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Is an Intensive Outpatient Program Right for You?

group talking about choosing an intensive outpatient program

If you or your loved one is combating drug or alcohol addiction, committing to getting treatment can be a huge choice. The added stress of determining what level of care will be most effective can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, caring professionals are standing by to help navigate this challenging but essential process.

Call The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare today to speak to one of our team members about choosing an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or other recovery program type. Our intensive outpatient programs for drug or alcohol treatment in the Austin, TX area have a great deal to offer and may be a highly effective recovery option. Reach out to The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 or via our website for help navigating services.

Factors to Consider in Choosing a Level of Care

IOPs are a powerful tool for returning to health and autonomy. That said, they are not the only type of recovery program available. Residential programs, partial hospitalization, and sober living are other possibilities worth looking into. Here are a few things to look for while researching treatment options:

  • A Good Fit: As is the case with individual therapists, treatment center staff usually offer complimentary phone consultations before moving forward with intake. This consultation serves as your opportunity to ask any questions you have. For example, you can ask about therapists’ and doctors’ experience working with the specific drug or alcohol abuse situation that affects you or your loved one, group and enrichment activities, billing and payment plans, aftercare, and more. A good fit makes a world of difference, and there’s no such thing as a bad question!
  • Manageable Pricing: Not surprisingly, clients undergoing treatment have a better chance of successful and lasting recovery if they’re able to complete their program without breaking the bank. If rehab might be a financial hardship, start your process by talking to therapists, school counselors, or doctors about available resources. Your city and state’s websites are also great places to seek guidance. Many treatment centers offer payment plans that help those who need the care to receive it promptly.
  • Appropriate Offerings: What are the specifics of the substance abuse challenges you or your loved one is facing? Is medical care needed? Would a 12-Step program be a helpful addition to treatment? What kinds of alternative therapies might work best–art, equine, sports? When you’re speaking with treatment center staff in an initial consultation, ask how their program can be tailored to your specific needs.

Why Choose an Intensive Outpatient Program?

If your resources allow it, the number one reason to choose an intensive outpatient program is that you or your loved one has already completed residential treatment and wants to benefit from a continuum of care. Serious alcohol or drug abuse problem is often best addressed first through a period of residential treatment. This live-in version of client care ensures 24-hour supervision, access to medical treatment and therapy, and various group activities for a period usually lasting about 90 days. Some programs can provide much longer stays, even around the timeframe of a full year.

Following in-patient treatment, it’s essential to maintain accountability during the return to everyday life. Sadly, the potential for relapse often spikes right after a residential program since transitioning back to everyday life can raise unforeseen stressors or triggers. For this reason, partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient program is often a great intermediary step.

Choosing an IOP means committing to around eight weeks of treatment with 6 to 30 hours of services per week. IOPs often conduct evenings and weekends, allowing clients to return to work, school, childcare, and family. Offerings in an IOP generally include weekly individual therapy, several weekly group activities, and medication monitoring. Support and resources for loved ones are frequently available as well.

Take the Next Steps Toward Lasting Recovery with The Arbor’s IOPs Near Austin, TX

Why wait another minute to get the answers you need about the next step in the journey toward lasting recovery? Our compassionate team at The Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is standing by to speak with you about our IOPs and other top-rated programs by phone at 844.413.2690 or online.