Outpatient vs. Inpatient Drug Treatment
Both inpatient and outpatient programs in Santa Cruz focus on recovery from substance use disorder and successful post-recovery life. The personal journey when beginning a drug rehab program will depend on individual circumstances, goals and support system

Inpatient Drug Rehabilitation Center
An outpatient program typically has fewer hours during the week and doesn’t involve living at the treatment site. Those in outpatient recovery have more flexibility and attend regular, voluntary, intensive outpatient programs while maintaining everyday routines. The program is still very organized and deliberate. An outpatient program, like The Key IOP, enables access to emotional support, medical advice and critical tools to help during and in post-recovery life.
Outpatient Treatment Services
An outpatient program typically has fewer hours during the week and doesn’t involve living at the treatment site. Those in outpatient recovery have more flexibility and attend regular, voluntary, intensive outpatient programs while maintaining everyday routines.
The program is still very organized and deliberate. An outpatient program, like The Key IOP, enables access to emotional support, medical advice and critical tools to help during and in post-recovery life.

What Is Drug Addiction?
According to the NIDA, substance addiction is “a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.”
So, why do people start using drugs in Santa Cruz or elsewhere? The reasons are vast, but many include the feeling or because of the need to focus more at work or school or perform better in sports. One might need to relax or calm anxiety – or it might be curiosity or social pressure.
The initial high – the pleasure and euphoria followed by more self-confidence or relaxation (depending on the substance) – might feel optimistic. Still, it can quickly dissipate and lead the user to need more drugs to feel the same or even feel normal.
Substance use disorder isn’t sustainable – accidental overdose is a leading cause of death for people under 45 years of age.


Of Drug Abuse
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one in Santa Cruz, California,
might need drug rehab, there are some important signs to look out for.
Financial Distress
Needing to fund a drug habit can become a priority and very costly. Suffering from drug addiction can affect employment and one may go into debt to afford their habit.
Depression and Anxiety
Mental health can instigate drug use because of their use to “cover up” personal struggles with depression or anxiety. Drugs can also induce suicidal ideation or mania.
Irritability and Mood Swings
Drug use brings unpredictable behaviors, irritability, mood swings, communication issues and challenges with maintaining relationships with family and friends.
Increased Conflict
Drug use can create more conflict from guilt or induce vast changes in social dynamics. Well-meaning interventions can be rooted in love but aren’t always well-received.
Sudden Weight Loss
Significant and noticeable weight loss comes from drug use. Some drugs suppress appetite and some will keep people awake for days, resulting in muscle loss and weight loss.
Ignoring Responsibilities
Missing appointments, meaningful life and family events or work days become a new way of life, furthering the divide between the user, stability and their support system.
Treatment Options
As part of our mission, the evidence-based options for treatment in our Santa Cruz rehab programs include:
What Happens After Drug Treatment?
Following a rehab program, like the Key IOP in Santa Cruz, CA, will provide those freshly sober with the tools they need to help them in their post-recovery life within the community, which includes long-term case management and relapse prevention contacts.

Relapse Prevention
Relapse is a gradual process, but some tools can be used to identify a risk of relapse early in post-recovery. Some of the tools you’ll be provided with include:
- Self-care: This includes nutritional counseling to help you watch your diet, exercise levels and sleep patterns.
- Mindfulness: Self-awareness can help recovering addicts cope with and overcome their cravings.
- Recognition of triggers: These can range from stress, anger and problems with money or relationships to simple things like boredom or being around people or places that encourage bad decisions.
Support network: Group members, therapists and family members are all people you can reach out to if you need help in Santa Cruz.
Case Management
Every person who comes to The Key IOP, in Santa Cruz receives individualized care from therapists, psychiatrists and addiction specialists, with extensive training. Our clients receive personalized continuum-of-care support (counseling services, guidance, accountability and other drug addiction help) offered to increase their success rate post-treatment and when back on the daily grind. We don’t stop there – Case management combines after-care and a graduate program for a return to the community, life and the continual struggle of sober living.
