An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is one of the tools many people have access to for working on addiction recovery. IOP is a very different program from residential treatment, with the main benefit being that a person is able to go home each day. Yet, for many people who do not need more extensive treatment, this type of treatment program may be ideal. There are a variety of things you should know about these programs to determine if they are a good choice for your needs.
How Long Are Most IOP Programs?
There is no defined timeframe for the completion of an IOP. This is one of the benefits of these programs. They are very much flexible in meeting the specific needs of the individual at any given time. Most programs will require at least 90 days of treatment. That may be on the low end for many people, though.
For most people, IOP is an ongoing process that can last a year or longer. It is not rushed, and it is never truly the end of treatment. Some people may attend IOP for several months and then step down to a lower level of addiction treatment with fewer visits. The key here is that every person receives individual treatment that is specific to their individual needs.
How Does IOP Work?
An intensive outpatient program will provide treatment for addiction and mental health disorders for those who have a safe place at home to recoup and avoid alcohol or drugs. It also provides for daily or near daily meetings that allow people to come in as often as needed. Expect to receive treatment on most days of the week for numerous hours at a time. Some people may receive treatment 2 to 3 times a week. The length and amount of time dedicated to this program is often dependent specifically on the assessments of the individual.
What Is Learned In IOP?
One of the benefits of IOP is that it offers a range of tools to help you. Each program fits your needs. In some situations, you may need to have access to family therapy as a component of recovery. Most programs will include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as other forms of talk therapy. Individual therapy sessions with a therapist allow you to work to develop new skills for handling life outside of residential treatment. You may also learn more about your addiction and how to overcome the challenges of it.
Many of the treatment programs are hands-on. For example, you may engage in role playing with your therapist. You may work through several talk sessions where you are working towards a specific goal. Also, know that during IOP, you can and should bring up anything that may be putting you at risk for using.
Mental health disorder treatment may be a part of IOP as well. This type of treatment typically focuses on balancing symptoms through the use of medication while also working on improving overall health, such as learning how to adjust to the complications mental health introduces into your life.
Build on Your Life Outside of Addiction
One of the ways that IOP can help you is by providing you with the tools and resources you need to build a healthy life after addiction. That often means spending time working on developing skills to enable you to overcome challenges and stresses in daily life. It may also include spending some time working on relationships and building new goals for your future. When you engage in this type of therapy, you are able to work closely with therapists to overcome your individual challenges.
Group therapy is also a core component of most IOP programs. This is a time where you will work closely with a treatment center as well as other people who are engaged in addiction therapy. The goal here is to ensure you are building skills, learning how to live life without alcohol or drugs, and working on communication. Often, the friendships developed here last a long time. You may feel more likely to open up and talk to people who are going through the same challenges you are.
Now Is the Best Time to Get Help
At America’s Rehab Campuses, we are committed to helping you to achieve your best outcome. To do that, we work closely with you to discuss your needs and to plan for treatment that fits your goals. Your situation is unique, but we are always here to help you get started.
Learn more about what IOP can do for you by calling our treatment center to request a consultation or assessment. Learn more about our other program options, including residential treatment and medical detox. Let us help you determine which treatment plan is best suited for your individual needs.
