Addiction affects millions of people across the United States. Breaking the habits that fuel substance abuse isn’t easy. For this reason, many people turn to professional addiction treatment programs for help. However, not all substance abuse programs are the same. For example, some patients need extensive addiction treatment but are unable to stay in an inpatient rehab center.
An intensive outpatient program may be the perfect solution for such individuals. Thus, if someone in your life struggles with substance abuse, then you should check out this guide on intensive outpatient treatment to see if it’s the right fit. At FAR we offer a variety of options for drug and alcohol addiction at our substance abuse treatment facility in North Carolina.
What Is an
Intensive Outpatient Program?
An intensive outpatient program bridges the gap between an inpatient program and a general outpatient program. An inpatient program requires patients to stay at a treatment facility 24 hours per day for weeks or months. In contrast, an intensive outpatient program allows patients to go home at night but typically requires them to attend multiple treatment sessions every week.
What Can Someone Expect in an IOP?
Intensive outpatient programs feature some combination of individual therapy and group therapy. Patients also learn skills and engage in activities that calm the mind and promote lifelong health. Most IOP programs require patients to attend between 12 and 20 hours of therapy per week. Every patient is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. For example, although two individuals might struggle with alcohol addiction and have similar lifestyles, they’ll likely require different substance abuse treatment plans.
What Therapies are Available in an IOP?
Regardless of where you receive treatment, or what type of treatment plan you choose, therapy will be a big part of your recovery process. All standard outpatient programs require patients attend therapy sessions to help build coping skills.
Although addiction is a chemical process, many emotional and behavioral factors perpetuate the cycle of substance abuse. In an individual counseling session, the patient speaks one-on-one with a therapist about their struggles with addiction and relevant emotional experiences. In turn, the therapist will help them work through their feelings and contextualize their struggles. Most programs hold individual therapy sessions once per week.
Can You Attend an IOP if You Need To Detox?
A patient must detox before considering other addiction treatment programs. Detox can be very dangerous without medical professionals on standby. This is especially true for patients who suffer from alcohol addiction. Thus, to keep patients safe and increase the odds of success, detox requires 24-hour supervision. Depending on the patient’s health and various other factors, they may need to undergo the detox process at an inpatient treatment center for up to seven days. Once the detox process is over, treatment professionals may recommend an inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient drug rehab.
Why Should Someone Choose an IOP
Over Other Types of Treatment?
People have busy lives, so not everyone has the time or resources to stay at a residential treatment facility for an extended period. An intensive outpatient program gives patients access to high-quality substance abuse treatment while allowing them to fulfill their everyday obligations. Because intensive outpatient treatment is more flexible than residential addiction treatment, patients don’t have to miss work or family time to deal with their substance abuse.
Intensive outpatient programs are ideal for people who live in stable environments that are free of drugs and alcohol. Exposure to substances at home will undermine a patient’s treatment and may cause them to relapse. Thus, an inpatient addiction treatment program may be a better option for patients who can’t avoid drugs, alcohol, and other negative influences at home.
How Long Does IOP Treatment Last?
Intensive outpatient programs usually last between eight and 12 weeks. Most treatment sessions last between two and five hours, and patients typically go to sessions three to five times per week. Depending on the patient’s progress, the rehab center may extend the program or recommend alternative programs.
What is the Next Step in the Continuum of Care?
Patients typically attend individual therapy sessions after finishing an intensive outpatient program. Some patients may need one or more sessions per week, and other patients may only need to meet with a therapist once per month. The addiction professionals at the rehab center will assess the patient’s needs and recommend the best course of treatment. Moreover, therapists will work with the patient to develop long-term goals and establish a plan of action to prevent relapse and deal with emergencies.
The Right Addiction Treatment
Can Change a Person's Life
Many people ask, “Where can I find effective IOP treatment near me?” Thankfully, high-quality intensive outpatient treatment is within reach. Addiction can wreak havoc on a person’s mind and physical health, and long-term consumption of drugs and alcohol may even lead to death. When it comes to substance abuse, you don’t want to wait, so contact us today to learn more about our outpatient programs at FAR in North Carolina.
