What Exactly is an Intensive Outpatient Program? An Informative Guide
The latest statistics show that 23.5 million Americans struggle with an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Of these individuals, it’s hard to say how many will break their addictions. There is one thing you can know, though. It is easier to break an addiction if you seek help.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction right now, there is help, and there is hope.
One of the options you can choose for treatment is an intensive outpatient program (IOP). IOP programs are not only useful for helping people break addictions, but they offer a lot of other benefits too.
If you are interested in learning more about IOP programs, here is a detailed guide that will help you understand more about these types of programs.
The Basic Characteristics of Intensive Outpatient Programs
There is not just one treatment option available for treating addiction. Instead, there are many types, and one is called intensive outpatient. An intensive outpatient program has unique characteristics that set it apart from other treatment plans.
One trait of an IOP is that you live at home while completing the program. This quality makes this form of treatment different from inpatient programs. An inpatient plan requires you to stay at a facility for weeks or months.
Living at a facility during your treatment plan isn’t the most convenient option for many people.
With an IOP, you get the convenience of living at home. During this time, you can continue working, spending time with your family, and doing all your regular daily tasks and routines.
For an IOP to work effectively for you, you’ll need to make sure your home life is stable, healthy, and safe for you during this time.
Another type of treatment you can select is a traditional outpatient plan. The difference between this type of plan and an intensive plan is the amount of time you must devote to the program. An intensive program will be more time-consuming.
The Time Frame of an IOP
An intensive outpatient program is a commitment. Most programs generally require attending treatment three to four times every week for around eight to sixteen weeks. Each session lasts approximately three hours.
While this may seem like a significant commitment, it can be well worth the time you spend there. Developing an addiction might be easy to do, but breaking one takes time and effort.
Some people find that completing an inpatient program first is beneficial. IOPs do not provide detoxification services.
If you need to detox first, you will benefit by enrolling in a program that helps with that. If you are already detoxed, IOP is a smart choice. What Exactly is an Intensive Outpatient Program? An Informative Guide.
What the Sessions Involve
Each session with an IOP involves several different things. Here are some of the activities that take place during these sessions:
1. Individual Therapy
Part of the time you spend in the program will involve one-on-one counseling. Individual counseling helps you specifically address the issues you are dealing with.
It can help you learn why you chose this path in life, how to break free from it, and how to develop the best methods for avoiding relapses in the future.
2. Group Therapy
You will also spend time completing group work. Everyone working through the program will participate in these sessions, and you will have people in all different stages.
Group work helps you find assurance that you’re not alone. You can hear stories from other addicts, and you can learn the methods they are using to stay sober.
You’ll also be encouraged to talk about your story during these meetings. Opening up and discussing your struggles is an effective way to help you face the truth and work towards a new life.
3. Educational Activities
You will also learn a lot about addiction, the way it develops, and the effects it has on your brain. Learning and understanding how addiction works is a crucial element in recovery.
You may have homework assignments to complete before your next meetings, and you should always complete these projects if required.
What You Will Learn
Not only will you learn the things mentioned already, but you’ll learn a lot more, too. One critical factor you’ll learn during this time is triggers. You’ll discover what your triggers are and healthy ways to respond to them.
They will also teach you the importance of attending meetings for your addiction. Attending NA or AA meetings can be helpful for you right now and in the future, and they will encourage you to participate in these meetings.
Additionally, you’ll learn what to avoid in the future. A lot of addiction centers focus on helping addicts learn the importance of making the necessary changes for recovery. What Exactly is an Intensive Outpatient Program? An Informative Guide.
The Goals of an IOP
The goal of any treatment program is to help addicts break their addictions and learn how to stay clean and sober afterward, and this is true for IOPs, too.
The other goal of an IOP is to find a support system to lean on for help. When you commit to a program and complete it, you are always welcome to come back.
The group of people you meet will be your support system, and you’ll need people to encourage and support you in the future.
The third goal is to provide a safe environment for you during this time. Treatment centers know how hard it is to decide to break an addiction. Because of this, they offer help in a non-judgmental environment for everyone who enrolls.
Seeking Treatment with Transformations by the Gulf?
If you or a loved one needs treatment and rehabilitation for substance use, Transformations by the Gulf can help.
Transformations by the Gulf offers individualistic and holistic recovery services. We designed our inpatient and outpatient programs to treat individuals based on biological, psychological, familial and social needs.
Our residential homes and treatment facilities are near the beach and offer a comfortable setting for rehabilitation. If you or a loved one needs help, contact Transformations By The Gulf to learn more about our recovery services.
If you are ready to start planning your treatment process, give us a call. (727)498-6498
You can also find out more information about Transformations by the Gulf by visiting drugrehabstpetersburg.com.
