therapy is one of the most effective treatments, while outpatient treatment programs for opioid addiction may be less beneficial.

Instead of the 28 days of an inpatient program, IOP is usually given for a minimum of 90 days. Many patients benefit from treatment programs that span a year or longer. Patients can continue to work, fulfill social obligations, and spend time with their families while on IOP. Patients go to their treatment center on a timetable that suits them multiple times a week.

This therapy flexibility allows patients to complete rehabilitation programs without significantly affecting other aspects of their lives. Individuals who receive effective addiction therapy will be able to quit alcohol or drugs, maintain a drug-free lifestyle, and live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life in recovery.

Benefits of IOP

While inpatient treatments provide multiple benefits to a patient, it is not a suitable option for everyone. There are many benefits of an IOP:

• Outpatient programs provide independence and flexibility to fulfill your household responsibilities.
• A strong support system from friends and family who want to see you recover may be helpful in an IOP. Isolation is a very dangerous aspect in the road to recovery, and a supportive circle can be very beneficial.
• IOP services allow you to be present at work or school.
• Outpatient programs are cheaper than inpatient treatments.
• Rehabilitation centers provide complete discretion, so potential patients who may be deterred from seeking treatment due to humiliation can feel safe and confident while seeking treatment at their own pace.

A successful intensive outpatient program is known for its flexibility. It’s difficult to admit you have a problem and seek treatment. When assistance is only available for a limited time, things get even more challenging. IOP can be beneficial for those who need help by providing overnight and weekend treatment programs in addition to counseling during regular work hours. The more time a patient spends in treatment, the higher the chances of recovery, and this is a critical factor that makes outpatient treatments effective.

The Sands Treatment Center in South Florida provides one-of-a-kind rehabilitation which involves one-on-one counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, group therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, all catering to an individual specific needs, leading to a successful recovery from addiction.

Aging Veterans and PTSD

Memories of wartime are challenging to let go of. Many veterans from wartimes have gone on to live happy, fulfilling lives. However, we often see these aging veterans delve back into depression and uneasiness. Most of these veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and require PTSD treatment. 

Sometimes veterans do not show any signs of PTSD till late in their lives. A sudden trigger could unplug their minds, and they might go back to all the sufferings of war.  

What Triggers PTSD In Aging Veterans? 

In aging veterans, PTSD can be triggered by anything. As people age, they lose more loved ones to death. So the death of a close friend or spouse could be a trigger that could make them think about wartime suffering.  

People often drown their PTSD with the help of substances such as alcohol. If a person suddenly stops taking that substance, they could find their memories returning to wartime since the substance that held them together was no longer present.  

News of war can also trigger PTSD in veterans. If there is news about war on the television or they come across a documentary that relays their experience, it might trigger their PTSD. 

It is easy for PTSD to be triggered in aged people because they are more sensitive to situations.  

Does PTSD Worsen With Age? 

Yes, PTSD does worsen with age, which is why there are quite a few veterans who have had manageable symptoms of PTSD their entire lives, but after a specific age the symptoms become progressively worse and might require more medical intervention.  

One of the reasons why PTSD increases as veterans age is that they retire. After retirement, people do not have as many distractions as they do while working. This is why they have more time to think, and thoughts about the past may creep upon them.  

Another reason is ailing health. As people grow older, they get more illnesses, and their previous health conditions also aggravate. They realize that they are not as physically strong as before, and any thoughts of war could make them think they will not be able to serve anymore. These thoughts can be depressing for the veteran, who might start showing signs and symptoms of PTSD. 

Symptoms Of PTSD 

There are many symptoms of PTSD that vary depending on the degree of the condition. The most common symptoms include: 

• Nightmares – People reliving their trauma from war may often have nightmares from those times, which can cause sleep disturbances. These people are also often seen with insomnia. 

• Re-experiencing Symptoms – People with war trauma could be reliving events from that time and might behave as if they are still in war conditions. They might constantly talk about survival, enemies, or recall what to do in times of distress. 
• Pessimism – War trauma can also cause people to think negatively constantly. This may also lead to depression at times.  
• Avoiding Triggering Events – Many people with PTSD choose to avoid anything that could even remotely remind them of the events they have been through.  
• Feeling on Edge – People with PTSD are also easily startled by situations. They scare easily and might get defensive as well 
• Losing Interest – War veterans are also often seen to be losing interest in things that used to bring them joy and happiness. This may also cause them to fall into depression. 

• Difficulty in Dealing with People – Veterans might feel isolated when they have PTSD. They might cut contact with friends and be challenging to deal with around family.  

How Can Aging Veterans Fight PTSD? 

There is always hope for anyone who has PTSD. War veterans who display symptoms many years after the war has ended should be enrolled in a PTSD treatment program. Pompano Beach has excellent programs for aging veterans where they can find support.  

Other than that, aging veterans might also benefit from joining a support group. Having friends with similar experiences can help the veterans find solace. They can build a community around people they are comfortable with. 

It is also important for people with PTSD to share their trauma with their loved ones. They can offer support and help them get through these trying times.