Addiction, or a strong dependence on a particular substance, is a persistent problem in the US. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 46.3 million people aged 12 and above battled a substance use disorder. One approach to addiction treatment recovery is to undergo an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
IOP helps patients transition into sobriety by offering structured and intensive care while allowing them to live in their respective homes instead of rehabilitation facilities.
If you want to learn more about this treatment, keep scrolling through. From tackling what is the goal of IOP to identifying who is qualified for such a program, this blog will give you a comprehensive discussion of one of the proven-effective paths toward overcoming addiction.
Intensive Outpatient Program: The What and The Why
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, there are five levels of addiction treatment. Level 0.5 (the lowest level) only requires early intervention, while Level 4 (the highest level) demands medically managed intensive inpatient treatment services. IOP sits in the middle of the hierarchy, alongside the partial hospitalization program (PHP).
If you want to break free from your addiction, an IOP will let you reside in your home and participate in a structured treatment program during the day.
Unlike traditional output therapy (considered Level 2 treatment), IOP offers you a more intense level of care. It’s also more structured. The common ground between the two is that you can live off-site. Now, when comparing IOP vs PHP, IOP demands less time commitment and is less intensive.
If you’re not attending therapy sessions, counseling, and other activities in an IOP, you can continue living your daily lives, letting you experience a sense of normalcy and independence.
One of the advantages of IOP is that you are exposed to real-world settings, providing an environment where you can apply your learnings. As you can spend more time with loved ones, this setup also gives you the opportunity to strengthen your social support, increasing your chance of a successful recovery.
In contrast to inpatient programs, IOP is relatively more inexpensive.
Who Can Benefit From IOP?
An intensive outpatient program is for people with addictions who don’t need round-the-clock supervision or can live in an uncontrolled environment. It’s also a suitable and more flexible alternative for people with commitments and other obligations.
However, it’s not only beneficial to those with addictions. Healthcare professionals also use it to help treat mental health illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders.
If you have any of these or are struggling with substance abuse on top of it, undergoing an IOP will provide you with a tailored and integrated treatment plan.
How IOP Works: Its Structure and Components
In an IOP, you must participate in a range of activities for at least nine hours per week for around three to four months. In general, this treatment program involves group and individual therapy.
Group Therapy
In group therapy sessions, the core of most IOPs, you will be in the company of fellow patients. It will allow you to share your experiences, gain insights and new perspectives, and receive comfort and support.
There are various types of group settings in IOPs; each has a specific theme or purpose. For instance, skills development groups aim to help you improve particular behaviors, while psychoeducational groups teach you about addiction and the ill effects of substance abuse.
Individual Therapy
Expect an in-depth discussion navigating and addressing your specific challenges and goals during your one-on-one sessions. It will allow you to communicate things you’re uncomfortable disclosing in group therapy sessions.
Medication Management
In this component, a healthcare professional will assess your condition, identify your medication needs, and prescribe accordingly. They will also monitor your intake and track the effectiveness of the medication.
Adjunct Therapies and Activities
IOP providers also integrate additional therapies into your personalized treatment plan to support your recovery journey.
For example, many IOPs comprise family therapy to help improve the dynamics with your family members. You can also take part in seminars that teach vocational skills.
Routine Monitoring and 24-Hour Crisis Services
To check if the program works, facilities also conduct monitoring of your illicit drug and alcohol consumption. Some implement a self-reporting procedure, while other IOP providers subject patients to urine, saliva, and blood tests.
They can also deploy intervention procedures if you have emergencies beyond the program hours (e.g., psychological distress, relapse concerns).
Popular Approaches in IOPs
To help you recover from your addiction, IOPs incorporate different approaches and practices, such as:
12-Step Facilitation
You will join self-help groups that focus on helping you become more aware of your powerlessness over your addiction and letting a higher power take control.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The primary objective of this psychological approach is to identify the thinking and behavioral patterns that contribute to your addiction and/or mental health disorder and change them to help you recover.
In this form of therapy, IOP facilitators can conduct sessions where you will tackle and face your fears and learn how to calm your body and mind. Other strategies include role-playing to help you prepare for possible real-world scenarios.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
By using MI techniques, your therapist will help you set realistic goals. Ultimately, this method will boost your self-motivation and help you be firmly committed to the change you need to make to treat your substance abuse and/or mental health disorder.
Selecting an IOP
If you’ve been asking, “Where can I find an intensive outpatient program near me?,” the first step is to consult your doctor. Upon assessing your condition, they can identify and refer you to an IOP that will best fit your needs.
You can also head to FindTreatment.gov, an online treatment locator initiated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
When selecting an IOP, you must look at their treatment approaches and assess if they intersect with your needs. To gauge their capability, don’t hesitate to request a personalized treatment plan and ask about its duration, schedule, and availability of support services.
Moreover, you must consider logistics. Because IOP is a setup where you reside off-site, your IOP must also be easily accessible from where you live.
An intensive outpatient program is a more flexible approach to recovery. It helps you successfully transition back into your everyday life.
This treatment requires you to attend such activities during certain hours of the week. You live off-site and can spend the rest of your time fulfilling your other responsibilities. It’s ideal for people with addictions who don’t require 24/7 monitoring in a controlled environment.
Do you want to break free from the grip of addiction? Freedom Recovery, Idaho’s leading addiction treatment center, offers evidence-based programs that lead to lasting sobriety. Call us today and explore how we can help you out.
