Addiction can impact several areas of your health and well-being including your family, your job or career, your physical and mental health as well as your social wellness. To overcome addiction, you’ll need to attend rehab at an addiction treatment center such as Evolve Indy in Indiana.

An intensive outpatient program or IOP is a type of addiction rehabilitation that helps those dealing with substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders. IOPs focus on equipping individuals with the skills, tools, or mindsets needed to conquer recurring harmful habits. These programs differ from general outpatient programs or partial hospitalization programs in structure and method of conduct.

IOPs are considered intensive because of the treatment schedule they keep. If you’re attending an IOP, you’ll have to meet with clinicians, therapists, and support groups several hours a day for at least 10 hours a week. They’re outpatient programs because you get to go home each night, making them ideal for those who still have to keep up with the demands of school or work.

How Long Does an IOP Last?

This is a question that we at Evolve Indy get many times. The short answer is “it depends”. While this isn’t a fulfilling answer, the truth is that there is no set or defined length of stay at an IOP program because each individual’s case is different.

However, typically, IOP treatment programs run for anywhere from 8-12 weeks (or 2-3 months). Studies have shown that the best results come from programs that run less than 90 days. If you’re admitted to an IOP, you’ll have to attend sessions for 2-5 hours daily, 3-5 days per week, and up to at least 10 hours every week.

Initially, you may start with daily meetings then move on to attending treatment for several days a week then gradually taper down as you get better. Finally, you may get ready to transition to a general outpatient program.

What Do You Do At an IOP?

So what will you be doing all that time?

Evolve Indy’s IOP is designed to suit your individual needs. Before getting started on the program, you’ll have to undergo a pre-assessment that will give us a clearer view of your situation and help us create a tailored treatment plan. Your treatment will involve attending therapy with different therapists and specialists and also meeting with supportive peers in group meetings.

During individual therapy sessions, you’ll have one-on-one sessions with a therapist where you’ll examine the root causes of your addiction and learn how to restructure your thoughts and attitudes to help rebuild a life free from addiction. In group therapy, you’ll learn to relate with others who are undergoing the same struggles. This is a chance to share without judgment, socialize, and interact with others while developing a robust support system.  

Our IOP also provides family therapy sessions that involve close family members and loved ones. Here your family can learn more about addiction and how to be supportive while also sharing the challenges and experiences they’ve had from addiction.

We also teach clients vocational skills to help them find jobs after treatment as well as relapse prevention skills where they learn how to identify and manage their triggers and cravings.

Is an IOP Treatment Program Right for You?

Intensive outpatient programs aren’t suitable for everyone. Some people first need to go for residential treatment or partial hospitalization before stepping down to an IOP.

An IOP is right for you if you:

Need a program with structure and accountability

Perhaps you’ve just completed an inpatient treatment program or want something more intense than a general outpatient program. If so, an IOP is right for you.

Have a dual diagnosis

IOPs are ideal for those who have a co-occurring mental disorder along with addiction. This may include depression and anxiety, among others.

Can’t take time off from work or family

IOPs are structured to offer flexibility and are therefore ideal if you can’t take time off work or family to attend inpatient treatment. You’ll still get intensive help but without the restriction of staying at a rehab facility.

Have mild to moderate addiction

You can attend an IOP after undergoing detox or if you only have mild or moderate symptoms of addiction. While IOPs provide intensive treatment, they’re not equipped to deal with serious addiction or withdrawal symptoms.

Need more support from your loved ones

A key component of IOPs is family therapy where your close family and friends participate in your treatment and learn how to create a conducive environment at home to help your recovery.

What to Look for in an Intensive Outpatient Program

You need to do enough research to choose the right IOP for your recovery needs. Here are some of the features to look for:

Focus on personalized treatment

People respond differently to treatment and the right IOP for you will focus on your personal recovery goals to provide a tailor-made treatment plan.

Convenient location

You need to choose an IOP that’s at a convenient location for you to commute and attend all treatment sessions as required.

Provides a holistic approach

Choose an IOP that also includes a mind/body component to complement treatment, not just traditional talk therapy. This may include aspects such as yoga, acupuncture, meditation, art, or music classes, among others.

Is from an accredited facility

An accredited rehab facility shows that the staff and addiction treatment team members at the facility have undergone the highest training available and can be trusted to provide professional care.

It connects you with a supportive community

Addiction treatment doesn’t end when you complete the program so the right IOP should help link you up with an aftercare or support group in the community to continue supporting or motivating you in your recovery journey. If you, or your loved one, are struggling with addiction, help is available at Evolve Indy in Indiana. Reach out to us today to see if one of our addiction treatment programs, including our intensive outpatient program, will work for you.

 

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