Around 14% of Canadians over 15 use opioid pain relievers. Out of that percentage, approximately 6% report misuse or abuse. Prescription opioids are one of the reasons there is an increase in overdoses. Addiction and substance use disorder can increase several health risks. If you or a loved one has a substance use disorder, you may wonder what type of treatment works best. A virtual intensive outpatient program is a new and effective program. It helps individuals receive the quality of care needed for long-term recovery. Unlike traditional outpatient programs, there is no time spent travelling to facilities. Are you still interested? Luckily, we have a must-read guide for you. In our article, we will review the pros and cons of inpatient residential programs vs virtual outpatient programs. Keep reading until the end and find out how you can find a rehabilitation centre near you!

Who Needs Alcohol or Drug Addiction Treatment?

Substance use disorders are mental health disorders that encompass drug and/or alcohol abuse. Without treatment, a substance use disorder could lead to long-term health problems and a higher risk of overdosing. 

There are three main severity levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Even mild substance use disorders can be challenging to manage on your own. Dependence on substances can lead to neurological changes in your brain’s reward centres. 

Suddenly stopping drug or alcohol use can lead to several withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, these withdrawals can be life-threatening. For example, severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome can result in delirium tremens. Delirium tremens affects three to five percent of clients. It can lead to cardiac arrest or autonomic hyperactivity. Both require medical intervention to avoid long-term complications.

Benefits of Addiction Treatment Programs

Treatment programs help individuals recover from a substance use disorder. The first stage is detox or withdrawal programs. These programs focus on medical stability and are relatively short.

Afterwards, clients typically attend an inpatient program. Inpatient addiction programs require a 24/7 stay. They are ideal for clients at high risk of relapsing. 

After an inpatient program, clients may choose to move on to outpatient rehab. While attending outpatient rehab, clients return home for overnight stays. However, you will continue working on skills you started developing during inpatient rehab. 

Research out of the United States shows that rehabilitation can work. Around three-quarters of clients recover. However, North America still struggles with access to rehab programs. 

Another study looked at Canadians with substance use disorders. They found two-thirds did not seek addiction treatment.

What Are Inpatient Programs for Addiction?

Inpatient programs for drug addiction focus on individual and group therapy. An inpatient program is ideal for residents who need a safe and controlled environment. The average length of stay in an inpatient program is between 30 and 90 days. Treatment focuses on the healing process. The end goal is to develop life skills that lead to long-term success. 

Let’s dive into some of the benefits of an inpatient program. During individual therapy, you work directly with a registered psychotherapist. They will help you use evidence-based treatments that target underlying causes of substance use disorders. 

Next, you will also work in group counselling sessions. Group sessions can be specialized in trauma, addiction, relationship issues, and more. They are often run by qualified psychotherapists. 

Group sessions also help you develop:

• Communication skills
• Emotional regulation
• Relapse prevention

Lastly, you also have the chance to participate in recreational programs. At Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, some of the programs offered are aqua therapy, yoga, and rec room. You will have plenty of time to enjoy nature to benefit your physical and mental health. 

Specialized Inpatient Programs

Behavioural addictions are equally as detrimental as substance use disorders. For example, a sexual addiction inpatient program focuses on compulsive and/or obsessive sexual behaviours. Other specialized inpatient programs include Internet and gambling addictions. 

Like substance use disorders, many of the treatments will follow a similar protocol. This includes group and individual therapy as well as teaching relapse prevention tools. 

What Is a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program?

Virtual outpatient rehab requires participation online. Outpatient treatment is typically less time-intensive than inpatient. It helps clients continue working on skills they started developing. 

However, you no longer remain at a facility 24/7. This makes it ideal for clients who need to work or have other obligations. Outpatient programs also help you practice skills in real-world settings. 

They can also be ideal for mild substance use disorders. If you do not need a detox program, some clients skip the inpatient step. Here is what you can expect when entering an outpatient program:

• Bio-psychosocial assessment
• Individualized plan
• Access to experienced healthcare professionals
• Group therapy sessions
• Family integration therapy

Like inpatient rehab, you still work closely with qualified professionals. Clients work one-on-one with psychotherapists and medical doctors.

Group therapy sessions focus on coping strategies. Additionally, family therapy helps mend relationships and build a healthier home environment. 

Virtual Outpatient vs Inpatient Residential Programs

There are a few key reasons you might choose a virtual outpatient treatment. First, it is often more affordable. If you don’t qualify for inpatient treatment, this is the next best option. Other key benefits of a virtual outpatient program are:

• No transportation costs
• No overnight stays
• Better accessibility
• Better flexibility
• Improved privacy

Virtual outpatient programs can reach more clients and help a greater number of people achieve sobriety. It may also be ideal for clients who do not want to remain at an overnight facility or do not have the means to travel to a traditional outpatient program. 

You can complete sessions in the comfort of your own home and have more flexibility and privacy to work on your recovery. Telehealth has expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Studies in Canada found that virtual medical consultation increased from 19.3% before the pandemic to 41.2%. This change in healthcare has made addiction treatment more accessible and versatile for individuals across Canada. 

Conversely, inpatient programs are still beneficial. They are ideal for individuals at high risk of overdosing or relapsing. Additionally, they are also ideal for clients with unsafe home life. Residential treatments can help with support groups or temporary housing situations after rehab. 

Types of Treatments

Outpatient and inpatient programs use researched-backed treatments. These include common psychotherapy tools like:

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing
• Trauma resiliency model
• And more

CBT is one of the most widely used treatments. It is an excellent tool for co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders are when a resident has two or more mental health conditions.

It is not uncommon for someone to misuse substances to treat depression or anxiety. In return, a substance use disorder could ensue. CBT focuses on addressing negative thoughts that lead to specific behaviours. 

Psychotherapists use it for anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions. Typically, CBT sessions vary in length from five to twenty. The benefit of attending an outpatient or inpatient program is you learn skills that you can use years down the road. 

How To Find Addiction Treatment in Canada

How do you find an outpatient or inpatient treatment program for addictions in Canada? Here are a few key components to look for:

• Multiple rehabilitation options (e.g., inpatient, outpatient, virtual)
• Sober living communities
• Private

The advantage of a private treatment centre is the quality of care. These facilities will also have more funding to utilize leading-edge therapies and treatments. However, the upfront costs for the client might be higher. 

This is where virtual outpatient therapy is useful. You can reduce other inpatient expenses while still benefiting from high-quality treatment. Picking a facility that specializes in multiple programs is easier for lateral transitions. 

You could start in an inpatient setting and transition seamlessly to an outpatient program. They can also organize your residency in sober living communities. Another key aspect is inquiring about mental health treatment.

Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are closely intertwined with substance use disorders. Ensure you ask a facility about their co-occurring disorder treatments.

Other ways you can find addiction centres near you are through online reviews and by asking family and friends. Not all facilities offer virtual outpatient therapies. It is essential you ask about programs that fit your lifestyle and needs. 

Start Your Recovery Journey

Have you heard of a virtual intensive outpatient program? Many clients have heard of traditional outpatient programs. But attending a virtual program allows you greater flexibility and lower costs. 

You also won’t miss out on any skilled and helpful treatments. At Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, we specialize in several addiction treatment programs. While our drug addiction treatment and inpatient programs are beneficial, we recognize they don’t always work for everyone. 

Instead, consider attending our virtual program. Contact us today to learn more!