Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a treatment option for patients with substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders. These programs provide an intensive, structured course of outpatient care that the last one to three months with varying degrees of intensity. IOPs offer the opportunity to continue inpatient treatment while transitioning back into life outside their facility. In this piece, we will discuss what is expected from an IOP program.
Things to Expect From an Intensive Outpatient Program
Meaningful Treatment Plan
All IOPs have a treatment plan that is based on the addiction that the patient is struggling with. During an IOP, patients will receive all the treatment they need to succeed in their recovery journey. Patients will typically have a primary therapist and many therapists who work on different aspects of the treatment plan. Patients should also work with their facility’s case manager, peer support, and other medical staff. All of these people will work together to create a treatment plan that is specific to the patient’s needs.
Support From Staff
A support system is critical when you are going through a recovery process. The staff at an IOP will be available to answer questions and help out throughout the program. The medical and psychological staff members can help patients understand their addiction and how it relates to other aspects of their life. They can also help patients develop a plan for what they will do when they leave the facility. The peer support staff members understand what patients are going through and can offer guidance and new perspectives. In addition, patients often have the opportunity to communicate with family members during their time in an IOP program. All of these people will help the patient stay on track while in an IOP program so they can have a successful recovery after they leave.
A Healthy Lifestyle
In addition to receiving the treatment they need, patients in IOP programs are also allowed to develop healthy habits and behaviors. They will learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and live and work with others. Patients in an IOP program will work on developing life skills and positive behavioral patterns so that they can improve their quality of life and live a substance-free life. In addition, patients can also learn what triggers them so they can avoid unwanted behaviors.
Full Support From Friends and Family
When patients are in IOP programs, they will have the opportunity to build up a support system of friends and family. Patients will often focus on rebuilding their relationships with their friends because other people can help them stay on target with their recovery process. They will also have the opportunity to spend time with their families, strengthening those bonds that are crucial for recovery and emotional well-being.
Flexible Scheduling
Patients in IOP programs generally have the opportunity to attend their treatment sessions daily, weekly or monthly. They may also have the flexibility to leave and return at another time. Patients should be careful not to oversleep or cut their hours short, as this will interrupt the progress of their program.
Work Skills Can Be Improved
If a patient does not already have some sort of job, IOP programs will help them develop work skills. The staff members can help patients develop the skills they need to find a job, whether working with computers, office equipment, or other technologies. There is also an emphasis on skill building in social situations and emotion management. Patients are encouraged to identify their strengths and use those as a basis for future growth opportunities.
Flexibility with Family Life
Family life can be challenging when you have a severe addiction that you are trying to overcome. Thankfully, many IOP programs will be flexible with family life. In the initial stages of your program, you may be expected to only spend time with your family in the presence of a staff member. IOP programs will often allow you to have dinner with your family or meet at specially designated times throughout the week. As your program goes on, you can spend more time with your family and have dinner together as well as other activities.
In conclusion, there is so much that IOP programs can offer to people who are serious about their recovery. In this piece, we have discussed some of the things that you can expect from an IOP program. After attending a program, you should feel confident in your ability to maintain a substance-free life and live a fulfilling and successful life on your own terms. If you need any help in your recovery journey, contact us today at 302-842-2390.
