Fighting a substance abuse addiction is one of the hardest things a person can do. It takes a lot of strength and determination to seek help and go through with treatment.

If you or a loved one is considering an intensive outpatient substance abuse program, here are some tips to get the most out of the experience.

Be Open to Change

The first step to getting the most out of an intensive outpatient substance abuse program is being open to change. This means being willing to try new things and change old habits.

For example, you may need to try new coping mechanisms or ways of dealing with triggers. If you tend to use drugs or alcohol to cope with stress, you'll need to switch to new, healthier ways to deal with it. You could engage in activities such as intensive exercise, deep breathing, or journaling as new stress-relievers.

It's also important to be open to the idea that your relationships may change. If you're in recovery, it's likely that you'll need to distance yourself from people who enable your addiction. Instead, try to be around people who support your sobriety and will help you stay on track.

It can be difficult to let go of familiar settings and coping mechanisms. But this step is necessary to make progress in treatment. Thankfully, a good intensive outpatient program will provide you with the tools and support you need to make lasting changes in your life.

Follow the Program Guidelines

Intensive outpatient substance abuse programs typically last a few months to ensure long-term sobriety. During this time, you'll be expected to attend group and individual therapy sessions several times a week. These sessions aim to help you identify the root causes of your addiction and understand how to cope with triggers and cravings.

You'll also be expected to participate in regular drug testing and meet with a case manager to develop a discharge plan. These steps are important to help you transition back into your everyday life after treatment.

It's important to follow the program guidelines and requirements to give yourself the best chance at success. If you miss sessions or fail drug tests, it could jeopardize your progress in treatment.

Of course, there will be times when you can't make it to a session or need to reschedule. In these cases, it's important to communicate with your treatment team and let them know what's going on. They can help you make up missed sessions or develop a plan to get back on track.

Overall, following the program guidelines will give you the structure and support you need to recover from addiction.

Keep these tips in mind as you begin your intensive outpatient therapy program.