People entering addiction treatment often ask: What is an intensive outpatient program? An IOP or intensive outpatient program is a type of outpatient drug rehab program that offers intensive group therapy sessions along with individual counseling sessions to help patients overcome their addiction. Here’s more information on intensive outpatient programs.
What Is an IOP?
IOPs are often used for people who have relapsed after completing an inpatient program and need additional support to stay sober. The goal of an IOP is to provide patients with the tools they need to live sober on their own. Patients can attend IOPs at any time, but most programs start between 7 am-10 pm Monday through Friday. Some IOPs offer extended hours on weekends as well.
Who Can Benefit From an IOP?
Anyone who has completed an inpatient treatment program and needs continued support to remain sober can benefit from an IOP. If you’ve been clean for a while now, but still struggle with cravings and urges to use drugs or alcohol, an IOP might be able to help you get back on track.
An IOP provides a safe environment where patients receive individualized care and support. During your program, you will participate in various therapies including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention skills training. You will also learn how to manage stress and anxiety using relaxation techniques.
An IOP gives you access to all the amenities of a traditional inpatient program. This means you don’t have to worry about cooking meals, making sure your kids are getting to school, and taking care of other daily responsibilities.
You’ll also receive ongoing support once you leave the facility. Your counselor will work with you to create a personalized plan for staying sober. They will monitor your progress and check up on you periodically to make sure everything is going smoothly.
What are the Main Components of an IOP?
An IOP usually consists of three types of groups: 12 step meetings, educational classes, and relapse prevention groups. These groups are designed to help patients develop coping skills to deal with triggers and temptations so they don’t fall off the wagon again.
The first part of the day will consist of 12 step meetings where patients discuss their recovery journey and how it relates to their personal life. This helps them gain insight into why they turned to drugs or alcohol in the first place and what led them to seek treatment. During these meetings, patients also learn about other ways to cope with stress and negative emotions.
The second part of the day will focus on education. Patients will take part in educational workshops that teach them new skills like budgeting, healthy eating, and stress management. They’ll also learn how to handle stressful situations without using substances.
Finally, patients will participate in relapse prevention groups. In these groups, patients work together to identify potential triggers and temptations that could lead them to slip up. They then come up with strategies to avoid those situations and keep themselves on track.
What Is the Difference Between an IOP and OP?
The main difference between an IOP and OP comes down to the programs’ time commitments and the level of structure each provides. IOPs offer a high level of support and require clients to attend treatment up to 20 hours a week. They are typically transitioned to after a higher level of care has been completed such as inpatient treatment or a partial-hospitalization program (PHP). In other cases, IOPs are attended by those unavailable for 24/7 treatment programs. Additionally, IOPs encompass traditional treatment modalities as well as holistic strategies that promote healthy coping mechanisms.
Standard outpatient programs (OPs) are often a step-down from an IOP or PHP. These programs focus more on preparing individuals to transition out of treatment and back into the real world or into a sober living program. OPs provide life skills and addiction education that promotes long-term sobriety.
Do You Need an IOP for Addiction Recovery?
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a short-term treatment program that lasts anywhere from 10 days to 3 months. It’s designed to help patients overcome addiction and develop coping mechanisms so they don’t fall back into old habits.
It’s important to note that while an IOP may be effective for some types of addictions, it won’t necessarily cure all forms of addiction. If you think you might benefit from an IOP but aren’t sure whether or not it’s right for you, contact our team today. We can help you find the best treatment center based on your specific needs and budget.
Intensive Outpatient Programs in Denver, Colorado
If you are considering entering an intensive outpatient program, we recommend contacting us first. Our counselors can review your situation and determine what kind of treatment would be most beneficial for you. Our counselors will also discuss insurance coverage options and how much money you could save by choosing an IOP instead of going through traditional rehab. Our staff understands the challenges facing those suffering from addiction and offers a compassionate approach to helping clients get sober. Learn more about our services or to get started today, give us a call or use our contact form.
