Healthy Living

5 Benefits of Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Treatment

5 Benefits of Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Treatment

If you’re struggling with drug addiction, getting help is a top priority. Fortunately, there are many options available for outpatient treatment.

One option is outpatient rehab. Outpatient treatment is a less intensive treatment option allowing people to stay home overnight while attending scheduled sessions. This is an excellent option for people who want to work or go to school during treatment.

Outpatient Treatment is Affordable

Many people have insurance that covers the cost of SUD treatment. Some insurance providers also offer sliding-scale payment options. This helps those with lower incomes afford treatment.

Inpatient rehab programs typically offer individual, group, and family therapy. Many also allow family members to visit and participate in sessions. Inpatient rehab is often expensive, but the cost of outpatient care can be much less.

Outpatient treatment San Diego can be conducted at mental health clinics, counselors’ offices, or hospital-affiliated clinics. It can be done at night or on weekends, making it an excellent option for those with personal and professional responsibilities that cannot be set aside while attending inpatient rehab. Some insurance providers also cover outpatient treatment. This includes Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). These are more intense than standard outpatient programs and include a combination of individual, group, and family therapy.

It Can Be Customized

One of the most critical factors in a successful treatment is finding a program that addresses the individualized root causes of addiction. Cutting-edge medical and clinical interventions can be combined with holistic approaches like family therapy to create a tailored plan for every client.

Intensive outpatient treatment (IOT) and residential rehab provide a range of options for clients that vary in duration and intensity. These programs can be augmented with technologies like remote patient monitoring (RPM) to track vital signs during detox and help prevent potential medical emergencies. For example, some RPM apps can monitor a client’s blood pressure or pulse oximetry to detect the presence of drugs in their system. This allows doctors to take immediate action when needed. It also helps ensure that patients stay connected to care as they move through the different levels of treatment.

It Can Be Done at Home

Outpatient treatment allows people to get help with their drug or alcohol use disorder (SUD) without living in a rehab facility. It is ideal for people with family, work, or other obligations that make it challenging to attend inpatient rehab programs.

Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication. Medications may reduce cravings for opioids, alcohol, and nicotine. They can also relieve withdrawal symptoms and treat co-occurring mental health conditions.

Intensive outpatient rehab programs offer nine hours of group therapy a week and individual counseling sessions. Some of these programs are offered at night or on weekends, making them a good option for those with family or work commitments. Other treatments include therapeutic communities and, recovery housing, supervised living programs.

It Can Be Continued While Working or Studying

Addiction treatment doesn’t have to occur in a residential or hospital setting. Several different types of outpatient drug rehab offer clinical services to help you overcome your substance use disorder. These include:

Assertive community treatment (ACT): ACT provides mental health services in the community rather than in a residential or hospital setting. It is individualized to meet your specific needs. Recovery housing: This program offers supervised short-term accommodation for people who need it, often following other inpatient or residential care types. The goal is to develop skills and connections to help people maintain sobriety. Continuing care includes community support groups and other activities to help people recover after the treatment.

It Can Be a Good Alternative to Inpatient Rehab

Many treatment programs offer outpatient services in addition to inpatient care. Inpatient rehab is usually live-in and may last a few weeks to months. It is typically more intensive than outpatient treatment, as patients receive 24/7 on-hand medical care during residential rehab programs.

However, most people who go to inpatient rehab find that outpatient treatment works just as well for them. It may be more helpful because it allows them to continue working while undergoing addiction recovery.

Other types of addiction treatment include therapeutic communities and residences where a group works together to change their attitudes and behaviors. Some of these programs also offer supportive housing, which can help people transition back into their communities.

Healthy Living

The LectroFan Micro2 Sound Machine + Bluetooth speaker is a travel must have

The LectroFan Micro2 Sound Machine + Bluetooth speaker is a travel must have

I am a ‘fan on’ sleeper! Both my husband and I are and when we travel, the first thing I do is turn on a hotel room fan to test its noise level. In the RV, we would lug our fan in and plug it in. Then we discovered LectroFan and we have a total of 4 of their sound machine products because we love how well they work and it is much better than a fan!

Our LectroFan EVO devices we started with sit in the RV for us and now our teen who took one of ours to use himself. Our newest LectroFan Micro2 Sound Machine + Bluetooth Speaker are in our room and luggage for travels.

The features of the LectroFan Micro2 that is small enough to fit in the palm of my hand make it a fantastic sleep and music device. As a sound machine, it has 11 built-in sounds to help you get better sleep. Choose from 5 digital fan sounds, 4 variations of white, pink and brown noise, and 2 ocean surf sounds. As a bluetooth speaker, it supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) so if you have 2 they will pair up. Pair it with your smart phone for streaming audio and making calls with the built-in microphone.

Use the built in battery or you can keep it plugged in via the included USB charging cable. The sound is great from such a small device. I was pretty amazed and the fan sounds are just right. I can’t recommend LectroFan products enough especially for travel!

Natural Health, Pets Products

Joy Organics Premium CBD Oil Pet and People Products

Joy Organics Premium CBD Oil Pet and People Products

I have been searching for quality CBD products for our dog, Leah, after a recommendation for her anxiety and was introduced by Joy Organics. I want to make sure what I give Leah is from the best sources and if effective and I need to give this to her long term, I want it to be quality ingredients. Joy Organics has premium CBD oil and products for pets and people. They are a top USDA Certified Organic brand and use only quality and clean ingredients.

I give Leah the Organic CBD Oil 7.5mg per quarter dropper. She is 37 pounds and I give her 1/4 dropper twice a day. This seems to work great for her. She has been on this CBD oil for a few weeks now. Prior to finding supplements she had training from a local trainer. Together, this has done wonders. Her anxiety is noises and other dogs. Prior to training and CBD oil it was almost impossible to simply take her on a walk. If she saw another dog she would go out of her mind, leash pull and want to charge. Now she does very well off leash. If I see another dog coming, she will listen and heal so I can hold her. She wants to pull as other dogs pass by, but it isn’t insane and out of control like before.

It is so great to finally have the aid of CBD oil along with training so we can help her live her best days without the stress of other dogs, new people and strange noises that would have her so stressed. She can run a beach, leash free. We find a spot that is away from other dogs, but there are others in the vicinity and she is not as tempted to dart off at them and is a lot more mellow about it now. I feel like giving her the CBD oil for dogs really takes that alert edge off so she doesn’t stay stressed in a moment that discomforts her.

Joy Organics also has chews and these can be used as well, but for Leah’s size she would need a lot in a day. She does love these chews though! I give her one on top of her oil on days it may be real rough for her like long car rides or firework evenings. For small dogs, these daily treats are a great option. Leah does lick up the oil dropper well- she loves the taste.

Joy Organics also has people CBD products as well such as tinctures and these CBD Sleep Gummies. All of their products are third-party testing of every batch and they have broad and full spectrum products available. Visit Joy Organics if you are considering CBD products for you or your pet that are truly quality ingredients and well tested. Save 20% with code: PH at checkout!

Healthy Living

Tips for Choosing the Right Pediatrician for Your Newborn

Tips for Choosing the Right Pediatrician for Your Newborn
Image by skalekar1992 from Pixabay

A pediatrician specializes in the behavioral, mental, and physical care of babies and children. They may also cater to teens and individuals older than 18 years if required. If you’re interested in becoming a pediatrician yourself, you might want to consider an online doctorate pediatric nurse practitioner program.

Pediatric doctors monitor child development, perform physical examinations/immunizations, and diagnose/treat illnesses. Since you will foster a long-term relationship with your child’s pediatrician, it is crucial to make the right pick at least three months before your baby’s due date. Today, we shall look at key tips you can use to select the best pediatrician for your newborn..

What Should Parents Expect From a Pediatrician?

A pediatrician will care for your newborn from birth up to 18 years of age. During this span, you must take your child to their doctor for several wellness visits that ensure proper mental and physical development. The appointment nature will start to vary as your child becomes older. However, the first checkup will be scheduled within the first five days of delivery. Once the first checkup is done, the next appointment will be scheduled after a month.

You can then expect the following appointments every two months up until the baby grows six months old. After that, the appointment span will grow apart by three months until the baby is 18 months old and bi-yearly until the baby is 30 months old. After this, appointments will be scheduled on an annual basis. You can expect the following from your pediatrician on each baby visit:

  • Physical baby examination
  • Development assessment 
  • Shot administration
  • Taking and recording baby measurements
  • Question and answer session
  • Discussion on safety and health topics
  • Anticipatory guidance on child development and child safety and health

Things to Keep in Mind When Selecting a Pediatrician 

  1. Office Location

The location of the clinic or office your pediatrician sits in is crucial as you will have to visit this spot multiple times during a baby’s first year in the world. Visits are typically frequent, with a gap of only two to three months.

Opt for a doctor that is near your home, workplace, or daycare, as this will not only save time spent on conveyance but will also make things more convenient. Make sure to opt for a pediatrician’s office that is easily accessible via public transport if you do not have your own vehicle.

  1. Consider the First Checkup

While talking to different pediatricians, ask them whether your newborn’s first checkup will be conducted in the hospital. A few pediatricians visit the baby shortly after delivery, but only if affiliated with the baby’s birth hospital. Alternatively, you can also have your baby’s first checkup by a hospital-affiliated doctor and then have later checkups at your desired pediatrician’s office around five days after delivery.

  • Your OB-GYN may recommend a suitable pediatrician
  • You can also ask for pediatrician recommendations from a primary care physician or family doctor
  • Ask for recommendations from your friends and family (especially those that have kids and are already in touch with a pediatrician)
  1. Doctor’s Experience and Credentials

A pediatrician must be a medical school graduate, must have a state license, and should have completed a residency program. All pediatricians, however, do not necessarily need not have board certification. A board certificate is obtained through additional training and a voluntary process in pediatrics. Once complete, doctors are required to sit for an exam to get certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. A certification proves:

  • Professionalism
  • Communication skills
  • Medical knowledge
  • Patient care knowledge 
  1. First Visit

An initial office visit can help you decide whether a pediatrician is suitable for your newborn. Make sure the doctor you pick makes you feel comfortable, is willing to communicate readily, and is gentle with your newborn.

It is also a good idea to notice if your pediatrician takes a genuine interest in your child and is willing to familiarize you with unique issues your baby may have. Always listen to your gut. If you do not feel comfortable with a certain doctor, consider another pediatrician instead.

Expecting families are also often offered introductory visits by various pediatrician offices so parents can tour the clinic, get acquainted with the staff, and ask critical questions.

Questions to Ask a Pediatrician On Your Introductory Visit 

  1. Is there a separate waiting area for sick and healthy children?
  2. How long does a regular checkup take?
  3. What hospital network do you use, and do you have any subspecialties?
  4. Ask questions about immunization, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, antibiotics, and circumcision.
  5. When should I schedule my appointments?
  6. Do you respond to email queries?
  7. Does the clinic allow last-minute or same-day appointments?
  8. What are the clinic timings and schedule?
  9. Is the clinic operational on weekends and evenings?
  10. Will your baby see the same pediatrician or separate ones if it is a group practice?

Endnote

A baby will visit their pediatrician several times during childhood and adolescence, so it is necessary to pick a doctor you are truly comfortable with. This will not only ensure the best care possible, but will also allow your child to get well adjusted with their doctor as they grow.