Because everyone is different, the road to recovery will look different for each person. However, there is a basic treatment timeline we recommend at Sober Life. In this article, we will review the details of this timeline and how and why it can vary for individuals.
The Sober Life Treatment Timeline
Typically, the timeline we recommend follows this progression:
- Detox
- Residential inpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient program (OP)
- Individual therapy
This is our timeline, but we understand that each road to recovery is different. You may be starting your journey in one phase of treatment, whereas someone else may start in a step that’s further along or earlier. What’s important is that everyone gets the specific help they need at this point in their lives.
By taking an initial assessment with Sober Life, we can help determine which stage in our timeline you fit best.
Detox Treatment at Sober Life
At the beginning of the treatment timeline, we prescribe a detox ranging from seven to 14 days. Detox needs differ based on the severity of withdrawal symptoms and insurance guidelines. This stage requires round-the-clock assistance. In some cases, detox requires medications to combat severe symptoms of withdrawal.
A detox is a very beneficial and crucial first step for many people. The reason for this is that drugs and alcohol affect your brain chemistry. When you flush all substances out of your body, this allows your body to rebalance the chemistry in your brain. Your body will be able to then learn how to function without those substances.
Residential Inpatient Program at Sober Life
The next step is a 30-day stabilization period following detox. This is a safe space for you to begin your recovery before facing everyday problems again. Here, you will focus on healing from the past, building coping mechanisms, and acquiring mental and emotional resources while staying at a facility seven days a week, 24 hours per day.
This step includes individual therapy and support groups in which you will share experiences with others and heal within a community.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Following an inpatient program, you will transition to a partial hospitalization program (PHP). This two- to four-week period includes spending the day at a treatment center and then going home at night.
This step is medically monitored and therapy continues just as it was in the inpatient program. The PHP is a transitional step from high-intensity care to a lower-level intensity of care. This gets you ready to spend more time outside of a treatment facility and still maintain the gains you’ve made toward sobriety.
Intensive Outpatient Program at Sober Life
The next three months or so is typically the most intensive aftercare treatment. This intensive outpatient program (IOP) encompasses several days per week for multiple hours per day attending support groups, counseling, and life skills classes. This is where you will focus on learning new behavior and applying them to your everyday life. You will put into practice accountability, education about addiction, therapy, counseling, and more.
As this IOP step is very emotionally taxing, it is important to have a strong support system. Fortunately, your peers in PHP and inpatient programs are there to support and cheer you on in your recovery. Peers are wonderful because they share experiences and remind you that you are not alone.
Outpatient Program at Sober Life
After you have reached three to six months of sobriety and are ready to get back into your everyday responsibilities, you transition to the outpatient program (OP). In an OP, you will continue your treatment while living at home and going to work or school the way you would normally. This step usually lasts one to two months.
Individual Therapy at Sober Life
The final step in your recovery is individual therapy. We encourage individuals to continue this step for the rest of their lives. It is found that the longer you continue your recovery in therapy and group sessions, the less of a chance you have of relapse. If you live with or love a recovering addict, we can help you, too.
What if Some Steps Don’t Fit With My Life Commitments?
In an ideal situation, you could drop your life responsibilities temporarily to care for yourself. Unfortunately, life waits for no one. What do you do if you can’t visit an outpatient program two or three times per week?
For people whose commitments prohibit them from attending certain programs, Sober Life offers a virtual outpatient program. This program allows you to continue treatment from wherever you are. All you need is an internet connection and a computer or smartphone. Our virtual program is designed to work around your schedule, so if you have a family to care for or a job to go to, we will work with your schedule.
Why Is the Last Step Indefinite?
Individual therapy after treatment is seen as a lifelong step in recovery. That’s because addiction is not curable. However, this fact is not as harrowing as it seems. As you continue down the path of recovery, addiction can be managed with great success. Yet, it is important to keep in contact with professionals who can help you manage your recovery and reinforce coping strategies and life skills. Individual therapy is also beneficial to continue in case you want to revisit a previous step in your timeline, like a virtual outpatient program, if you feel you are at risk of relapse.
Beginning the Sober Life Treatment Timeline can be a life-changing experience. Our licensed professionals are ready and excited to work with you in recovery. We want every person to have quality care, feel supported, and travel the road of recovery successfully. Talk to a professional at Sober Life today to explore what your treatment timeline might look like. Remember, you are more than your substance use disorder (SUD). Addiction is treatable. It is time to regain control of your life. If you are struggling with mental health issues or addiction to drugs or alcohol, call Sober Life at (619) 542-9542 to learn more about our treatment options and continuing support services.
