Once you are enrolled under a couples intensive outpatient care program, there are several things you should expect as detailed below.

The first thing you should expect is to undergo the detox process. That means that any further use of alcohol or drugs is to be stopped. You or your loved one will no longer be allowed to take any substance that may lead to intoxication.

The aim of detox is to lower and completely rid the body of any toxic substances that may be affecting the patient. Of course, the process of detox is not pleasant, which is why the patient is required to be disciplined and committed to the treatment program.

As the amount of the toxic substance reduces in the body, the patient is likely to experience several unpleasant symptoms. These may include headaches, muscle cramps, nausea, abdominal pain, confusion and extreme cravings.

The good news is that while these unpleasant effects play out, the patient is likely to be at the treatment facility. It is therefore easy for doctors and other specialists to monitor any changes and provide solutions to the problems that arise.

Some of the ways of managing negative symptoms include administration of painkillers and timely counselling to help the individual cope with the depression or stress that is likely to occur.

It is worth pointing out that the process of detox can be dangerous, which is why it must be done under the direction of a qualified team of experts. Attempting this process on your own may lead to numerous complications. In some instances it can even lead to death.

When an individual has been struggling with addiction for a considerable period of time, it is not uncommon to find that they are also experiencing certain health problems. The use of unsterilized syringes, engaging in unprotected sex and prolonged exposure to the cold due to intoxication can all lead to infections and other health problems.

It is with that in mind that doctors are likely to run several medical tests to ascertain if the individual is healthy or has a medical problem. If any problem is detected, relevant medications will be prescribed. The patient will therefore be required to follow instructions when taking medicine or receiving any other treatment as prescribed.

The next course of action for rehab personnel is to address any underlying mental concerns. Some people are driven to substance abuse because of a traumatic event in the past, while others may abuse substances because of strained relations or financial problems.

Regardless of what may be pushing the patient to abuse drugs, it is up to counsellors or therapists to get to the root cause of the issues and find ways to resolve them. Without this type of treatment, the patient may never really overcome their addiction problem.

Counselling or therapy sessions can be done on a one on one basis or under a group setting. The specialists at the rehab center are likely to come up with the most effective approach to achieve effective results.

Because patients may not be able to deal with arising issues such as stress and depression, it is important for the couples rehab specialists to come up with a personalized training program to help deal with the issues.

Anger management strategies, meditation and counseling are among some of the strategies that may be used. Patients are also given alternative solutions to problems that often push them to substance abuse.

For example, a patient may be told to think about the welfare of his or her family whenever they get an overwhelming urge to take drugs or drink alcohol. The patient is also reminded of the likely consequences they may have to deal with if they do not stay the course.

It is not uncommon for individuals to go through rehab treatment only to end up using drugs or alcohol again. This relapse often leads to a repeat of the same cycle of addiction and may further strain relationships and lead to more health problems.

To help patients stay sober, rehab centers often educate their patients regarding the need to stay focused for the long-term. Patients are usually advised to stay away from anything that may cause temptations. For example, a patient may be advised against visiting a nightclub or keeping alcohol at home.

Patients may also be encouraged to participate in alternative hobbies that are meant to promote creativity while taking their mind off of drugs or alcohol. Those who enjoy singing may be encouraged to take singing lessons while those who love drawing may be facilitated with materials for the particular art.

Such alternative hobbies often spark new interests and help individuals break the cycle of addiction. Some patients can even excel in their creative fields to become some of the most productive.

As noted before, substance addiction is something that does not only affect the addict. Instead, it has a negative bearing even on family members and close friends. It is with this in mind that couples rehabs organize family counselling sessions.

Family counseling sessions are often meant to reconcile people who may have developed resentment or other bad perceptions regarding each other. It helps the entire family come to terms with the past and urges them to move forward as a single unit.

To some extent, the success of any treatment program depends on the support of the family. When family members are aware of the things that trigger the patient, they are likely to avoid those things. They are also more inclined to offer moral and financial support to the patient during recovery.

Another thing that takes place during intensive outpatient rehab for couples is individual therapy. This may take place once or twice every week. The aim of individual therapy is to gauge the progress of the patient with regards to mental or psychological recovery. It is also a good way to provide timely advise and impart skills for the future.

Some couples rehab centers may also include group therapy sessions under intensive outpatient treatment programs. Such sessions help patients learn from other members of the group. It also allows individuals to share their experiences and develop relationships that can be key to staying sober.

Patients who are religious can be encouraged to attend various spiritual meetings that take place at the facility or off of it. This is often meant to give them the much needed spiritual nourishment.

Keep in mind that some people who struggle with addiction end up feeling guilty and unworthy of their spiritual walk. However, the right spiritual information can be key to regaining one’s proper footing within the religion they believe in.

Like any other treatment program, intensive outpatient couples rehab has its own unique benefits as detailed below.

Because the patient spends a long time at a rehabilitation facility, it is easy for doctors and other specialists to monitor progress. This is especially important during the detox stages. It gives doctors the opportunity to administer emergency care in case any symptom starts becoming unbearable.

Another important benefit of this type of program is that it does not deprive the patient of family time. While he or she spends a significant time at the facility, they eventually leave and spend some quality time with friends and family members.

That means that a mother or father can still prepare supper for the kids and put them to bed. It also means spouses can spend some time discussing their personal issues and even go out on dates.

A Couples intensive outpatient treatment allows couples who are working to spend some time at their workplace or business premises. That means that the patient can get treatment without having to compromise on professional productivity.

In the same vain, a student can attend classes and complete assignments at home without any difficulties. All they have to do is plan their schedule in such a way that treatment sessions do not eat into study time.

Of course the cost of getting rehab treatment should never deter a patient from seeking help. However, it is also true that intensive outpatient rehab is relatively less expensive when compared to inpatient treatment.

Because the patient does not stay at the rehab facility, there are many costs that they do not incir which is why it is a cheaper option for getting addiction treatment.