Seeking help for substance use and addiction is the first step toward achieving sobriety and pursuing the life you want and deserve. If you are considering an intensive outpatient program or have just signed up, you are likely wondering what to expect. Taking this next step toward IOP treatment can feel like a significant life change (and it is!), so knowing what to anticipate can ease your mind.
The first week in an intensive outpatient program is perhaps the most mentally taxing, as there are several new tasks to complete, people to meet, and routines to adjust to. The good news is that if you approach this first week as an exciting opportunity, you will quickly see how all of the resources in an IOP are available to help you succeed, not overwhelm you. Here is an overview of what to expect during your first few days in an intensive outpatient program.
Your First Day in an Intensive Outpatient Program
On the first day of an IOP, the focus is on establishing a process geared toward success. Most IOPs begin with an orientation to help you get your bearings. You will share basic information about yourself, such as your medical history, current medications, and what symptoms you might be experiencing related to your substance use or cessation.
Once the IOP providers have sufficient information, they can pair you with a team that aligns with your goals and needs. You will likely meet this team on the first day so that you are familiar with the people supporting you throughout the process.
The first day is an ideal time to share any goals or thoughts you have on the IOP. Do you want to accomplish something specific by the time the program has concluded (or afterward)? Do you have certain concerns or challenges that might make your participation in the IOP more difficult? Now is the best time to discuss these factors so that your treatment can be personalized for your success.
The First Week
Once the basic, overarching plan is created, you will begin to implement the strategies outlined in the IOP schedule. These will have been customized for you. The most common activities are:
Getting to know others
The majority of intensive outpatient programs utilize group therapy to support participants during their recovery. Having a group of like-minded individuals who all have experience with similar challenges can be a powerful resource for support, inspiration, and camaraderie. Studies indicate that those who actively engage in group therapy are less likely to relapse than those who do not.
Meeting the therapist
Therapy is another important component of recovery. Your therapist will guide you through cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and coping strategies to set you up for success. The first week is the time to begin to develop this relationship, often by getting to know each other before more in-depth treatment begins. You should always be able to trust your therapist, so do not hesitate to ask questions about the process.
Establishing goals and struggles
The first week is also the ideal time to consider any goals you would like to achieve. Many people choose goals such as graduating from an educational program or finding a specific job and maintaining employment, but your goals should be personal to you. It is completely acceptable for goals to be much smaller, such as simply completing the IOP or remaining sober for a certain period of time after treatment concludes.
The first week should also be spent considering any struggles you are encountering. What challenges in your life might make it difficult to participate or succeed in the IOP? For many, certain friends or family members can be a poor influence, or access to their substance of choice can introduce temptation. Try to address these struggles with help from your new IOP support team.
Building long-term support
Having a supportive environment in which to grow and recover is imperative in an IOP. If you are not sure how to establish one, your team can help. It may include finding friends and family who are ready to lend a hand, or you may be able to connect with local resources and groups who understand what you are going through. A robust support system correlates directly with greater long-term success in recovery.
An Example IOP Schedule
Most intensive outpatient recovery programs last between four weeks and 12 weeks. The duration depends on your needs, the overall structure of the program, and how often you can attend.
The most common format has participants completing tasks at least three days per week and sometimes as frequently as five days per week. On these days, you will typically dedicate between two and five hours to treatment, which may include a variety of strategies established early in the program, such as therapy, group sessions, and more.
An IOP is structured to allow you to maintain your responsibilities, such as employment or childcare. However, it is essential to adhere to a schedule and attend all your sessions for the best results.
Generally, you will participate in group therapy more frequently than individual therapy, but you will always receive individualized attention. Most IOPs also incorporate numerous educational resources, such as life skill classes, so you have the tools you need to succeed once the program concludes.
As the intensive outpatient program draws to a close, you will likely engage in more nuanced tasks targeted toward your specific goals and challenges. For example, if you expressed a goal of enrolling in a specific educational program once you are clean, the ending portion of the IOP is a great time to work on application letters, references, and school selection. You may also spend time solidifying and practicing your coping skills so that once you depart the program, you will have the tools you need to keep yourself sober for the long term.
Does Intensive Outpatient Care Work as Well as Inpatient?
Most people assume that those with well-managed addictive behavior can benefit from an IOP, while those with more severe impacts should use an inpatient program. While inpatient treatment can be the right choice for some, studies show that intensive outpatient treatment is just as effective as in-person work.
Therefore, you should consider whether an IOP or an inpatient approach is best suited for your situation. If you have responsibilities that would be problematic to temporarily leave, an IOP can provide a much more accessible solution. However, inpatient treatment can be especially valuable for those struggling with relapses or who may suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms.
How to Make the First Week Easier
The first week in an intensive outpatient program may feel like a whirlwind of new experiences, but all of these initial steps are invaluable in establishing a strategy for success. To make the transition into IOP participation easier, be sure to do the following:
- Prioritize yourself: It is not selfish to pour your attention into your treatment. Now is the time to focus on yourself when possible so that you can remain committed to your recovery.
- Establish support: The first week is a strategic time to build supportive connections, and the IOP can assist with this networking. However, you can do this on your own by reaching out to friends and family.
- Be honest: Hiding your participation in an IOP is not useful. When people understand your struggle and your commitment to recovery, they can help you achieve your goals. In some cases, that may look like being a shoulder to cry on or a pillar of support and friendship. In other cases, simply making a meal for you or completing a task you had on your plate can be invaluable.
- Engage: The IOP will provide numerous coping mechanisms, strategies, resources, and suggestions to help you succeed. Use them! Even if you believe a specific option may not be effective in your case, it is worth your time to try. Some participants think that journaling is not appealing, only to discover that it is incredibly therapeutic. Others may be told about a support group outside the IOP but will hesitate to visit. Those who do venture into such groups often form lifelong friendships.
- Prepare: Much of your time will be spent on the activities, therapies, and treatments in the intensive outpatient program for the duration of the program. Make this time in your life simpler by clearing your schedule as much as possible. If you have large projects coming up, try to complete them before treatment begins. If you cannot, lay out a roadmap of actionable steps and when to do them so that you do not need to expend mental effort on this process later. Small choices can make a big difference, such as purchasing bulk boxed meals, which make dinner quick and require minimal effort.
Embrace Lasting Change with a Washington, DC IOP
An intensive outpatient program can transform your life and help you achieve new and exciting goals without the influence of substances. The first week in a program can be a flurry of activity, but remember that this is all worth the effort. The team at Aquila Recovery Clinic will make your first week (and the rest!) as streamlined and accessible as possible. Contact Aquila Recovery Clinic to sign up for an IOP and get started on your journey back to wellness.