Overcoming substance use disorder (SUD) and its challenges is incredibly complicated. Identifying when it is time to pursue professional treatment to address the use of drugs or alcohol is the first step in making profound change. There is no single path to a healthy and sober future. Finding the right treatment program and committing to professional treatment is necessary for the most effective, transformative recovery. Knowing when to embark on such a profound journey can be difficult. However, understanding the benefits of outpatient treatment for beginning this phase of recovery is crucial.
When Is It Time for Outpatient Treatment?
Each individual will have their journey with addictive substances and the mental health disorders that may accompany them. Knowing when to seek treatment for the use of drugs or alcohol is important. However, whether an individual is wondering if it is time for treatment themselves or if a person is concerned about another, asking about treatment is already a significant indication that professional care is needed.
Addiction can affect individuals and families in many ways. There is no numerical value that a person can use to gauge addiction. Rather than counting drinks or the frequency of drug use, looking at how these substances are perceived and affect daily life can be much more important. It can often signal the need for treatment before these addictions develop and further damage a person’s personal and professional life. Outpatient programs can be essential for those continuing to navigate their needs and obligations outside a treatment facility to pursue the necessary treatment.
Asking the Right Questions
Knowing the most pertinent questions to ask is paramount for identifying the need for outpatient treatment. Some of these questions include:
- Does the use of drugs or alcohol feel necessary to unwind after a stressful day or event?
- Is the use of drugs or alcohol necessary to celebrate accomplishments?
- Has the use of drugs or alcohol ever impeded professional life, either by calling off work to engage with these substances or taking a sick day due to a hangover?
- Does an individual feel guilty following using these substances but continue to engage anyway?
- Has anyone ever questioned or addressed the use of drugs or alcohol before?
- Are there drugs or alcohol hidden anywhere?
- Does the use of drugs or alcohol feel necessary to feel “normal?”
- Have there been any adverse consequences of use, such as legal repercussions, damage to romantic, personal, or professional relationships, or physical damage resulting from using addictive substances? Has an individual continued to engage anyway?
- Has there been a previous attempt to either quit or cut back the use of these substances that did not work or was not maintained as intended?
If an individual either answered “yes” to these questions or is entertaining these questions in the first place, then some degree of change is necessary.
The Benefits of Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient programs are dedicated programs where an individual will meet with treatment professionals and peers multiple times a week. Here they practice sober coping strategies, engage in group therapy, and explore new therapeutic activities, experiences, and opportunities. Different therapies can be utilized, all while an individual lives independently or with family. These regular meetings allow those overcoming their use of addictive substances to try new, practical strategies throughout their daily life. At the same time, they have consistent access to a dedicated professional outlet to process the stresses and anxieties that may manifest in the “real world.”
There are many different treatment programs that an individual may consider in their pursuit of a sober life. Finding the program that best fits an individual’s life, personal and familial obligations, and professional responsibilities is necessary to create a new and balanced lifestyle. Individuals should never feel as if they have to choose between their job and their sobriety, nor should one come at the expense of the other. Outpatient treatment can address an individual’s need for professional treatment while continuing to manage the stresses that may inform the use of drugs or alcohol.
Staying With Family
Outpatient therapy programs empower those in recovery to retain a degree of normalcy in their lives while pursuing the necessary treatment for overcoming SUD. Living with family can ensure that an individual can communicate with these supports and maintain a healthy home dynamic while navigating the changes and challenges commonplace throughout the recovery process.
Part of a Community
Being a part of a community is instrumental for those in recovery. Addiction can be a very isolating experience. Having a place to connect with peers navigating their recovery with professional support is necessary. The kind of understanding and sympathy that outpatient recovery communities provide practical strategies and a culture of healing and accountability to facilitate continued sobriety.
Creating a Schedule
Outpatient treatment also allows those overcoming drugs or alcohol to create their schedules. Programs can be scheduled in the mornings or evenings depending on an individual’s work schedule or personal obligations. Each individual is encouraged to adjust these schedules as needed to maintain a healthy balance between their life and continued sobriety efforts.
Determining the need for professional treatment in overcoming the use of drugs or alcohol can be difficult, and we at Redpoint are prepared to help you take the first step toward a healthy, sober future. Whether you are overcoming your use of addictive substances or looking to support a loved one on their journey to sobriety, the resources, community, and atmosphere that permeates Redpoint’s dedicated outpatient programs can help you create the best change in your life. With multiple locations available throughout Colorado, we are committed to creating a healing community, meeting you where you are on your journey to create your best plan for a sober future. For more information, call us today at (303) 710-8496.
