Each individual will have their own unique experiences and journey in overcoming substance use disorder (SUD). However, regardless of how an individual is exposed to drugs or alcohol, or in what capacity they are engaging with the substance, there can still be barriers present that can hinder their recovery journey before it has even begun. One of the most prevalent and difficult barriers to overcome can be the commitment necessary to address addiction and all of its complexities. However, finding the right intensive outpatient program (IOP) can help those ready to challenge their use of drugs or alcohol best approach recovery and sobriety for a transformed future.
The Benefits of IOPs
IOPs are a powerful and effective approach to recovery and sobriety. These programs help those overcoming the use of drugs or alcohol address their needs for sobriety in a curated, professional setting alongside peers while still empowering each person to tend to their own daily life and responsibilities.
IOPs also empower each of those in recovery to have more agency over their continued success in recovery. While a community of peers and supports is still constantly available, each individual will have more freedom of how they want to spend their time outside of a treatment facility. This allows those in recovery to use the skills learned in a dedicated professional setting to explore new self-care outlets and interests, and manage their lives outside of a treatment facility without having to completely compromise current life structures.
Introducing those in recovery to sober communities, exploring therapeutic practices, and embracing new skills in sobriety is crucial, and IOPs can empower those in recovery to pursue these goals while still tending to their own daily life outside of a treatment facility.
The Barrier of Commitment
Commitment can be a palpable barrier for many, despite the emotional and health ramifications of substance use or prevalent urges and cravings. For some, the time necessary to effectively address the ranging effects of addiction can be intimidating. An individual may feel as if they will have to compromise their professional life, hobbies, or overall lifestyle to make time for the commitment necessary to address their use of drugs or alcohol. However, the right IOP can help alleviate this initial barrier.
IOPs are designed to provide support while those in recovery continue to manage the stresses of daily life. Those in recovery will attend a facility at predetermined times, but also continue to live at home and with supports. While IOPs do involve a time commitment, meeting three times a week for a few hours each session, they are designed to be effective while allowing freedom to work toward personal goals.
Choosing Between Professional Life and Recovery
A person’s recovery should never come at the expense of their professional career. However, the two can be intimately connected, with workplace stresses or cultures informing the use of drugs or alcohol. While some may benefit from taking time off of work to pursue treatment, others can work with employers and treatment facilities to create a balanced schedule. Establishing a consistent work schedule can open up new opportunities to address personal needs in the pursuit of each person’s recovery goals. This may involve creating a dedicated schedule and discussing new ways of approaching overtime or changing schedules so a person is never taken by surprise.
Combining effective work schedules with a malleable outpatient treatment program can help those pursuing recovery balance both of these aspects of their lives. At Redpoint’s Glenwood Springs location, outpatient programs can be scheduled in either mornings or evenings, depending on each individual’s personal schedule. Each person is also able to shift between morning or evening programs to adapt to changing schedules without compromising their recovery efforts, making it easier to commit to recovery while still tending to personal responsibilities.
Professional treatment can also help those overcoming the use of drugs or alcohol determine how their professional lives may affect their continued sobriety. While unfortunate, some workplace environments may be wholly detrimental to a person’s sobriety, either through the pervasive use of addictive substances in the workplace or informing their use through a toxic workplace environment. Professional treatment may be necessary to explore this relationship and help those committing to sobriety continue to make the best decisions for their sobriety.
The Challenges of Involuntary Commitment
In some situations, an individual may be committed to recovery at another’s behest. For some, this can be a result of legal ramifications, while others may be attending a recovery facility after discussions with friends or family. This can cause an individual to be more reluctant or resistant to treatment and recovery practices.
However, that doesn’t mean that an individual may not have a personal stake in their own recovery. Working with professionals to find a personal reason, whether it be to repair a particular relationship or pursue personal goals, even if they do not yet see the need for recovery or its connection to their use of addictive substances, can help overcome this barrier and help those in recovery commit to their own goals in the process.
The Importance of Commitment
Professional recovery and sobriety are not something that can be done halfway, and truly transformative change requires that an individual is dedicated to their continued success and development. While commitment can be intimidating at first, it is also necessary to experience the most sustained change. New stresses will manifest, and it can be easy to fall back into previous routines and habits if an individual is not constantly adjusting and adapting to stresses and challenges.
Recovery and sobriety are ongoing journeys, and continuing to attend the dedicated outpatient treatment programs in Glenwood Springs can help those maintaining their hard-earned sobriety adapt to new changes, challenges, and more, all with the support of a community of peers and professionals each step of the way.
Commitment can be a barrier for many, but our personalized outpatient programs at Redpoint are ready to help you find a way to balance your continued daily life with proven recovery efforts. We utilize a blend of healing practices, from experiential therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy and much more, each of which can be personalized to fit your needs and goals and help you commit to your own best recovery practices. By blending individualized care with a community of healing, we are committed to building a genuine atmosphere of healing across Glenwood Springs and through multiple locations across Colorado. For more information on IOPs or how we can help you commit to your sober future, call us today at (303) 710-8496.
