An intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of weekly scheduled sessions for mental health and/or substance use disorders. It’s a great middle-ground for those who have serious obligations, yet still, need treatment. An IOP has a lot of benefits ranging from flexibility to a structured program or services.
Seeking treatment can be scary. We applaud you for taking the first step, even just by reading this. Whether it’s you or a loved one that’s struggling, we’re here to help. The road to recovery takes effort, but there are most certainly brighter days ahead.
Allow us to show you the potential you have and the fulfilling life you could live. Take the first step by learning more about IOP treatment and keep reading.
What is an IOP?
An IOP is otherwise known as an intensive outpatient program. An intensive outpatient program is made up of regularly scheduled sessions for mental health and/or addiction treatment. An intensive outpatient program can also ease the transition between critical treatment and outpatient care.
IOPs are structured to give you flexibility, while still staying committed to treatment. Rather than staying at the facility full time, patients have a weekly schedule they follow. In an intensive outpatient program, patients can choose where they live. One can choose to live at our facility or in the comfort of their own home. It depends on their unique situation and what would suit their needs best.
We prioritize tailoring intensive outpatient treatment for each individual. No one situation is the same so it’s important to consider all options when making a decision. If you have obligations such as caring for a child or work, an IOP may be the perfect fit for you.
What does an IOP entail?
An intensive outpatient program consists of weekly hours at the facility the patient undergoes. These hours will incorporate individual and group therapy. If medical care is needed, that can be provided as well.
Addiction and substance abuse disorders can wreak havoc in anybody’s life. It can take you by surprise and leave you in a terrible place, mentally and physically. An IOP is appropriate for anyone that feels like addiction has taken up any part of their life.
Addiction doesn’t deserve to drain your happiness and fulfillment. An IOP is one of the many treatment options for recovery and long-term sobriety. Having outside obligations is another reason that an intensive outpatient program may be best appropriate. For some, flexibility and full freedom is a priority.
We work with you to tailor treatment around your needs.
Substance abuse changes the body’s chemistry, which makes it difficult and dangerous to quit on your own. It isn’t safe and can even have a fatal outcome. Here at Granite Health, we want to make this process smooth and safe for you. We’ll walk you through it all, ensuring that you are taken care of.
Many people who struggle with addiction need to undergo a detox first. A detox is a powerful way to cleanse one’s body of built-up toxins. In other words, it’s like trying to give your body a clean slate to work with. A detox in conjunction with an intensive outpatient program can transform your or a loved one’s life.
What does an IOP entail?
An intensive outpatient program will vary from patient to patient. The specific details of each program are dependent upon the unique person. However, there are certain variables that more or less remain the same.
An intensive outpatient program generally entails:
- Medication management: In some cases, the patient may be prescribed medicine. Medicine may be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. All medications are prescribed by a licensed medical provider and it is something we do not take lightly. Follow-up meetings with the medical provider will also be held to ensure that everything is going smoothly.
- Group therapy: Group therapy sessions are a crucial part when it comes to IOPs. Group therapy provides a sense of community and helps with feelings of isolation. These sessions are led by professionals who facilitate topics of discussion that are relevant to you, as well as those around you. Another benefit is that the patient will receive education on the specific issues that they are learning to manage. Group sessions can promote acceptance and healing in an incredible, supportive setting.
- Individual therapy: Individual therapy sessions allow individuals to meet one-on-one with a therapist in a private environment. Individual sessions are the time for individuals to process their experiences during treatment. You can also address any concerns that arise, ask any questions, receive ongoing support, and celebrate the positives.
- Family therapy: In a lot of cases, including an individual’s family members in his or her treatment can be very advantageous. Any pain the family is experiencing can be addressed in a healthy way as a unit. Also, this can serve as a time for one’s family members to become educated on what their loved one is going through. They’ll even learn how to best help their loved ones through different tools. As with individual therapy, family therapy is generally held on an as-needed basis within intensive outpatient programs.
- Continuing care: Our goal is to have you or a loved one leave our services with the necessary skills to accomplish your goals. We want to set you up for independence and long-term success. For this reason, our dedicated staff begins working on discharge plans as soon as treatment starts. The purpose of these discharge plans is to prevent relapse and ensure long-term recovery.
Call Us About Our Intensive Outpatient Program Today
Remember, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Intensive outpatient programs offer structured treatment that can make a tremendous difference in your life. No matter how lost you may feel, you can still get better.
Whether it’s you or a loved one struggling, an IOP can help today. From individual therapy to medical care, the treatment will be tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to get started on your journey to sobriety here.
References:
https://www.asamcontinuum.org/knowledgebase/what-are-the-asam-levels-of-care/
