An intensive outpatient program is an accessible method of overcoming addiction to substances such as alcohol or drugs. Unlike inpatient treatment, it does not require participants to temporarily exit their home and work life to attend in-person rehabilitation. Instead, those in recovery through an intensive outpatient program can attend multiple times per week while still engaging with their other responsibilities and commitments.
However, the end of an outpatient program does not necessarily mean the hard work is over! For the best results, participants should transition from their IOP into an aftercare network full of supportive individuals.
This step can smooth the passage from program care to integration into the new life the individual wants to live. Many people feel that aftercare is a waste of time after their IOP, but research shows that those who focus on aftercare tend to see better results.
What Is Aftercare?
The realm of intensive outpatient program aftercare is broad, and it means different things for different people. In general, aftercare refers to the supportive resources a person can access after they complete their IOP treatment. Some types of aftercare that may be available include:
- Sober living houses – Spaces full of others in recovery who can help to keep each other accountable. These homes typically do not permit alcohol or other substances on the premises to aid in everyone’s recovery and prevent relapse.
- Therapy – A therapist’s job is to help patients overcome challenges and understand more about themselves. Because an individual may face new sources of stress and uncertainty following their recovery, a therapist’s insight can be valuable for creating new coping strategies.
- Education – A person who is knowledgeable about substances, their effects, and their body’s reactions is better equipped to make smart choices. Staying on top of addiction research can be empowering.
These are just a few of the many possible examples of aftercare. What works for each person will be based on their individual disposition, history, community, culture, and interests.
Why Aftercare Following an IOP Matters
No matter which type of aftercare a patient chooses — and it is entirely acceptable and even encouraged to utilize more than one — the benefits they can reap are numerous. Some advantages include:
Support through life changes
The transitional period after IOP treatment can be full of unexpected hurdles and adjustments. Aftercare from a strong support network can provide outside commentary on the situation and grant recovering individuals access to resources they might otherwise struggle to attain, such as a safe place to stay.
Greater overall wellbeing
Those who rely on aftercare services tend to see better overall health outcomes. Not only does this tie directly into their cessation of the substance, but a support network of aftercare services often results in other favorable habits. Attending doctor’s appointments, getting outside for exercise, and having help with preparing meals can all lead to better health.
Improved mental health
Studies have noted a significant change in patients’ mental health when they have access to aftercare programs. When a patient has access to mental health resources, such as therapists, they can face challenges that may have been comorbid with their addiction, contributing to the cycle of behavior.
For instance, if a person had anxiety, that anxiousness may have facilitated alcohol consumption to calm down and function. Patients who regularly engage with aftercare services can bring their mental health back into control, reducing the temptation to use and boosting their overall mental health for the better.
Lower risk of relapse
One of the most significant advantages of an aftercare program following intensive outpatient care is the decreased risk of relapse. Having aftercare resources helps patients stay accountable and find support from friends, family, and professionals who can redirect them to behaviors and activities that serve them when sobriety becomes a challenge.
In addition, simply knowing that a supportive group of people is on their side can be a powerful motivating factor to maintain sobriety for those affected by substance addiction. Aftercare can greatly increase the chances of lifelong sobriety so that participants can live the life they truly want to, unbound from the connection to their addiction.
Embrace Supportive Aftercare Following IOP Treatment
Following intensive outpatient treatment, patients who engage with aftercare services see a greater success rate in avoiding relapse and integrating back into fruitful and fulfilling lives. However, finding the right aftercare programs can be difficult.
The professionals at Aquila Recovery Clinic in Washington DC can not only guide you through your IOP but also provide you with extensive resources to support your long-term recovery. Contact Aquila Recovery Clinic to sign up for addiction recovery care or find an aftercare service that suits you.