If the COVID-19 pandemic has told us anything, it’s that our mental health needs have not disappeared. As isolation and boredom have become the norm, more people have turned to drugs and alcohol to try to cope and feel better. And, anyone already in addiction recovery has been faced with the unprecedented challenge to remaining sober without their usual routine and support groups.
The good news is that addiction treatment centers have adapted their care to the challenges of the pandemic. Virtual outpatient addiction treatment offers personalized care for substance abuse right from the comfort of your own home. Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits that virtual IOP treatment can offer your sobriety.
5 Benefits of Virtual IOP for Substance Abuse
1. You’ll Have the Opportunity to Rebuild Social Connections
COVID-19 has really taken a toll on all of our social lives. Events have been cancelled or postponed and spending time with family and friends in public is not as safe as it used to be. For anyone struggling with substance abuse, this isolation can be the spark for destructive behaviors.
Fortunately, virtual IOP offers a safe avenue for forging new connections and avoiding alcohol or drug use. Other people in your program will understand what you’re going through and can provide support that would be hard to find anywhere else. With a foundation of social support, you’ll lower your chance of relapse or beginning a substance addiction.
2. More Time to Invest in Healthy Coping Skills
In virtual IOP, you’ll work on your recovery and sobriety remotely. Without the commute to treatment, you’ll have more time to work on and practice your coping skills. Certain coping techniques like meditation or creating an exercise regimen take time. Virtual IOP gives you the flexibility to hone these skills.
For example, every day after treatment, you can set aside some time to meditate or practice yoga. You’ll be able to report your progress to everyone in your program for added guidance. By putting in the practice when you have the extra support in treatment, you’ll be better prepared to handle any future stress in your recovery.
3. Flexibility to Work Around Your Schedule
It’s more than likely that getting treatment for substance abuse isn’t the only responsibility you have to juggle. Between family obligations, work hours or school responsibilities, it can be a challenge to carve out time for your recovery.
Virtual IOP can ease that burden. By attending all the sessions of your treatment program virtually, you’ll have more time to handle everything else you have going on in your life.
4. Virtual IOP for Substance Abuse Promotes Social Distancing
As we all continue to wrestle with the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC still recommends social distancing to limit the spread of the virus. However, it’s important for you to interact with people and nurture positive relationships during your recovery. Virtual IOP let’s you get the addiction treatment you need without breaking social distancing protocol.
It’s also important to note that anyone struggling with substance abuse is at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Given how drugs and alcohol can weaken your body and immune system, COVID-19 symptoms have the potential to be worse, even in the early stages of recovery. By getting help and staying socially distanced, you’re improving your long-term health.
5. Virtual IOP is Remote and Secure
When you attend virtual IOP, you’ll receive the same outpatient treatment you would under “normal circumstances”. The beginning of treatment – especially when you’re physically at a place you aren’t comfortable with yet – can feel intimidated. With virtual IOP, the stress from an unfamiliar environment will no longer be an issue. Plus, when you’re receiving treatment in the comfort of your own home, you’ll be able to focus on what really matters – your recovery.
Discover Premier IOP Treatment at Footprints Beachside Recovery
Are you ready to take the next step to break free from your addiction to drugs or alcohol? Our virtual IOP can help you transition back to your everyday life following inpatient treatment or be a good option to enter directly, if deemed appropriate.
Once you’re enrolled in our program, our expert team will help you define a schedule that works your unique situation. Contact our team today to get started and make an important step towards lasting sobriety.
