While many patients are unable to commit the time and resources required for inpatient treatment, some may still need a higher level of attention and support than a traditional outpatient program.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) provide all the resources and assistance of traditional outpatient treatment within a more structured schedule and without sacrificing a patient’s independence or pulling them from the obligations of daily life.
Key Takeaways
- An IOP is the ideal blend of inpatient structure and outpatient flexibility, ensuring patients receive individual and group counseling more frequently.
- Receiving medication for addiction treatment under medical supervision ensures patients can focus on their mental health – greatly reducing the risk of a return to use.
- Before starting any treatment program, consult with addiction specialists to determine the level and type of care that’s best for you.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An IOP’s added layer of counseling support involves patients attending individual therapy, group counseling, medical, and social support as needed multiple times a week. This level of care enables individuals to receive comprehensive care while living at home, spending time with their family, and maintaining a job.
5 Reasons People Choose IOP for Addiction Treatment
When beginning your recovery journey, finding the right balance of support and flexibility is key to success. Here are some reasons why an IOP may be more effective than beginning with a lower-intensity outpatient program.
- Structured Support During Critical, Early Stages
Early recovery can be one of the most challenging phases, as patients adapt to life without drugs or alcohol. The more frequent sessions and structured care of an IOP program ensure patients have consistent access to treatment, making it easier to establish a solid foundation.
- Frequent Therapy for Emotional & Behavioral Support
IOPs include individual and group therapy sessions multiple times a week, providing patients with trained therapists and supportive peers offering emotional reinforcement. These interactions help patients work through the emotional and behavioral challenges of recovery and are most helpful for any patients who have experienced trauma or suffer from PTSD.
Choosing an IOP to begin your recovery can make the process more accessible, manageable, and ultimately, effective.
- Medication Assisted Treatment
Withdrawal symptoms and cravings can be overwhelming obstacles to recovery. Like most outpatient programs, IOPs provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to alleviate these symptoms safely under medical supervision. This helps patients focus on their mental health and greatly reduces the risk of returning to use.
- Treatment Plans Adjusted to Your Needs
Outpatient programs begin with a thorough assessment, resulting in a personalized treatment plan that adapts as patients progress. This allows patients to have a say in their recovery journey. Counselors and therapists closely monitor progress and can adjust the program as needed.
- Supportive Recovery Environment without Disruption
One of the unique aspects of IOPs is that patients can attend sessions while maintaining their daily routines. Patients can live at home, surrounded by family and familiar comforts, which is an advantage for those with a supportive home environment. For people with work or family responsibilities, IOPs allow for a transition into recovery without disrupting these obligations.
There Is No “One Size Fits All” Recovery Plan
Choosing an IOP to begin your recovery can make the process more accessible, manageable, and ultimately, effective. Before starting any treatment program, consult with addiction specialists to determine the level of care that’s best for you. Everyone’s path is unique, and there is no “one size fits all approach to recovery.
To learn even more about different types of addiction treatment programs, check out “Outpatient, Inpatient, Virtual: Which Addiction Treatment Program Is Right For Me?” for a comparison between the different types of treatment programs, including inpatient.
Connect with BrightView for Outpatient Treatment
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out to BrightView to learn more about effective treatment options. Call us a 888.501.9865 for more information or click here to schedule an appointment at your local treatment center.
