Intensive Outpatient Programs for Addiction Treatment
For those who have completed drug rehab or alcohol rehab, Intensive Outpatient Programs, or IOP treatment, may be an effective solution to continuing care
What is IOP?
An IOP is an outpatient rehab program, essentially providing intensive substance abuse treatment outside of the residential facilities of a rehab center. For many, it is an essential transition phase from detox or inpatient levels of care. In addition to medical oversight, strict treatment protocols are maintained, with between 9-20 hours of evidence-based treatment provided weekly (as advised by the American Society of Addiction Medication). Initially, visits are required five to seven times a week, gradually decreasing to three or four visits, with sessions lasting three to four hours at a time. However, the patient lives outside of the facility, such as in sober living environments, with loved ones, or at home if healthy support is available. This allows flexibility to continue working or maintain family obligations during the program. At Psyclarity Health New Jersey, programs are patient-centric, so duration may vary. However, IOP treatment generally lasts 6 to 12 months. Under the guidance of qualified therapists and other health care specialists, the patient will focus on defined milestones to ensure that progress is made. As each milestone is successfully reached, the time spent at the center can be reduced.
Benefits of IOP Treatment
IOP serves as an effective “middle ground” between residential drug rehab or partial hospitalization programs and less stringent outpatient treatments.
Benefits of entering an IOP include:
Affordability compared with inpatient rehab
Flexibility for work or home life
Regular contact with loved ones
More structure than conventional outpatient treatment
Strong network of support following inpatient treatment
Relapse prevention
Types of Care Offered
IOP treatment gives patients access to similar medical support to that provided by inpatient programs, with specialists on hand to assess their progress and assist with medication management. For instance, doctors will be readily available to finetune prescriptions for anxiety and depression or medications that minimize drug or alcohol cravings. Aside from medical support, care is also provided in the form of counseling or individual therapy, which can be scheduled to fit into the patient’s routine.
These sessions provide ongoing guidance and support for improving mental health and recovery. Depending on the needs of the patient, a health care specialist may suggest:
Private counseling
As with inpatient treatment, this may include cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to identify causes for the addiction, address dysfunctional perceptions, and help patients find better coping mechanisms.
Group therapy
Led by health care professionals, these sessions are focused on offering counseling and education on addiction along with valuable peer support. By interacting with others in a similar situation, patients receive acceptance and honest feedback from people who understand what they are going through.
Family therapy
Recovery chances can be improved by addressing the role of family support in the process, so that loved ones can be educated and assist in the treatment. It also provides an opportunity for counseling to help the patient understand the impact of their addiction on those around them.
Support groups
In the form of 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, support groups can provide an important foundation for successful long-term recovery. Benefits include a network of sober contacts, as well as ensuring that patients remain accountable for their actions.
Who is IOP Suitable For?
IOP is best suited for patients who have successfully transitioned from Inpatient Treatment, or those suffering from moderate addiction not requiring intensive medical oversight.
IOP treatment works for many patients because there is a balance between the steady treatment of conventional drug rehab with the flexibility of outpatient care that allows them to return to a semblance of normal life.
For many professionals, extended time away from work is not possible. While Psyclarity Health provides executive services as part of its inpatient programs, for some, this may still not provide sufficient access to their duties.
Intensive Outpatient Programs give the patient the opportunity to stay committed to recovery without compromising life or career obligations. In some instances, this may be an incentive to accept the possibility of substance abuse treatment and start on the road to recovery.
IOP is one of many addiction treatment protocols available at Psyclarity Health’s exclusive alcohol and drug rehab. Contact us today to find out more about our programs and how we can help you or your loved one.
Get In Touch
100% Confidential
24/7 Guidance
Reach Out To Us
Take the first step and call us. It’s time to help yourself or someone you love. See how we can offer you long-term recovery and true healing of your entire self. Complete discretion is guaranteed.
