Why is Self-Motivation So Important in an Outpatient Treatment Program?

Written By:

Starla Brown

Reviewed By:

Our Editorial Content Team

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) allow those in recovery to maintain their work, school and family responsibilities while attending therapy, group sessions and engaging in other recovery activities several times throughout the week. Many people find these programs to be incredibly effective because they provide quality resources and support that would typically be found in a residential treatment center – while also offering flexibility so people can carry out their obligations. A crucial requirement of IOPs, however, is self-motivation. If you’re about to start an IOP, or if you’re contemplating it, it’s time to think about your own level of self-motivation and what you can do to set yourself up for the best chances of success possible.

Since a person attending an IOP will be returning to their work, home and school environments, it’s vital that they have the tools they need to successfully practice what they’ve learned in recovery to the “outside world”. Healthy Place, a website that provides information and insight on various conditions, explains that those in recovery must determine what their motivations are for remaining sober and attending treatment. There are many motivations one could find; here are a few examples:

  • The desire to improve one’s life
  • Restoring health
  • Achieving life goals
  • Making friends and family proud, being there for them, etc.
  • Living authentically
  • Creating a better life for one’s children
  • And more

Mike, a person who has found much self-motivation in his own recovery, shared his story via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website. He explained that as he started liking himself again, he found it easier to remain in the program – and as he went on to graduate from his program and help others, he became “hungry” for recovery. He stated,

“Not a day passes that I don’t remember the ugly past and find gratitude that God helped save me. Not a day passes that I don’t look in the mirror and say, ‘Mike, you are a miracle and you will RUN TO RECOVERY!’”

What is motivating you in recovery? Whether you’re currently enrolled in an IOP or you’re about to be, really think about what is propelling you in your journey – and hold onto it.

Cumberland Heights’ Intensive Outpatient Program in Sumner County Tennessee is designed for people whose needs and schedules vary. A quality intensive outpatient drug and alcohol rehab program will be designed to treat the whole person, not just the addiction. Take the first step by contacting us at 615-356-2700. Recovery is possible, and Hendersonville Treatment can help.

Related Posts

Drug & Alcohol Addiction

What Happens to Your Body During Drug Withdrawal?

Ever experience a caffeine headache? You know, that nagging pain you got when you were rushing out the door and forgot about your morning cup ...
Read More
Drug & Alcohol Addiction

How to Help a Loved One With Addiction

If you love someone who is struggling with addiction, you may feel helpless, scared, confused, and unsure of how to help them. Though these are ...
Read More
Adolescents

Introducing ARCH Academy’s Ridgeview Campus

We’re proud to officially announce the opening of ARCH Academy’s Ridgeview Campus, a brand-new residential treatment facility designed to serve adolescent girls ages 14–17 who ...
Read More
Contact Cumberland Heights

At Cumberland Heights we understand every patient has unique needs. Our experienced staff will develop a personalized treatment plan based on past traumas and/or other co-occurring illnesses.

Get Started






Scroll to Top