Intensive outpatient programs are designed to help patients recover from drug addiction by providing them with a structured environment in which they can receive the necessary support and treatment.
In most cases, these programs consist of a combination of group and individual therapy, as well as 12-step meetings. Some facilities also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder.
Clients in IOPs typically spend 3-4 visits per week, and usually 3 hours or less at a time. According to SAMHSA, most programs require 9-20 hours of weekly participation
IOPs provide a higher level of care, meaning more time spent in treatment. What’s the difference between an outpatient program and an intensive one?
Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Programs are designed for those who need help but do not require hospitalization.
IOPs for drug and alcohol addiction treatment are typically well-supported for people with less severe addiction, minor to no mental illness, and a solid base support system.
Detoxing
Detox is the first stage in substance abuse treatment. It allows your body to get rid of any traces of drugs or booze before treatment begins. Most intensive outpatient programs don’t offer detox services.
However, if your rehab program is located inside a larger hospital, they might be able to provide medical detox.
Most people who have been dependent on alcohol or drugs for a long time will suffer unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit by themselves. Supervised detox is recommended to help you feel better before you start intensive therapy.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a core part of many IOPs. Participants learn how to communicate better and get help from other addicts. These groups also offer a place to meet new friends. People who struggle with addictions need this kind of support.
Recovery groups can strengthen healthy ways of interacting and create a safe space that is essential to successful recovery.
Clients further along in their recovery often help others who are early in the process. Groups can be places to witness more positive behaviors related to recovery and practice new modes of dealing.
A variety of groups are available depending on what kind of treatment you need. Skills-development groups teach new ways of behaving while psychoeducational groups discuss the causes of addiction and how to overcome them.
Refusal training helps people to practice what they need to do when they’re offered drugs or alcohol.
Relapse prevention groups teach addicts how to recognize the signs of relapse and what to do if they feel tempted to drink or take drugs again. Family groups help families to work together to support an addict who wants to quit using.
Open-ended heterogeneous groups are flexible and allow therapists to respond quickly to client needs. Clients who are progressing well may be moved up to more intensive levels of care. Those who aren’t making progress may be returned to lower-level services.
IOT programs can help people by organizing them into homogeneous groups. These groups can be based on a therapeutically relevant issue (like single parenting) or based on demographic commonalities (such as being female).
Groups can also be organized based on common perspectives. Clients with cognitive impairments or literacy difficulties need special attention or assignment. IOT programs should assess whether their treatment orientation and relapsing prevention materials are appropriate for these clients.
Clients not ready to pursue abstinence (precontemplators or those considering a change in the near term) often come to the IOT program after being mandated by other agencies.
These clients could be placed into separate pretreatment groups in which counselors raise the client’s awareness about substance abuse disorders through education and motivational interviewing.
Clients who fail to respect group agreements or drop out of groups should receive individual therapy. Some socially awkward clients do not tolerate groups so Individual therapy is recommended for these clients.
Some clients with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or antisocial personality disorder, may be incapable of attending groups and may require individual therapy also.
Group therapy sessions typically last for 90 minutes. They may be scheduled for three consecutive nights, two consecutive nights, or sometimes just one night. The number of meetings depends on what the client needs.
In addition to psychotherapy, there may be additional activities such as a family meeting, a skills workshop, or a support group.
Most programs last about 12 to 16 weeks, but some programs may last longer than others. Groups are usually smaller than 15 people. Some programs are process-oriented, while others are psychoeducational.
Most counseling guidelines suggest structuring sessions by having three parts: soliciting current issues, discussing a specific topic, summarizing the meeting and assigning exercises.
Groups using a rule of thirds structure begins with a discussion of a problem and then move to options for solving the problem. A typical problem-solving process begins with identifying a problem, exploring different options, deciding on a solution, and agreeing to pursue that solution.
Recovery groups often have opening and closing rituals that help members commit to the group and to each other.
Customized Therapy
Those seeking treatment from IOP will also usually have access to individual therapy. This is important, but it is not usually the main form of treatment. Individual therapy focuses on pressing problems caused by clients’ substance abuse and their efforts to stay abstinent.
In individual counseling sessions, clients often dig deep into the work done in groups, allowing them to spend time on individual issues. Individuals who do not feel comfortable talking in a group setting may benefit from individual counseling.
Individual Therapy Sessions are important parts of most IOPs. Clients should be assigned therapists who will strive to establish a close, open relationship based on mutual trust.
Alternative Methods
Many IOPs offer alternative treatments to complement their traditional offerings, including art therapy, music therapy and equine-assisted therapy. Clients who participate in these therapies often feel more comfortable talking about issues they’d otherwise avoid.
Therapists who specialize in these fields usually work in groups.
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, most IOPs recommend that you join AA or NA to help you stay sober and as additional support. You can meet others who’ve been through similar experiences and get support while you’re still in an IOP.
Meetings are held at different times around the world. So you can easily fit them into your schedule.
Psychoeducational Methods
Psychoeducational groups are more directed than process-oriented groups. Counselors delivering psychoeducational groups need to be knowledgeable about their subjects. They also need to be familiar with the sources of information available to them.
They should be able to provide additional reference material and resources to help members of the group understand the topic better. This type of session stimulates discussion that facilitates emotional and behavioral change.
Addiction treatment is often difficult because people may be motivated by different reasons. Ambivalence and denial are common obstacles to overcoming addiction. A person must commit to treatment before he or she can begin to recover because recovery is a process that takes time and effort.
Substance abuse treatment includes learning about the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and brain. This information helps patients understand how substances affect them. Patients also learn about the effects of other mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
This program teaches you how to quit drinking, smoking, using illegal substances, and having sex without getting addicted again. You learn how to recognize when your body needs something and how to get it.
You also learn how to cope with cravings and urges. A person will learn how to:
- Structure personal time
- Cope with high-risk situations,
- Understand abstinence and the use of medication,
- Understand the goals and practices of different mutual help groups,
- Identify and use positive support networks, identify and use tools to prevent relapse,
- Develop personal relapse plans
- Counteracting euphoria and the urge to test control
- Improve coping and stress management skills
- Understand the relapse process and common warning signs.
Anger management is also important when learning how to recover from addiction and this program covers all aspects of handling anger when provoked. You will also learn relaxation techniques that help you calm down after an outburst.
Self-efficacy helps you feel confident about yourself and your abilities. Recovery resources are also made available to help if you have a relapse.
This therapy will also help addicts understand personal health and what it means to take care of themselves physically and mentally. A personal inventory helps you see what needs work in your life.
Shame, guilt, depression, or anxiety can cause problems and are common feelings in recovery. You will be encouraged to handle these feelings by talking to someone you trust. Your family is important. You will learn how to help them understand how they affect you.
A drug addict who learns how to manage finances, learn to live independently, and embrace spirituality, as well as recognize the importance of sobriety and recovery will be more likely to be successful in their recovery. And psychoeducational groups help with this.
How Long Are Intensive Outpatient Programs?
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) generally consist of 9 hours of treatment for 3-5 days per week, though sometimes offered less than this. Treatment usually lasts 90 days, but the duration can be changed depending on the patient’s needs, support system and mental health status.
Where To Go
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are easy to access, and they won’t require too much time to get into. Public programs are usually better than private ones because they have shorter waiting lists.
Private centers may offer a quicker entry into treatment, but they aren’t as accessible. A rehab center near you will be most convenient. You should contact your doctor to get a referral to an IOP near you.
Once you’ve found a suitable rehab facility, you’ll need to talk to them about how often you can see your family. Out-of-state treatment allows you to move away from your old environment and start over in a different place so is the best option if you are able to move away.
Preparation
Before going into rehab, you should talk to your employer about when you need to be back at work. You should also plan how to get there and how to get home after treatment. Make sure you bring all of your belongings with you.
Also, make sure you know what personal items are allowed in the facility.
Successful in-patient clinics know that family involvement is crucial to the success of rehab. Rehab centers may offer counseling for the family of an individual who is undergoing treatment. In some cases, family members can contact loved ones via phone or email.
Conclusion
It’s challenging to overcome addiction but with determination and the right support, it is possible to break free and live a long purposeful life.
Other Services Offered By Trupath Recovery
Different Addiction treatment Service
Inpatient Drug Rehab
12 Step Program
Drug And Alchol Detox
inaptient outpatient rehab
Outpatient Drug Rehab
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Holistic Therapy for Addiction Treatment
Executive Treatment
Dual Diagnosis Treatment