An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is an accessible way to tackle addiction and substance use disorders. Unlike in-patient treatment, which requires participants to put their life on hold to temporarily live in a treatment facility, intensive outpatient care allows an individual to maintain their responsibilities while participating in the program part-time.
However, time management remains one of the biggest challenges for those who choose the IOP route. Without a strict, structured schedule, IOP participants may have a hard time balancing necessary tasks alongside treatment.
Here are some time management tips from the experts in intensive outpatient treatment so you can get the most out of your participation and return to a long-term life of sobriety and success.
Make a Plan
Before anyone can expect to succeed, it is useful to make a plan. What responsibilities are mandatory each week, such as childcare, employment, and grocery shopping? When do the IOP requirements need to be completed, and how many are there? Making a plan starts with outlining everything that needs to be done so it can be slotted into a logical order without overlooking anything.
Once the participant has accounted for all of the necessary tasks, they should also consider non-mandatory tasks, such as hobbies. Making space for free time and things that bring joy is great for mental health and can increase your chances of succeeding.
Determine Priority
After creating a list of mandatory and non-mandatory tasks, the next step is to determine priority. Which tasks absolutely need to be done during the week, and which are more negotiable? Separate these responsibilities and tasks into two categories. When making a more detailed plan, pull from the mandatory category first, then see what else can fit from the non-mandatory group.
Also, consider timing. Are some mandatory tasks more important earlier in the week? Should some be saved for later?
Schedule IOP Appointments at Specific Times
One of the most helpful strategies for time management is making a designated schedule. It may seem granular, but putting a timestamp on specific activities removes the mental burden of keeping them in mind and trying to find an opportune time to do them.
Start by blocking off the easiest parts of the day, such as sleep hours and lunch. Then, begin to fill in the rest of the time according to the importance of the task and when they are most likely to be successful (some people work best in the morning, some at night).
Try Various Tools to Find What Works
It is easy to say that participants should make a schedule, but many fall off of this practice once they purchase a planner and bring it home. In reality, everyone is different, so do not be afraid to try various tools to discover what types of scheduling work best. For some, setting digital reminders or alarms is preferable to writing on a calendar.
Break Down Tasks
The various tasks that must be completed in a week alongside IOP treatment can seem overwhelming, so try breaking them down into digestible pieces. For instance, IOPs often require group therapy participation.
This requires leaving the house, attending, and then returning home. Is it possible to wrap grocery shopping into this trip? How close is the store to the therapy location? By breaking each task into smaller steps or responsibilities, it is easier to see how they fit together.
Get Help
Participation in an intensive outpatient program is already the first and biggest step toward success. However, that need not be the only time the participant seeks out help! Time management can be challenging, and sometimes, it is helpful to have others who are willing to serve as accountability partners.
Friends, family, or even volunteers can offer reminders or check-ins to help participants stay on track with the things they have to do during the week. In some cases, seeking help to clear some of the tasks on the plate, such as shopping, can make all the difference!
Consider Washington DC’s Top Intensive Outpatient Care Professionals
Intensive outpatient care sets participants up with the tools they need to overcome their addiction or substance abuse challenges and successfully develop healthy coping skills that serve them well in other areas of life.
If you are struggling to manage your time wisely during your IOP, it is smart to embrace a few new strategies, seek help, and try some tools that can streamline the process. Contact Aquila Recovery Clinic to learn more about how our IOP program works or to sign up for treatment!