Intensive outpatient programs are an accessible option for those seeking to overcome their addiction and substance use challenges. An IOP offers access to professionals with years of experience in helping those suffering from addiction, but it does not require 24/7 attendance in order to find success.
But what makes intensive outpatient programs so effective? There are cultural and scientific reasons why this type of structure is so consistent in helping those who want to change their lives. When considering whether an IOP is right for you, one of the most important things to do is be sure you fully understand what the program expects and how it functions.
Let’s explore the science behind intensive outpatient programs’ success rate to clarify why this strategy works and what you can achieve through it.
What Makes an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program
Intensive outpatient programs function differently from inpatient (or residential) treatment in several notable ways:
- Residence: IOPs do not require the participant to stay in person at a facility. Instead, they attend appointments for therapy and other forms of help multiple times throughout the week.
- Flexible scheduling: Because intensive outpatient programs are conducted via scheduled visits each week, scheduling is more flexible. Where an inpatient program would require attendance for specific tasks at exact times determined by the facility, outpatient programs allow for collaboration between the participant and the IOP professionals to find a time that is easy to commit to.
- Participation with others: One of the biggest advantages of an IOP is the sense of community. Intensive outpatient programs often rely on group therapy or other meetings to help participants develop a support network of those sympathetic to their struggles. This group focus contrasts with an inpatient program, which may focus more on the individual only.
- Duration per week: Intensive outpatient treatment programs require less time each week. In general, expect around 12 hours of participation in an IOP per week compared to the full-time commitment of an inpatient stay.
Why Are IOPs So Effective?
Given the unique nature of how intensive outpatient programs function, it may seem as though they do not provide the same consistent results as inpatient stays. However, studies show that the success rate between inpatient and outpatient programs is similar.
When following up at six, 12, and 18 months, around 50% of those participating in an IOP remained sober at six months, and this number increased to about 70% by the end of the follow-up period.
Why do IOPs work this well? There are a few reasons:
- Flexibility: Because participants can create a schedule that works for them, they are more likely to comply with their treatment regimen and stay accountable. This flexibility gives them agency and the drive to change because they are taking control of their treatment rather than feeling that treatment is being done “to” them.
- Support: Studies show that support from family members, loved ones, and the community significantly correlates with addiction recovery success. Because IOPs provide opportunities to participate in group therapy or to locate community resources, those who rely on the IOP are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.
- Therapy: Many intensive outpatient programs rely on cognitive behavioral therapy to help participants overcome the thought patterns that contribute to substance use. Science has repeatedly shown that participants who engage in CBT have a significantly lower rate of relapse than those who do not. The reasons for this vary and include CBT’s focus on developing coping skills and new mechanisms of thinking and making decisions. Rather than just a physical detox, cognitive behavioral therapy addresses the underlying patterns that contributed to the addictive behavior in the first place. By gradually rewiring the brain’s thought patterns, participants are better equipped to avoid relapse in the future. This rewiring of thought patterns is an actual physical process in the brain and a conceptual achievement.
- Accessibility: Those seeking help for addiction are at the mercy of the resources available to them. In many areas, an inpatient care facility is not even an option. However, IOPs are simpler to manage, making them more numerous in almost any location, and much of an IOP can be conducted via telehealth if necessary.
Try Intensive Outpatient Treatment to Overcome Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, an intensive outpatient program can be a powerful option for overcoming this challenge. Using science-backed processes such as cognitive behavioral therapy, IOP professionals can help you establish new coping mechanisms and decrease your likelihood of relapse.
Contact Aquila Recovery Clinic to learn about how we operate our intensive outpatient program and how it can be customized to fit into your busy life.