IOP substance abuse treatment is a form of rehabilitation in which people are treated on a part time basis and return home after each session. Intensive Outpatient Programming includes 9 or more hours of treatment, per week. Most participants attend treatment 3-5 days per week.
Group therapy is the main component of most intensive outpatient programs. Groups allow IOP participants to improve their communication, learn how to socialize without drugs or alcohol, support each other, and experience structure and discipline. Each client, in coordination with their counselor, selects from a variety of therapeutic groups to determine the groups which are a best-fit for their treatment needs. Clients will also participate in individual counseling, peer recovery coach services, and case management services. You may also be referred for additional services such as psychiatric screening, medication management, community support groups, and vocational training. The collaborative treatment team will periodically discuss your progress, identified barriers, and on-going treatment recommendations.
IOP Goals include, but are not limited to:
- Maintaining abstinence.
- Achieving behavioral change.
- Participating in support systems such as 12-step groups.
- Addressing psychosocial issues such as housing, employment, and meeting probation requirements.
- Developing a support system.
- Improving coping and problem-solving skills.
IOP is an important aspect of care for people seeking help in overcoming addiction. For many people, inpatient care – whether in a hospital, clinic, rehab, or other facility – can be challenging. These live-in treatment options often provide the highest level of care, separating people with addictions from access to the drugs or alcohol they abuse and from other people who may encourage relapse or actively sabotage recovery efforts; however, they aren’t always feasible.
People often have family or work commitments that prevent them from entering fulltime care. They simply can’t leave their lives behind for an extended period of time. For these people, IOP is often the best choice. They still get intensive treatment, but they are able to reside at home. Ideal candidates for intensive outpatient treatment have a safe home environment. This means encouraging family members and friends who are ready to support their loved one in their recovery efforts. If a person lives with other people who use drugs or alcohol, residential treatment is generally recommended to get the person away from these triggers for relapse.
IOP is also an appropriate next step in treatment for individuals that have completed a residential treatment program. This often provides an adequate structure for successful transition from residential treatment (often 40 hours of treatment per week) to outpatient services. People who transition to standard outpatient services, which is less than 9 hours per week, often struggle due to the significant reduction in support and treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Program Schedule and Phases
Various groups are offered throughout the week. A calendar of group options will be provided to all clients. The standard recommendation for groups is Monday and Friday 9am-12pm, Wednesday 9am-10am. Additional groups that occur Tuesday – Thursday are also recommended, based on your specific treatment needs. Examples include Women’s Recovery Group Tuesday 11:30am-1pm, Moral Reconation Therapy Wednesday 10am-12pm, Peer Recovery group Thursday 12pm-1pm, Co-occurring group Thursday 4pm-5pm.
Some groups include educational didactic lecture on various substance use disorder and recovery related topics such as: Triggers and Cravings, Relapse Prevention, Coping Skills, Assertive Communication, Step 1and Step 2 of AA/NA, Acceptance, Spirituality, Recovery Community, Codependency, Stages of Change, Healthy Boundaries, Addiction as a Disease, etc.
Other groups are structured like more traditional group therapy. This allows group members to share their struggles and successes, get feedback from other group members and therapists, and process their thoughts and emotions in a supportive, non judgmental, and therapeutic environment.
Phase 1 requires attendance of 9+ hours of treatment per week, for a minimum of 6 weeks. After completion of these sessions, treatment team members will discuss with you your readiness to move to Phase 2. When ready, you will receive a Phase 1 completion certificate and you will progress to Phase 2.
Phase 2 requires attendance of 6+ hours of treatment per week, for at least 6 weeks. After completion of these sessions, treatment team members will again discuss with you your readiness to move to the next phase. When ready, you will receive a Phase 2 completion certificate and you will progress to Phase 3 of IOP.
Phase 3 requires attendance of 2+ hours of treatment per week, for at least 6 weeks. This is the third and final phase of IOP. After completion of these sessions, treatment team members will discuss with you your readiness to complete Phase 3, and therefore no longer require this level of services. Upon completion of IOP, group members will be given a final certificate. Depending on your treatment needs, you will have the option of continuing in some therapy groups, individual counseling, and/or participating in an Alumni Group. Alumni group meets once per week and is for individuals who have completed treatment but would like to continue treatment in a group format.
AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, SMART recovery, Recovery Dharma, and other self-help support groups are encouraged but not mandatory for IOP group members.