Intensive Outpatient Program Guide
- September 11, 2023
- Prosperity Haven
- Addiction Treatment
It is imperative to understand that the addict’s recovery journey is a multi-pronged long-term commitment. Simply going through detox will not cure the addiction. It will make sure that the addict is clean, but that sobriety is not guaranteed to last once they exit the detox center.
In the same vein, inpatient residential rehab is also not enough to ensure that the addict remains on the straight and narrow in their recovery journey. The second that they leave residential rehab and are exposed to regular life, along with its usual stressors and temptations, it can be all too easy to succumb to their drug of choice.
What Is An IOP?
Before addressing what an IOP is, the first question is – what does IOP stand for? An IOP is an intensive outpatient program. At this stage of the recovery process, the addict is living in their own home. They can go to work, live their social life, and begin to reassimilate into everyday life. They are at the point in their recovery journey where they no longer require around-the-clock care. The inpatient residential rehab has provided them with a solid foundation to step out into the real world and use the skills they have learned.
Since the addict is back in their own home environment, there is no counselor or authority figure ensuring they attend each therapy session and group meeting. The impetus to follow through with their recovery becomes their own responsibility. This realization and level of responsibility is a crucial point in the recovery process. Once the addict can take complete ownership of their journey and realizes that their success is solely dependent on their level of commitment, they can achieve the lifelong recovery they are seeking.
While the program does function as an outpatient center, an IOP is still called intensive because of the way in which it is meant to target addiction. Just because the patient is not there 24 hours a day 7 days a week does not mean that the program is not a serious one. It still is a highly intensive program built to ensure that addicts receive the level of care and therapy necessary to be successful in their addiction recovery.
It is important to note that some addicts who have an addiction that is more minor, less dangerous, and better controlled can benefit from an IOP alone and may not need detox or residential rehab. However, only a licensed professional can determine what level of care is necessary and this can be assessed during the admission process. An addict cannot make this determination on their own if they wish to achieve sobriety.
What Happens At An IOP?
At an intensive outpatient program, the addict will continue to work on the fundamentals necessary to their recovery. The benefit of being exposed to and living in the outside world will allow the addict to build on stress management and coping skills. In the residential rehab setting, it can be difficult to understand what tools are necessary to succeed in the real world. Once the addict is living in their natural setting, they can work through the stresses and triggers of everyday life under the guidance of licensed therapists and professionals.
Continued individual and group therapy sessions will allow the addict to incorporate lifestyle changes that will serve to strengthen their recovery journey. There are many common challenges that the addict will face in their first year of sobriety and the IOP is targeted to address each one and guide its patients through the challenges of life beyond rehab.
Providing 10 hours of combined individual and group therapy weekly, broken into several sessions, the intensive outpatient program allows the addict to return to a more normal schedule. The commitment of 10 hours still gives ample time to attend to work responsibilities, family life, and social activities. At this point in the recovery process, the addict is also encouraged to attend local 12-step recovery groups and begin building their own support systems. This is a crucial step in their continued long-term recovery.
How Long Is An IOP Treatment?
Intensive outpatient programs generally run for 8 to 12 weeks depending on the individual’s personal recovery journey. Built to create a bridge between inpatient residential rehab and regular life where the addict is on their own, the IOP offers a gradual step-down approach to the recovery process.
When the addict returns to their home and their regular daily routine, they will be exposed to roadblocks they have not yet experienced in their sobriety. The ability to work through these problems with licensed substance abuse counselors and therapists that are intimately familiar with their case history allows them to successfully create healthy coping skills.
Typical struggles that the addict may encounter in their first year of recovery include post-acute withdrawal syndrome, cravings, mood swings, and anxiety. In the 10 hours of individual and group therapy that are provided weekly, the patient can not only discuss these difficulties with therapists, but also with peers who are undergoing similar struggles themselves. This sense of camaraderie will allow them to feel less alone and lean on others for support, thus immensely helping their recovery and curbing the potential for relapse.
Does Insurance Cover IOP?
Understandably, a concern that arises when it comes to considering IOP treatment is what the IOP costs. Deemed a necessary and crucial step in addiction recovery, most major insurances will either fully or partially cover intensive outpatient programs. To be sure, always call your insurance provider to confirm the exact level of coverage.
When undergoing the admission process, the IOP’s financial department can help with understanding insurance options as well as out of pocket options. They are familiar with dealing with insurance companies and can help you understand your level of coverage.
Get Help With The Prosperity Haven Intensive Outpatient Program
Located in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area, Prosperity Haven’s Intensive Outpatient Program was built to provide addicts with the tools necessary to continue their recovery in the real world. Our dedicated team of licensed therapists and addiction counselors understand the perils of outside exposure and aim to help each patient navigate their way through the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
With the risk of relapse so high during the first year of sobriety, the goal of Prosperity Haven’s IOP is to give each patient the skills required to resist the temptation of relapse. Our individual and group therapy sessions will allow the addict to openly discuss their struggles without judgment or shame. A like minded group of recovering addicts will offer support and words of encouragement as they in turn share their own struggles and demons. Together, allow us to help you achieve lifelong success in the continued and lifelong journey that is addiction recovery. Reach out today to learn more.
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