An intensive outpatient program (IOP) consists of weekly scheduled sessions for substance abuse disorders and addiction. 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 for addiction.
Seeking treatment for addiction 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 addiction treatment and mental health counseling. 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. The American Society of Addiction Medicine Levels of care guidelines states that intensive outpatient programs must last between nine and 20 hours per week.
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.
Keep reading to learn more about how intensive outpatient programs can help you or a loved one today.
When is an IOP Appropriate?
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 psychiatrist and it is something we do not take lightly. Follow-up meetings with the psychiatrist 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 facility excited to live a sober life. 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.
How is IOP Different from Inpatient/Residential Treatment?
IOPs are far less intensive than inpatient treatment. Inpatient rehab is also called residential rehab because you live at the facility. Inpatient treatment is necessary for those suffering from a severe addiction. Oftentimes, these addictions go hand in hand with mental health disorders.
Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 care and supervision. Living at the facility is also a requirement. Although this treatment requires far more commitment, it is very effective. It can be an amazing experience to undergo in an environment designed for sobriety.
We encourage you to address everything from your routine to how you take care of your body. On the other hand, IOPs offer a lot more flexibility. Rather than committing to treatment all hours every day, the structure is set up with scheduled sessions.
The length of the treatment itself also varies with IOPs and residential rehab. Intensive outpatient programs typically last around 90 days. However, residential treatment can last anywhere from three months to a year.
What to Look For In An IOP And Making Sure It Suits Your Needs
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine(ASAM) explain the standards for IOP treatment and the principles of effective treatment for substance use disorders.
As stated by the ASAM, the definition of an IOP is an outpatient program that provides a minimum of nine hours of treatment per week (no maximum) and allows the patient to return home after treatment is undergone. The first standard that an individual should look for in an IOP is that it meets this minimum treatment requirement.
The other important standards used to make sure the treatment meets your needs are:
- A physical assessment, psychological assessment, and an assessment of the individual’s social conditions must be done before treatment. This is crucial as it allows mental health professionals to get an accurate understanding of the patient’s condition and needs. If the patient has had a recent assessment done previously by qualified professionals, then that may work too.
- The intensive outpatient program should be based on evidence-based methods.
- There should be a formal and structured treatment approach, and the treatment plan should be developed to fit the unique needs of the patient.
- Treatment providers must be held accountable for the quality of treatment provided.
Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Treatment
There are many benefits to intensive outpatient treatment for substance abuse. IOP’s offer structured treatment while providing more flexibility for the patient.
In between acute care and outpatient care, IOPs have a handful of advantages, such as:
- Balanced Treatment: Right in-between the commitment of residential rehab and the less time-consuming outpatient treatment, IOP is a great medium. Intensive outpatient programs are also generally less expensive.
- Access to Medical Services: Physicians, advanced health professionals, and nursing staff provide continuous medical aid,
- Access to Mental Health Services: IOPs offer ongoing access to mental health providers. Dual-diagnosis is commonly diagnosed in those dealing with addiction.
- Substantial Therapeutic and Educational Opportunities: IOPs provide structured services that allow patients to make significant, long-term progress…All in a shorter period!
- Peer Support Program: Our peer support program helps people navigate the challenges of addiction through support groups, which help improve relationships, and overall quality of life by helping you achieve lasting change.
- Pre-Employment Program: We help people looking for work be able to access the proper resources and treatment for addiction.
- Extra Amenities:
- Meal service: Daily community dinner, help with nutrition and buying food
- Less restricted cell phone use
- Job search
Why You Should Seek Treatment at a Professional Rehabilitation Center
Seeking an IOP at a rehabilitation center has countless benefits. Some of the many benefits include:
- You’ll be immersed in a supportive community with a common goal of life-long sobriety: We pride ourselves in the Granite Health community. We believe in a supportive environment that’s driven by kindness and understanding. You’ll feel more motivated to stay sober when others around you are on the same road as you. Although it can feel scary, not being isolated helps a lot. Being surrounded by like-minded others is a powerful tool.
- You can save the relationships in your life: Addiction causes a lot of pain in not just your life, but those around you. It’s a disease that can negatively impact personal relationships. That’s part of why rehab can be such an amazing option. When you become a better version of yourself, you’ll be able to nourish the relationships in your life. From family to friends to a significant other, you can finally focus on the people you love.
- You’ll learn a lot about yourself: The ability to step back from your life and try to figure things out is a gift. Our dedicated staff of professionals can help you understand who you are and the reasoning behind your decisions. Once you put that puzzle together, things get a lot easier. You’ll find that you experience a lot of breakthroughs, as well as having a deeper understanding of yourself.
- Going to rehab can help you detox: The detox process must be done with medical supervision. Stopping cold turkey on your own can have a fatal result. Our trained staff will guide you from the beginning through the end. A physician can prescribe medications, which alleviate withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. You may also receive nutritional supplements, pain relievers, and other non-addictive medication to address your needs.
- You’ll set yourself up for future success: Addiction is a battle intertwined with physical and internal struggles. On top of that, using illegal drugs puts you at risk of being arrested. Going to rehab will help you or a loved one avoid being put in a painful situation like that. The sooner you decide to get help, the sooner your road to recovery begins. The effort you put into getting better is far more worth it and fulfilling.
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/
