As we all deal with the global health crisis, it is essential to remember that our mental health needs have not disappeared. Quite the opposite is true. As we distance ourselves from others, our mental health becomes all the more critical. And this is particularly true for people struggling with addiction. The boredom of “sheltering at home,” combined with genuine fears about our loved ones, our jobs, and what will happen next, make recovery all the more difficult. Recent studies have been very clear about the fact that quarantine increases the likelihood of substance use and relapse. This is precisely why it is so crucial that if you are battling addiction, you learn about the benefits of virtual outpatient services.
The fact is, some people battling substance abuse require a more comprehensive residential program or medical detoxification. For those people, New Bridge Foundation® continues to offer those essential services. However, people who have more manageable substance abuse problems are often able to begin and continue their recovery with even less medical and therapeutic support. In fact, of the more than 40 million Americans over the age of 12 that suffer from substance use disorders, the majority fall into this category. This is the category of individual who is sure to benefit from virtual outpatient services like the ones we offer at New Bridge Foundation®.
Who Benefits From Virtual Outpatient Services?
As we have indicated, the most important factor in determining whether you should enjoy the benefits of virtual outpatient services is the severity of your addiction. If you require medical detoxification or more comprehensive inpatient care — and many patients do — New Bridge Foundation® is happily continuing to provide those services.
But not everyone needs that level of care. Additionally, one of the main benefits of virtual outpatient services is that you can get the same standard of care that you would receive in these more intensive programs, without leaving your home. You will maintain contact with counselors and peers online and by telephone, ensuring that you get the care you need while allowing you to remain comfortable and safe in your home.
The Benefits of Our Virtual Outpatient Services
There are many advantages to using our virtual IOP or Day Treatment programs. Among the most notable are:
- Even though you should be reducing your physical contact with others, you can maintain remote/virtual contact which are proved to be beneficial for combatting depression and anxiety and improving your mood.
- The increased virtual contact you will experience in our virtual outpatient program will give you more opportunities for building and developing your support network. And a robust support network that includes family, friends, and colleagues is a vital ingredient when it comes to preventing relapse.
- Working on your sobriety remotely means more time to work on some of the critical personal aspects of your recovery. This includes establishing healthy habits like exercise and eating well and also reconnecting with family and friends.
- Although many people have fewer obligations while sheltering in place, a virtual outpatient program makes it even easier to work around the responsibilities of school, work, and family.
Virtual outpatient treatment isn’t the right choice for everyone. But the benefits of virtual outpatient services far outweigh the disadvantages. And if you are battling addiction, now is the time to reach out.
Reach Out to New Bridge Foundation® Today
It may seem like now is a hard time to prioritize your recovery. But in fact, now is precisely the right time to focus on your own mental and physical well-being. If you or someone you love is battling addiction, don’t hesitate. Find out more about the benefits of our virtual outpatient services using our secure online form or by calling us at 866.772.8491. New Bridge Foundation® is here to help.