How to Hold an Intervention

People hold an intervention for their loved one.

It can be hard watching your loved one struggle with addiction. Oftentimes, many loved ones may struggle to know what to do to help their loved one struggling with addiction to seek treatment. That’s why in this article, you’ll learn how to hold an intervention so you can effectively confront your loved one regarding their drug problem. 

At Outpatient LA, we are leading outpatient drug rehab that helps patients effectively break free from the chains of their addiction. No longer do you have to suffer in silence with your addiction. Our compassionate team is here to help you regain control of your life. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment so you can receive the unique support you need to lead a healthier, happier life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey. 

6 Steps to Hold an Effective Intervention

Unsure of how to hold an intervention? Below are several steps you can take to hold an effective intervention. 

1. Consider Seeking Professional Help to Facilitate the Intervention

Before planning an intervention, it’s important to consider if you would want to seek professional help from an interventionist to help facilitate an intervention. While an interventionist is not required, they can provide expert guidance and an objective perspective to help lead the intervention. 

2. Pick a Specific Time and Place to Hold the Intervention

It’s important to pick a specific time and place to hold the intervention. The last thing you want to do is confront your loved one struggling with addiction out of nowhere. Therefore, clearly communicate a specific time and place to hold the intervention, and only invite close trusted family members or friends. You do not want to invite too many people to the intervention as this can make the individual feel uneasy and judged. 

3. Plan on What You’ll Say Before the Intervention

It’s also important to do your research and plan what you’ll say before the intervention. Whether it’s researching addiction treatment centers in your area, or learning more about addiction, it’s important to know what you’ll say before the time comes during the intervention. 

4. Provide a Safe, Judgement-Free Space During the Intervention

You’ll also want to provide a safe, judgment-free space during the intervention so your loved one feels comfortable accepting help at the end of the intervention. If the intervention comes off as an attack, they will be less likely to accept help. 

5. Communicate Clear Boundaries If Your Loved One Doesn’t Accept Treatment

Not all interventions end with an individual struggling with addiction accepting help for their drug problem. If your loved one does not accept help for their addiction, it’s important to set and communicate clear boundaries with them so you are not enabling their addiction. This may look like no longer giving money to your family member who struggles with addiction, as they may be using that money to fuel their addiction. 

6. Understand That an “Unsuccessful” Intervention is Not the End

Understand that an “unsuccessful” intervention is not the end. While it’s important to not enable your loved one’s addiction and keep healthy boundaries, you can still be there to offer support and guidance for them to seek professional help when the time comes for them to accept professional help. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about how to hold an intervention. An intervention at a specific time and place creates a safe space to confront your loved one struggling with addiction, while also offering resources for them to seek professional help. While not all interventions may end with a person struggling with addiction accepting help for their addiction, interventions offer an effective way to confront your loved one about their drug problem. 

At Outpatient LA, our compassionate team is here to help you safely progress along your road to recovery so you can reclaim your life. No longer do you have to suffer alone with your addiction. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment options so you can receive the tailored support you need to live a happier, healthier quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your road to recovery. 

 

The Role of a Support System in Recovery

People support a loved one in recovery.

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly half of Americans have a family member or close friend who’s struggled with addiction.  Addiction doesn’t just impact the individual, but it also impacts the friends, family members, and other people in the addict’s life. Similarly, the road to recovery is not meant to be done alone. A support system plays a significant role in one’s recovery. Keep reading to learn more about the role of a support system in recovery below. 

At Outpatient LA, we are a top-rated outpatient drug rehab that offers tailored outpatient care to support your unique recovery needs. No two recovery journeys are ever the same. We provide personalized addiction treatment to help you progress along your road to recovery and achieve long-lasting sobriety. Ready to start your road to recovery? Contact us today! 

How Having a Support System Helps with Recovery 

The role of a support system in recovery is important. Your support system can consist of friends, family members, therapists, addiction specialists, and others who provide support as you progress along your recovery journey. Below are the many ways your support system can help you on your road to recovery. 

Provides a Sense of Accountability

Your support system offers a sense of accountability along your recovery journey. Your recovery journey will without question be filled with many ups and downs. Your support system is there to keep you accountable so as to not fall into cravings or triggers that could risk your sobriety. It’s important to understand that not necessarily everyone in your life will be supportive of your recovery journey. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the trusted individuals in your life you know who will help keep you accountable along your journey to sobriety. 

Provides Emotional Support

Another important role of a support system in recovery is they offer a sense of emotional support. In other words, your support system should consist of people you can lean on for support when you are going through a difficult time in your recovery journey. It can be difficult to be open and vulnerable about your struggles as you are progressing along your recovery. However, it’s important to not keep your struggles to yourself. If you are struggling with certain cravings or triggers, it’s important to ask for help from your support system.

Helps Rebuild Relationships

Addiction is a debilitating disease that can fracture your relationships. A support system can help rebuild relationships between you and them, and others you may have hurt along your road to recovery. It’s important to understand that you are responsible for your addiction recovery journey. In other words, your friends and family members are not responsible for you maintaining sobriety. However, your friends, family members, therapists, and others in your life can encourage and motivate you along your recovery journey. 

Helps Reduce the Risk of Relapse

Having a support system can also help reduce your risk of relapsing. This is because having therapists, friends, family members, addiction specialists, and others around you can again keep you accountable along your road to recovery. It’s essential to understand you’ll inevitably be faced with hardship along your recovery journey; however, this does not mean you have to go through these challenges alone along your recovery journey. 

Minimizes Feelings of Loneliness 

Addiction and even addiction recovery can sometimes feel isolating. Many recovering addicts may feel like no one understands what they’re going through. Having a support system that listens to you, encourages you, and keeps you accountable helps minimize feelings of loneliness while supporting your overall recovery journey. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about the role of a support system in recovery. A support system offers a sense of accountability and emotional support which are critical when it comes to maintaining long-term sobriety. You should never feel like you have to face your addiction all on your own.

At Outpatient LA, our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you safely progress along your recovery journey. We understand each patient’s recovery journey is unique. That’s why we provide a broad range of outpatient recovery journeys to ensure you receive the best possible addiction treatment to safely achieve long-lasting sobriety. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve long-term sobriety. 

Essential Life Skills for Addiction Recovery

A man gets ready to exercise as a coping skill, which is an important part of life skills for addiction recovery.

Addiction recovery is a life-long journey that can be filled with many ups and downs. Overcoming addiction doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to live a sober life. People in recovery face triggers, urges, and cravings to abuse drugs even when they are sober. This is why developing essential life skills for addiction recovery is important so you can help support your road to recovery and reduce your risk of relapse. Below are several essential life skills for addiction recovery you should consider developing if you haven’t already.

At Outpatient LA, we are a leading outpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles that offers individualized care to best meet your recovery needs. From healing your physical health to your mental well-being, we offer a variety of addiction treatment options to ensure you receive the personalized treatment you need to lead a healthier, happier life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your recovery journey.  

5 Key Life Skills to Support Your Addiction Recovery 

Research found that 7 in 10 adults who ever had a substance use problem considered themselves to be recovering or in recovery, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Recovery can be difficult, this is why it’s important to practice and develop these life skills below so you can work toward living a healthier, happier life free from drugs. 

Asking for Help

It’s important to feel comfortable asking for help from others. Whether you are struggling with your triggers or cravings during recovery, or you are struggling with another issue outside of your recovery journey, it’s important to not be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help from others is not a weakness, but a strength in recognizing you cannot and should not live life all on your own.

Setting Goals for Your Recovery

Goal-setting, especially when it comes to setting goals for your recovery journey, is another key life skill. Rather than making one broad goal of achieving lifelong sobriety, you can develop small, specific goals that can make your road to recovery less daunting. For example, depending on where you are at in your recovery journey, you can set time-specific goals (ie. 1 month of sobriety) or activity goals (ie. attending weekly support groups).

Practicing Healthy Coping Skills

Many healthy coping skills like journaling, exercising, and spending quality time with people who are positive influences in your life are also healthy habits you should practice to achieve a good quality of life. Healthy coping skills not only help reduce your risk of relapsing but also build you up to create a lifestyle that is fulfilling and that takes care of your mental and physical health and well-being. 

Managing Your Emotions in a Healthy Manner

It can be easy to let your emotions get the best of you. However, not having healthy control over your emotions can lead you down a slippery slope of relapsing. Therefore, another essential life skill for addiction recovery is learning how to manage your emotions in a healthy manner, such as speaking with a therapist or journaling, rather than turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with negative emotions. 

Understanding How to Manage Stress Without Relapsing

Stress is a normal part of life. It’s important to understand how to manage your stress, without having to turn to drugs to find short-term relief for your stress. Consider exercising, going to therapy, or practicing art or music as ways you can manage stress in your life in a healthy manner.

Ready to Break Free of Addiction? 

Now you know the various essential life skills for addiction recovery you need to practice and develop. From being comfortable asking for help to setting goals to maintain your recovery, these life skills will not only help support your recovery journey, but also live a better life. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional help so you can receive the care that you need to lead a healthier, happier quality of life. 

Our compassionate team of addiction specialists are here to help you safely progress along your recovery journey. At Outpatient LA, we offer a wide range of addiction treatment options so you can receive the tailored care you need to heal, grow, and progress along your addiction recovery journey. From partial hospitalization to our intensive outpatient program, we offer various programs to support your recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your recovery journey. 

How Long Do Most People Stay in Sober Living?

A woman sits on a couch in a sober living home.

It can be overwhelming for many people in recovery to jump straight back into their everyday lives after receiving addiction treatment. Sober living offers a solution to help people transition more effectively from addiction treatment to their daily lives. Although not required, sober living offers a supportive environment to help clients progress post-treatment along their recovery journey. In this article, you’ll learn more about sober living and how long you can stay in sober living. 

At Outpatient LA, we are a leading outpatient drug rehab that helps clients break free of the chains of addiction. We understand how isolating addiction can be. That’s why our experienced team of addiction specialists are here to provide the tailored care you need to lead a healthier life. Our outpatient drug and alcohol rehab offers a range of addiction treatment options to ensure you receive the right care. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey. 

What is Sober Living & How Long Do People Stay?

Sober living provides people in recovery with a safe housing environment to help support them as they progress along their recovery journey after receiving addiction treatment. While seeking professional addiction treatment is essential for clients to safely and effectively overcome addiction, completing an addiction treatment program does not guarantee life-long sobriety. Sober living is just another step to help individuals more easily transition from receiving treatment back into their everyday lives.

However, there is one question many people may want to ask: how long do you stay in sober living homes? The answer is: it depends.

There are a variety of factors that can influence how long you stay at sober living homes, which we’ll discuss below. Some individuals may stay short-term for one month, while other people who need long-term housing support may stay anywhere from six months or more. 

3 Factors That Can Influence How Long You Stay in Sober Living

As you can see, there is no one exact answer for how long most people stay in sober living. While many people in recovery may stay anywhere from 3 to 9 months, the answer varies by program, as well as the individual’s unique recovery needs. 

Sober Living Programs May Offer Varying Lengths to Stay

Depending on the sober living program, some programs may have certain minimum or maximum requirements for how long an individual can stay. For instance, some sober living programs may have a rule for clients to stay a minimum of one month, otherwise staying only for a few weeks can be relatively ineffective when it comes to supporting your transition and overall recovery. 

Unique Client Circumstances Can Impact Stay

Next, each client’s recovery journey is different. Therefore, some clients may have different recovery needs when it comes to how long they would benefit from staying in a sober living program. Some clients may only need to stay in sober living home for a few months while other patients may benefit from staying for 6 months or more. 

Specific Addiction Recovery Goals Can Influence Your Stay

Similar to a client’s unique recovery needs, a client’s unique recovery goals can also impact how long they may decide to stay. For example, some clients who are farther along in their recovery journey may only benefit from a short-term stay, while other clients struggling with a more severe addiction or are less far along in their recovery journey may benefit from a more long-term stay. 

Time to Break Free From Addiction For Good 

Sober living programs offer an effective way for clients to transition from professional treatment back into their everyday lives. How long to stay in sober living depends on each program’s requirements and a client’s unique recovery needs. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical to seek professional care to break free of your addiction.

At Outpatient LA, we are here to help you achieve long-lasting sobriety so you can lead a healthier life. No more suffering alone with your addiction. We provide a comprehensive range of outpatient treatment options so you can receive the personalized care you need to support your recovery journey while giving you the flexibility to maintain your everyday life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery. 

How to Create a Relapse Prevention Plan

A woman feels prepared because she has created a relapse prevention plan.

Addiction recovery is life-long. Unfortunately, many people who receive addiction treatment relapse. Research suggests about 40-60% of people treated for substance use disorders relapse. This is why being proactive and knowing how to create a relapse prevention plan so you know what to do when you are faced with triggers in everyday life is important. In this article, you’ll learn more about how to create a relapse prevention plan so you can maintain long-lasting sobriety. 

At Outpatient LA, we are a premier outpatient drug rehab committed to helping clients safely overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. We understand that addiction recovery is a life-long journey filled with many ups and downs. That’s why our outpatient drug and alcohol rehab is committed to providing clients with the tailored support they need to feel equipped to maintain long-lasting sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about how we can best support your recovery journey. 

4 Steps to Create a Relapse Prevention Plan

A relapse prevention plan offers a specific resource you can use to avoid triggers and know exactly what to say or do when you are faced with triggers in everyday life.

1. Identify Your Triggers

The first step in how to create a relapse prevention plan is identifying your unique triggers. Triggers can be people, places, or situations that increase your risk of relapsing. For example, many recovering alcoholics may be triggered by being at a bar where drinking is prevalent. Therefore, by knowing this trigger, the aim is that you avoid it so you can reduce your overall risk of relapsing. Otherwise, being exposed to triggers makes the temptation to fall back into unhealthy habits that much greater. 

2. Set Coping Strategies to Manage Cravings & Urges to Abuse Drugs

Regardless of what your unique triggers are, you will undoubtedly be faced with cravings to abuse drugs or alcohol at some point in your recovery journey. This is why it’s critical to establish healthy coping strategies you can use when you are faced with cravings. Some common coping strategies you can consider are journaling, hiking, creating art, running, and more. The goal of coping strategies is to find strategies that you can rely on to distract your mind and body from thinking about the cravings you are experiencing. 

3. Avoid Triggers If Possible

After you’ve identified your triggers, it’s important to avoid your triggers as best you can. While some triggers are unavoidable, most can be avoided. The key is understanding what your triggers are ahead of time so you can be proactive in avoiding them. For instance, if you used to abuse drugs with a group of friends, it’s important to limit your interaction with those friends who also abuse drugs. While you can still support them in helping them overcome addiction, you don’t want to put yourself and your own sobriety at risk. 

4. Set a Plan for What to Do When Faced with Triggers

Some triggers are unavoidable. Therefore, you need to set a plan for what you will do when you are faced with triggers and urges to abuse drugs and alcohol. While you’ll have your coping strategies in place, sometimes triggers are immediate and require immediate action. Therefore, plan ahead of time what you’ll do or say to avoid triggers if they do come up. For example, if you want to attend a friend’s birthday party where you know alcohol will be present, establish a plan for what you’ll say or do if you do experience triggers at the event. 

Help Is Available

Now you know more about how to create a relapse prevention plan so you can reduce your risk of relapse and maintain long-lasting sobriety.  From understanding what your unique triggers are, to avoiding your triggers and practicing healthy coping strategies to maintain sobriety, a relapse prevention plan can be a great resource to set clear and specific expectations for how you are going to maintain long-term sobriety. 

At Outpatient LA, our team of caring addiction specialists is here to help you achieve long-lasting sobriety. No two recovery journeys are ever the same. This is why we provide tailored support for each client to ensure you receive personalized care to best support your recovery journey. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you on your road to recovery. 

The Impacts of Addiction on the LGBTQ+ Community

An LGBTQ couple holds hands.

Research suggests that the LGBTQ+ community experiences higher rates of substance use disorders compared to individuals who identify as heterosexual. Unfortunately, much of the LGBTQ+ community face discrimination and stigma from others, which can inevitably hurt one’s mental health and well-being. Because of this, some may turn to unhealthy coping strategies, like drugs and alcohol to cope. In this article, you’ll learn more about the impact of addiction in the LGBTQ community, and why there are higher rates of addiction within the LGBTQ+ community. 

At Outpatient LA, we are a leading outpatient drug rehab committed to helping clients achieve long-lasting sobriety. We understand each individual’s recovery journey is unique. Our compassionate team is here to help you receive the personalized care you need to effectively progress along your road to recovery. We offer a variety of addiction treatment programs to ensure you receive tailored support. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options.

3 Ways Addiction Impacts the LGBTQ+ Community

When understanding addiction in the LGBTQ community, it’s important to know that there are greater levels of discrimination and stigma relative to heterosexual individuals, which plays a role in a heightened risk of addiction. Inevitably, this can bring about higher feelings of stress, loneliness, and anxiety for fear of rejection and judgment. Keep reading to learn how addiction impacts the LGBTQ+ community below. 

Increased Rates of Substance Use and Abuse

First, the LGBTQ+ community as mentioned above faces higher rates of substance use and abuse. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with negative feelings, like anxiety, loneliness, or rejection. Unfortunately, because the LGBTQ+ community experiences greater levels of discrimination, this can in turn lead to more people within the community turning to ways to cope with these negative feelings, like turning to drugs or alcohol.

It’s important to note that while the LGBTQ+ community does experience higher rates of substance use and abuse, this is not to say that heterosexual individuals cannot struggle with addiction. Likewise, this is not to say that all individuals within the LGBTQ+ community struggle with addiction; however, higher rates of individuals who do not identify as heterosexual struggle with substance abuse. 

Discrimination Can Lead to Many Turning to Unhealthy Coping Strategies

Many people within the LGBTQ+ community still experience discrimination, whether it be from friends, peers, classmates, coworkers, or even their own family members. Inevitably, discrimination and stigma because of one’s sexual orientation can bring about feelings of sadness, rejection, and loneliness. This can lead many within the LGBTQ+ community to look for ways to cope with these negative feelings. 

Unfortunately, some individuals turn to drugs or alcohol to try and cope with being discriminated against. While drug abuse may appear to temporarily relieve these negative feelings of rejection and anxiety, this can cause a slippery slope of individuals falling victim to drugs and developing an addiction. 

Heightened Risk of Co-occurring Disorders

Many individuals within the LGBTQ+ community who struggle with addiction may also struggle with a mental illness, like anxiety or depression. This can result in many struggling with a co-occurring disorder, which is when an individual struggles with both a substance use and mental health disorder at the same time. If you suspect you may be struggling with both a mental illness and addiction, it’s important to seek dual diagnosis treatment to ensure you treat both conditions simultaneously to reduce your risk of relapse. 

Help Is Available 

There are many elements that can contribute to addiction in the LGBTQ+ community. From facing higher rates of substance abuse compared to individuals who identify as heterosexual, to a heightened risk of co-occurring disorders, the LGBTQ+ community faces various challenges that can, unfortunately, make some turn to unhealthy coping strategies like drugs to try and cope with feelings of sadness, rejection, and isolation. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional support to break free of addiction once and for all. At Outpatient LA, we are committed to helping patients receive the tailored support they need to lead healthier, happier lives. Addiction is a debilitating disease; however, you don’t have to suffer in silence and face your addiction all on your own. Our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you receive the individualized care you need to break free of addiction once and for all. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your recovery. 

 

What are the 5 Elements of Recovery?

A person in addiction recovery raises their arms in happiness while watching the sunset.

Addiction recovery is so much more than physically improving your health. Addiction recovery encompasses a range of factors, from improving your mental health and well-being to growing your self-confidence, rebuilding your relationships, and more. If you are struggling with addiction, it’s crucial you seek professional help to not just improve your physical health, but take back control over your relationships and quality of life for the better. In this article, you’ll learn more about the five elements of recovery that work to help you lead a healthier, happier quality of life.

At Outpatient Los Angeles, we are a top-rated outpatient drug rehab that offers a wide range of addiction treatment options to help you safely achieve long-lasting sobriety. We understand that each client’s recovery journey is different. That’s why we provide tailored outpatient care to ensure you receive the right care that most aligns with your recovery needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your road to recovery. 

5 Elements of Recovery You Need to Know About

While improving your overall well-being is a major component of addiction recovery, there are many components that are tied into that. Keep reading to learn the five elements of recovery you need to know about to help motivate your own progress toward recovery. 

1. Mental Health 

First, addiction recovery involves improving your mental health and well-being. Unfortunately, many people who struggle with addiction also struggle with a mental health disorder. According to SAMHSA, nearly 22 million adults struggle with a co-occurring disorder. Your mental health and well-being play a crucial role in your overall recovery. This is why improving your mental health is one of the five elements of recovery that is critical to achieving long-term recovery. 

2. Physical Health

One of the most obvious elements of recovery is improving your physical health and well-being. Addiction greatly harms your body’s physical health. Not only can it destroy your physical health and cause you to become fatigued and irritable if you don’t keep up with your addiction, but your addiction can potentially lead to life-threatening consequences. This is why it’s crucial if you are struggling with addiction you seek treatment to help your body safely heal so you can lead a healthier life. 

3. Relationships with Others

Addiction fractures relationships; therefore, another element of recovery is rebuilding relationships you may have hurt at the hands of your addiction. Many addiction treatment centers offer family therapy to help you rebuild the relationships that may have become damaged because of the impact of addiction. It’s crucial you ask for forgiveness from the loved ones you may have hurt so you can work toward rebuilding relationships with your friends and family members. 

4. Quality of Life & Personal Growth

Another element of recovery is improving your overall quality of life and improving your personal growth and development. This may look like setting goals to try new hobbies or passions. This can also look like learning new skills, incorporating self-care into your daily life, or making goals to improve your career. Having goals and pursuing passions that interest you will not only develop your self-confidence but keep you accountable as you progress through your recovery journey. 

5. Long-Term Recovery & Relapse Prevention 

Finally, another major element of recovery is relapse prevention and achieving long-term recovery. Seeking professional addiction treatment does not guarantee long-lasting recovery. Addiction recovery is a life-long journey. This is why it’s essential you prioritize relapse prevention, such as practicing healthy coping strategies and identifying your triggers, so you can reduce your risk of jeopardizing your recovery journey. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about the five elements of recovery. From improving your mental and physical health to rebuilding your relationships, there are multiple elements to recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional support to safely break free from addiction once and for all.

At Outpatient Los Angeles, our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you lead a healthier, happier life. We offer a comprehensive range of outpatient treatment options to ensure you receive the best possible care to regain control over your health and quality of life. Contact us today to learn how we can help you overcome addiction for good and lead a healthier life. 

The Benefits of Outpatient Treatment

A man participates in therapy as part of his outpatient treatment program.

No two individuals’ recovery journeys are ever the same. While inpatient, 24/7 treatment can be an effective treatment program for people struggling with severe addiction, inpatient care is not for everyone. Outpatient treatment offers individuals a more affordable and flexible option to support their road to recovery. Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of outpatient treatment below. 

At Outpatient LA, we are a premier outpatient drug rehab committed to personalized outpatient support so you can safely progress along your road to recovery. We understand that each person’s recovery journey is unique. That’s why our outpatient drug and alcohol rehab offers an extensive range of treatment options so you can receive the best possible care to support your recovery journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey. 

5 Benefits of Outpatient Treatment 

From inpatient treatment to partial hospitalization and outpatient care, there are a variety of treatment programs available to help people along their addiction recovery journey. Outpatient care offers many unique benefits that other programs don’t offer. 

Keep reading to discover the many benefits of outpatient treatment below. 

1. Less Expensive Than Inpatient Care

First, outpatient treatment offers a less expensive option relative to inpatient treatment options. This is because program costs do not have to include the cost of room and board. While some people struggling with a severe addiction would benefit most from inpatient care, others looking for additional support to maintain their recovery may only need outpatient care. 

2. More Flexible Than Inpatient Care

As discussed above, not everyone needs inpatient care. While inpatient treatment would be beneficial for people beginning their recovery journey, inpatient care is less flexible relative to outpatient care. Therefore, if you need flexible support to maintain your addiction recovery journey, outpatient care is a great option so you can prioritize your recovery journey needs without having to put your life and other responsibilities on hold. 

3. Provides a More Gradual Transition Back to Everyday Life

Many people in recovery can find it quite overwhelming to jump from inpatient treatment straight back to everyday life. This can unfortunately leave many people in recovery vulnerable to relapsing. Outpatient care provides clients the opportunity to still receive treatment, without needing 24/7 care. This allows clients to be able to make a more gradual transition back to everyday life without putting their recovery needs at risk. 

4. Clients Receive Personalized Support

Next, outpatient treatment offers personalized support to ensure you are receiving the right care to support your unique recovery needs. Outpatient treatment can range in intensity, from more rigorous programs like partial hospitalization programs to less intensive programs like traditional outpatient models. You can find the level of support that works best for your treatment needs.

5. Helps Reduce the Risk of Relapse

Finally, outpatient treatment can help reduce your risk of relapse. Unfortunately, many people in recovery relapse. About 40 to 60 percent of people treated for substance use disorders relapse. This is why outpatient care and asking for help throughout your recovery journey is so important to maintaining long-lasting sobriety. Whether you are transitioning from inpatient treatment back to everyday life, or have been sober for years and are looking for additional support to help you maintain your sobriety, outpatient treatment can be an effective option to help you maintain long-term sobriety. 

Help Is Available 

As you can see, there are several benefits of outpatient treatment. From offering flexible care to more affordable treatment, outpatient care gives clients the opportunity to support their recovery journey and can be a highly effective option for clients to transition back to everyday life from inpatient treatment, which helps reduce the risk of relapse. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional treatment to safely and effectively take back control of your health and quality of life for the better.

At Outpatient LA, our compassionate team of addiction specialists is here to help you safely and effectively achieve long-lasting sobriety. Our outpatient treatment provides the flexibility and personalized support so you can receive the essential care you need to lead a healthier, happier life, without having to put your life on hold. Contact us today to learn how we can support your road to recovery. 

Why is Nutrition Important for Rehab?

A view of a nutritious meal on a table.

Nutrition is an oftentimes overlooked area when it comes to addiction recovery. However, nutrition can go a long way in supporting and even speeding up your recovery process. This is because what you consume can impact your body’s physical healing response, as well as impact your overall mood and energy levels. That’s why in this article, you’ll learn more about why is nutrition important for rehab.

At Outpatient LA, we are an outpatient drug rehab that provides tailored outpatient care to help you maintain your sobriety so you can lead a healthier, happier quality of life. Our outpatient drug and alcohol rehab offers a comprehensive range of treatment options to ensure you receive the right care to best support your sobriety journey. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you along your recovery journey. 

5 Reasons Why Nutrition Is Important for Rehab 

Whether you realize it or not, your nutrition plays a significant role in your health and quality of life. From supporting your road to recovery to helping you lead a more balanced life, keep reading to learn more about why nutrition is important for rehab and beyond. 

1. Supports Your Body’s Physical Healing Process

First, nutrition is important for rehab because it can support your body’s physical healing process. This is because what you consume can help support your immune system which in turn helps your body’s physical healing process. The road to recovery can be very draining on your body. This is because you are essentially getting clean from a substance that your body has learned to get used to consuming. Therefore, good nutrition during rehab and beyond is important so you can effectively get your body the fuel it needs to progress along the recovery process. 

2. Improves Mental Health and Well-Being

Next, nutrition can also help improve your overall mental health and well-being. This is because, similar to your physical health, what you eat can impact your mood and mental health (for better or for worse). For example, if all you ate was processed foods, chances are your mood and general mental well-being would not be as good as someone who ate a well-balanced diet. And, your mood and mental wellness can greatly impact your addiction recovery journey– for better or for worse. It’s essential you prioritize eating a well-balanced diet to help support your mental well-being so you are best able to progress along your road to recovery. 

3. Boosts Energy and Cognitive Function

Nutrition also helps increase overall energy levels and can even support your cognitive function for the better. This is important so you are able to retain all the information and coping strategies you learn in rehab that you can then use in your everyday life to maintain long-lasting sobriety. 

4. Helps Fight Against Relapsing

Unfortunately, 40-60% of people treated for substance use disorders will relapse. This statistic showcases just how critical it is to invest in preventative measures, like prioritizing your nutrition, to help reduce your own risk of relapsing. Nutrition and eating a well-balanced diet can help reduce your risk of relapse so you are less likely to fall back to old unhealthy habits that can jeopardize your sobriety journey. 

5. Creates a Healthy Lifestyle Change

Finally, prioritizing your nutrition and eating a well-balanced diet helps create a healthy lifestyle change. And, as you are progressing along your recovery journey you will inevitably be setting more and more healthy lifestyle changes for yourself so you can maintain your long-term recovery journey. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about why is nutrition important for rehab. From supporting your body’s physical healing process to improving your energy levels and mental clarity, nutrition can go a long way in assisting with your overall recovery journey in rehab and beyond. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional support to safely and effectively overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. 

At Outpatient LA, we are here to help you maintain long-lasting sobriety so you can live a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life free from the chains of addiction. Addiction recovery is a life-long journey that can be filled with many ups and downs. That’s why our team of compassionate addiction specialists is here to help guide you along your recovery journey so you can thrive and maintain long-term recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can support your recovery journey.

Do You Need Addiction Treatment?

A woman sits and wonders if she needs addiction treatment.

Millions of people struggle with drug addiction each year, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Unfortunately, many don’t receive the professional help that they need to overcome addiction. Left untreated, drug addiction can destroy your physical and mental health and fracture your relationships with loved ones. This is why it’s critical to seek professional help if you are struggling with addiction. In this article, we’ll review signs that you may need addiction treatment. 

Outpatient LA is a leading outpatient drug rehab in Los Angeles that is committed to helping clients safely and effectively achieve long-lasting sobriety. Each client’s journey to long-term recovery is different. That’s why we offer a wide range of substance abuse and mental health treatment options to ensure you receive the right kind of addiction treatment for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey.

Signs You Are Struggling with Addiction 

Have you been wondering if you need addiction treatment? Below are several signs you may be struggling with drug addiction and need to seek professional treatment. 

1. Inability to Stop Abusing Drugs

Sometimes, addiction can be tricky to spot. However, if you find that you are unable to stop abusing drugs, even when you attempt to get sober, this is a major sign you are struggling with addiction.

2. Withdrawal Symptoms

Next, if you experience withdrawal symptoms when you don’t use drugs consistently, then this is another sign you are struggling with addiction. As your body becomes adapted to consuming an addictive substance, it grows dependent upon the drug. This explains why you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you stop abusing drugs. Your body has become so used to consuming the addictive substance that a failure to continue to fuel your addiction can cause uncomfortable symptoms like insomnia, irritability, nausea, tremors, and more.

3. Loss of Interest in Activities You Once Enjoyed

Another common sign you may be struggling with addiction is if you’ve lost interest in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed. Unfortunately, addiction can take hold of your entire life. So much so that you may start to lose joy in activities and relationships you once enjoyed and cherished. This is because when you struggle with addiction your thoughts become consumed with your drug addiction. And, as a result, you become less interested in other activities that bring you joy.

4. Engaging in Riskier Behavior Than Usual

If you find you are engaging in riskier behavior than usual, this is another common sign you may be struggling with an addiction and need to seek treatment. From ignoring personal and professional responsibilities to spending excessive amounts of money, addiction can cause you to engage in riskier and unhealthy behaviors that you wouldn’t otherwise have done if you weren’t under the influence.

5. Increased Tolerance

Last but not least, if you find you need to consume more and more of a substance to achieve a desired effect, this is another sign you are likely struggling with an addiction. As your body becomes used to consuming an addictive substance, your body grows a tolerance for the drug, and you need to consume more of that substance to achieve the same effect. 

Help Is Available 

Now you know more about how to tell if you need addiction treatment. If you are unable to stop abusing drugs and experiencing withdrawal symptoms, these are significant signs that point to addiction. If you or someone you know is battling addiction, it’s critical you seek professional help to break free from addiction once and for all. Addiction treatment offers a safe space for you to overcome your drug dependence and lead a healthier, happier life.

At Outpatient LA, our team is here to help you break free of addiction and achieve life-long sobriety. We offer individualized support to ensure you receive the tailored care you need to lead a healthier, happier quality life. Our outpatient drug and alcohol rehab offers a range of addiction treatment programs so you can receive the best possible care for your recovery needs. Ready to break free of addiction? Contact us today!