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Intensive Outpatient Program for Addiction Treatment

therapy group meets during intensive outpatient program

Many people think of an intensive outpatient program for addiction treatment as an alternative to inpatient rehab. Unfortunately, failure rates can be high for outpatient programs when attempted instead of inpatient treatment. However, intensive outpatient treatment is highly effective in the transition after an inpatient residential treatment stay.

What defines an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs provide needed accountability and structure for those new in recovery. An IOP requires a significant commitment from the individual. Many intensive outpatient programs offer evening sessions and last for 8-12 weeks.  This can permit the client to hold a job or tend to the family during daytime hours while obtaining the recovery support they need to be successful. Clients typically attend sessions 3-4 nights or days per week. Sessions provide education, relapse prevention, and therapy, all of which is highly beneficial during those first months outside of inpatient treatment.

Intensive outpatient treatment can support a sober living program

Sober living programs are greatly enhanced and produce better results if they require their clients to attend an outpatient program in addition to living in the house.  An outpatient program on its own may not provide enough support for many individuals. Participating in a sober living program simultaneously adds a healthy living environment for the individual, as well as additional support resources.

How can I know if an outpatient program is right for me?

  • The obligation of a career requires you to return home and forego sober living or extended care.
  • Family obligations requires you to return home and forgo sober living or extended care.
  • You have a high level of motivation for recovery.
  • A need for continued counseling, as well as support with emotional or psychological issues was identified in primary treatment.
  • I’m in a sober living with no experience on how to live a sober life.

How do I find the right intensive outpatient program?

  • Seek a referral from your primary treatment provider.
  • Inquire about the curriculum and what the program accomplishes over the course of time.
  • Ask about the services included in the program.
  • Learn more about the clients currently in the program to make sure you identify with the group. If you are leaving a treatment program, strive to find an IOP with other individuals who have completed treatment as well.
  • It can be counterproductive to join an IOP that serves only clients off the street.
  • Look for specialized approaches; many communities have IOP’s that focus on specific types of clients.

Arbor Behavioral Healthcare offers a full choice of Intensive Outpatient, Extended Care and Sober Living programs as part of our Continuum of Care. The Continuum is designed to offer the appropriate support required by each person as they progress on their personal journey towards addiction recovery. Give us a call to learn more about each program or for help assessing which program best suits the client. Our assessments are confidential and counselors will design a customized treatment plan that meets the needs of you, your loved one or your patient.