When you or a loved one is ready to get help for their addiction, an intensive outpatient program can be one option. An intensive outpatient program, known as IOP, is a type of rehabilitation used for substance abuse in which the person visits a treatment center. They will typically go there several days during a week and for a few hours per visit. The treatment that a person receives is more time-intensive than what a standard outpatient program consists of.
A common question of those who are considering an intensive outpatient program is how long does an intensive outpatient program last. The answer is dependent on the patient and what their needs are. Treatment plans are different because no two people have the same needs when it comes to therapy. It is generally recommended that the minimum time spent at an intensive outpatient treatment is 90 days.
Intensive Outpatient Program Steps
An intensive outpatient program will follow a number of steps as part of the personal recovery program. Before starting the program, you should determine if you are a good candidate for attending an IOP. Some characteristics of someone who may consider attending an intensive outpatient program include those who:
- Don’t require hospitalization or medical attention as part of their treatment program
- Have a strong foundation of support such as friends and family to help them with their addiction
- Have other obligations such as work, school and childcare needs that they can’t forgo while receiving treatment
If an intensive outpatient program appears to be a good option, you can begin by entering treatment which is one of the most critical stages in the process. During the admission process, a patient will undergo engaging, screening, assessment of barriers to treatments, and treatment planning.
Assessment
After entering treatment, a patient will go through an assessment where preliminary information is gathered, followed by a comprehensive bio-psychological assessment. A patient’s history and future goals are discussed in greater detail; this information is used to tailor the treatment services to specifically address the patient’s issues.
Sessions Of Therapy
The assessment will help match the patient’s needs to treatment services that are best suited to assist with a successful outcome. The most important goal of IOPs is that the patient returns to society, their family, and the workplace as a functioning and productive individual.
Treatments will include individual and group sessions to attend each week; during these sessions, a patient will receive support, counseling, and education. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used in IOP due to its effectiveness in gradually integrating patients back into society with a healthier outlook. It also helps treat the underlying emotional issues that are often a contributing factor to substance abuse.
Identifying Motivation
Understanding the motivation a person has to enter recovery is the next step. There are various external and internal reasons that motivate a person to enter recovery. IOP counselors want to understand their patient’s motivations and what they care about, so they can ultimately connect their concerns to the issues with substance abuse. Understanding a patient’s motivation will assist in creating strategies to maintain and improve that motivation for recovery.
Participation Of Family & Loved Ones
Family is one of the most important sources of support for many patients. The role of the family is acknowledged in the treatment outcomes of an IOP. The influence and ongoing support of family members is a heavy influence on a patient’s life and recovery. Family education, multi-family group sessions, family therapy, support groups, retreats, and other family-based services and strategies that are designed to engaged families in treatment are used. Each of these sessions and strategies has a specific goal and outcome designed for the patient and their family.
Final Evaluation
The last step of an IOP is the final evaluation when the patient has successfully completed the intensive outpatient program. They will undergo an evaluation to identify what next steps the patient will follow. The intensity of the treatment is adjusted depending on the patient’s needs for ongoing care. Addiction is not a condition that can be fixed quickly; to stay motivated and continue working on relapse prevention skills, meeting with a counselor or support group will maintain their abstinence. Therefore, it is critical for the patient to continue to receive support after the intensive outpatient program ends. The evaluation may determine that the patient is ready to attend a less intensive level of treatment and care. This could consist of attending therapy meetings once a week, twice a month, etc. instead of a few times a week.
Speak To An Experienced Addiction Recovery Center
If you are ready to receive assistance on your road to addiction recovery, Aquila Recovery Clinic is here to help. Our Washington, DC addiction recovery center will combine individual and group therapy sessions to help you overcome a drug or alcohol addiction. Furthermore, our licensed therapists will develop techniques and solutions to help you transition back to your normal lifestyle.
For more information about intensive outpatient programs, or to get started on your journey to recovery, contact Aquila Recovery Clinic by phone at 202.618.9125 or schedule a consultation online today.If you or a loved one is ready to receive help with their addiction, Aquila Recovery is here for you.