In today’s fast-paced world, people dealing with addiction may find it incredibly challenging to find quality treatment that aligns with their busy lifestyle. Intensive outpatient programs offer a unique solution, blending the flexibility of outpatient care with the comprehensiveness of inpatient care.
Keep reading to learn how an intensive outpatient program may be a good fit for individuals seeking compassionate support.
Understanding IOPs
Intensive outpatient programs, or IOPs, are programs designed to provide treatment to those dealing with addiction. In these programs, professionals such as doctors, therapists, and social workers collaborate with the client to craft a treatment plan based on individual needs.
Both intensive and standard outpatient programs are characterized by the fact that patients are able to receive treatment at a nearby facility and then go home rather than being checked in to a full-time care facility.
Intensive outpatient programs differ from standard outpatient programs in the amount of time per week the participant spends in the program.
What to Expect
Those receiving treatment in an IOP participate in around 8-12 hours of sessions per week, depending on the specifics of the program. Weekly sessions occur in individual and group settings, consisting of support, counseling, and abuse prevention education.
Sessions typically occur at medical or therapeutic facilities near where the patient lives, but online programs may also be available to those without access to in-person options.
While specifics vary depending on the program, participants can expect to visit a facility to attend meetings three to four times a week, likely for around three hours at a time.
Along with attending sessions at a facility, a supportive home environment is an important factor in succeeding in an intensive outpatient program.
In an IOP, family members or trusted friends help create a supportive environment where the patient can continue their daily life.
Building community, trust, and stability in this context allows daily responsibilities such as work, school, or childcare to continue during recovery.
Group Therapy
The primary form of treatment in intensive outpatient programs is participation in intensive outpatient group therapy. Meeting with others who are in different stages of their own recovery journeys allows participants to practice socialization and communication skills in a supportive environment.
It can be extremely helpful for those working through addiction to see that they are not alone. Being in a communal environment with others who are also making steps towards recovery can make a patient feel motivated, supported, and understood.
Group therapy provides a safe space to develop new routines and practices that can lead to a sober lifestyle. The type of group therapy that a person attends is decided based on their individual needs. Groups generally comprise 8-15 members who are working through similar things.
For those dealing with addiction or dependence, psychoeducational groups may be a good fit. These groups typically work on developing problem-solving skills and techniques for changing ineffective belief or habit systems.
In groups working on refusal training, participants practice how to handle a situation where they are able to access the substance they are trying to become sober from.
Similar to refusal training, relapse prevention groups help participants develop techniques to identify and manage triggers and high-risk situations.
These and other group therapy settings can allow the participant to prepare for sober living outside of a controlled environment.
Individualized Care
Along with group therapy, clients are typically assigned an individual therapist to assist with recovery. Clients meet with their personal therapist at least once a week.
These meetings can allow participants to discuss anything that may be uncomfortable to share in a group setting. One-on-one meetings also allow for a relationship of trust, support, and understanding to develop between the client and their therapist.
One treatment method therapists use in IOPs is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT has been found to be extremely helpful in increasing recovery rates for those working through addiction.
Clients who try this method of therapy will practice coping mechanisms and thought processes unique to them that lead them away from making negative decisions.
Each individual therapist will set up a treatment plan that best suits the needs of the client, what motivates them, and their way of thinking.
For instance, while journaling is a common method of coping with triggers, a CBT therapist can help you find an alternative if journaling does not appeal to your way of thinking through problems.
Start Your Recovery in Washington D.C. Intensive Outpatient Program
Struggling with addiction can feel like an isolating experience. Whether you’re embarking on your recovery journey or supporting a loved one through theirs, intensive outpatient programs like those at Aquila Recovery Clinic are ready to provide the compassionate guidance and effective strategies needed for a lasting positive change.
Contact Aquila Recovery Clinic to speak with a professional about how an intensive outpatient program could help in your situation.