An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a type of substance abuse rehabilitation in which individuals attend a treatment facility for a few hours each day. An IOP program requires more time than the majority of typical outpatient programs. Unlike an inpatient program, however, it does not need patients to live on-site.
Intensive outpatient treatment programs are often held in the morning or evening on weekdays. While programs are primarily comprised of group therapy, they may also include individual counseling and employment aid. The majority of programs last between 90 and 120 days and include drug testing.
Outpatient drug addiction therapy is a type of rehabilitation in which patients attend sessions on a part-time basis and then return home. These programs are often best suited for individuals who have less severe addictions, few to no mental health difficulties, and a strong support system.
Individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders can call us 24/7 at (866) 781-3882
What is Intensive Outpatient Treatment ( IOP )?
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are more frequent than standard outpatient programs, typically consisting of nine hours or more of treatment each week for three to five days.
Numerous intense outpatient programs use group therapy as a core component. Groups enable IOP participants to enhance their communication skills, learn how to socialize without the use of drugs or alcohol, provide support for one another, and get experience with structure and discipline.
Individual counseling, medication management, case management, referral to support groups, psychiatric screening, and vocational training are additional IOP services.
How Is an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Different from Inpatient?
The primary distinction between an IOP and an inpatient program is that individuals treated in an inpatient program reside at the facility during their stay. Additionally, residential programs provide services and luxuries not available in adult IOPs, such as meals, accommodation, leisure, and access to medical care.
Inpatient programs are typically the best fit for individuals who have had a long-standing or severe addiction. Some participants in these programs have experienced many relapses and require prolonged abstinence from drugs and alcohol. Inpatient facilities are especially beneficial for individuals who live in highly unstable or triggering home circumstances or who have mental health disorders that require dual diagnosis treatment.
How long does IOP Last?
An IOP treatment might last from a few weeks to a year. The minimum duration of rigorous outpatient treatment is recommended to be 90 days. However, the duration of the treatment is patient-specific. Because no two individuals are identical, no two treatment plans are identical. Depending on their experiences, personality, history, and diagnosis, some people may require additional therapy.
Types of Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient treatment is available in a variety of intensities, including the following:
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
At times, the term “day treatment” is used. Partial hospitalization programs are staffed by an interdisciplinary team of medical and clinical support professionals who are qualified to manage complex or unstable medical and psychiatric problems, as well as patients who require a high level of medical or mental health care but do not require 24-hour supervision. PHP programs typically offer at least 20 hours of intense care per week to patients who require daily (or near-daily) monitoring in a controlled setting.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
These programs, like PHPs, offer an interdisciplinary team of providers. However, they give less medical and clinical support. Patients frequently attend treatment for between 9 and 20 hours per week.
Standard outpatient programs (OPs)
This type of program is aimed to assist patients in resolving substance use-related behaviors. This level of care provides little, if any, medical services (although standard outpatient programs typically link patients to more intensive services as needed). Each week, treatment is limited to less than 9 hours.
Patients who do not require medically supervised or monitored care 24 hours a day often begin at the lowest level possible. Someone with a less severe SUD who is medically stable may begin in a typical outpatient program. Others may move from a more intensive level of therapy, such as inpatient treatment or a PHP, to a more intensive outpatient program. Movement is defined by treatment progress and takes into account a patient’s readiness to live more freely. Similarly, if an individual is struggling while enrolled in a typical outpatient treatment, a higher degree of care intensity, such as that offered in an IOP, PHP, or inpatient program, may be required.
Typical Outpatient Schedule
The majority of IOPs begin with an assessment of the individual’s needs. A therapist then develops a unique rehabilitation program for the individual based on their current stage of recovery. The individual develops a timetable with the therapist for the number of days and hours they will attend the program each week. As indicated previously, this plan is adaptable based on the individual’s progress through the program.
The majority of programs meet throughout the week. Numerous clinics that offer IOPs have day and evening programs that meet for an average of three hours per day. Day programs, for example, may run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., while evening programs may run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Participants gather in groups and take breaks during that period. IOPs frequently contain the following types of groups:
- Prevention of relapse
- Skill-building
- Support groups for codependency
- Groups for families
- 12 step programs
- Behavioral health therapy
- Education on addiction
- Groups for processing
Drug Testing
Drug testing is a requirement of the majority of intense outpatient programs. The frequency of testing, on the other hand, varies. Some programs conduct tests once a week, while others conduct tests twice or three times a week. Others conduct random tests on people.
Drug abuse testing is a required component of a large number of therapy programs. However, programs do not conduct random drug tests on participants in order to “catch” them using drugs. Rather than that, they test them to ensure they are abiding by program guidelines and to safeguard other program members from drug users. A positive drug test may also indicate that an individual need a greater level of therapy.
What happens after outpatient treatment?
You may be wondering what happens at the conclusion of outpatient treatment. What occurs following outpatient treatment is entirely dependent on your individual circumstances. Numerous critical elements are considered when establishing your personalized aftercare plan. Aftercare often consists of a combination of specialized counseling, peer support groups, and, where necessary, continuation of medication-assisted treatment. Each individual aftercare plan is tailored to your specific clinical requirements. At Guardian IOP, we are committed to ensuring that you are as prepared as possible for the full rehabilitation process, from start to finish.
After completing an IOP, the individual will meet with their therapist to discuss next steps. If the individual achieves all of the program’s objectives, the therapist will typically propose that the individual continue with a less intensive level of therapy.
Possible Options may include:
- In an outpatient program, group therapy sessions are less frequent.
- Individual sessions with a therapist or psychologist on a weekly basis.
- Participation in 12-step groups.
- Alumni gatherings are held at the IOP.
- Telephone check-ins on a regular basis.
A person may engage in a combination of these activities—it all depends on their circumstances. Additionally, they may be sent to additional community options, such as vocational training, family therapy, or medical treatment.
The critical point to note is that an individual is not “cured” upon completion of an IOP. Maintaining sobriety requires effort, and the majority of people who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol require continuing care. Meeting with a therapist or support group enables a person to maintain motivation, work on relapse prevention skills, and assist other people in their recovery, all of which contribute to abstinence maintenance.
Addiction Treatment and Mental Health Behavioral Therapy
Numerous individuals who are diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) also have a co-occurring mental or behavioral disease. This is referred to as a concurrent diagnosis. Individuals who have been diagnosed with two disorders require an integrated treatment approach that treats both disorders as interrelated issues. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 45 percent of individuals who struggle with addiction also struggle with a co-occurring mental health problem.
By receiving treatment for addiction and cooccurring disorders, you can work toward living a satisfying and healthy life.
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