IOP Near Me – What You Need to Know
IOP Program
If you or someone you care about is searching for an “IOP near me,” but you don’t really know what an IOP is, this article will explain.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) is a type of drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation in which people visit a treatment center several days a week for a few hours at a time rather than being admitted into an inpatient residential program.
At New Life Medical Addiction Services, our intensive outpatient programs primarily consist of group therapy, however we also offer individual counseling. IOP participation typically last for 90 days or longer and patients are carefully monitored and tested throughout for substance use.
The Main Elements of IOP
One of the main elements of an effective IOP program is group therapy. Group therapy sessions allow IOP participants to learn how to interact with others without alcohol or drugs, improve their communication, support other members of the group, and learn how to incorporate structure and discipline into their lives.
Other IOP services include psychiatric evaluations, individual counseling, medication management and vocational training.
Goals of intensive outpatient programs include:
- Ensuring ongoing abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
- Changing the behaviors and patterns that led to the patient’s substance abuse.
- Participation in 12-step programs and other support networks.
- Assisting with housing options.
- Introduction to employment and career support.
- Meeting probation requirements.
- Developing a support system.
- Enhancing problem-solving skills.
Outpatient Versus Inpatient Treatment for Drugs & Alcohol
Simply put, people who are treated in an inpatient program live at the facility while they receive their care. These are also known as residential treatment programs and they offer services and amenities such as meals, housing, recreation, and access to medical care.
Inpatient treatment is a good fit for patients who have had longstanding addictions or who are deeper into their addictions. Inpatient is an excellent choice for people who need to be completely isolated from all the triggers, people, places and circumstances that cause them to use. Creating a safe and self-contained environment for these people allows them to dedicate their complete focus to getting better.
Outpatient treatment, like New Life’s, allows people to stay at home and on their jobs as they recover. This is a great solution for anyone who can’t leave their families or work responsibilities to attend an inpatient facility while they recover. They will receive all of the medical care, treatment and counseling they require; however, they can stay at home once they leave our facility each day.
Alcohol & Drug Detox
For many patients, detox is the first stage of their substance abuse treatment. Engaging in the detox process involves allowing the body to eliminate any traces of drugs or alcohol before treatment begins. After detox, a person is physically and mentally ready to engage in treatment.
Although some people who are addicted can start IOP right away, most people will suffer from the symptoms of withdrawal and will need to be detoxed in a medical setting like New Life.
Withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant and, left unmanaged, could be severe enough that they make the patient more likely to relapse. In some instances, withdrawal complications can be dangerous. For these reasons, supervised detox is often recommended to provide the support necessary to ensure that the patient has a safe and comfortable withdrawal.
How Long Do Intensive Outpatient Programs Last?
Intensive outpatient programs generally consist of 9 hours or more of treatment for 3 to 5 days per week and the typical counseling sessions last between 1 and 2 hours.
The duration of an outpatient program is completely dependent on the person. At New Life, we evaluate each person’s needs, addiction profile, personal support system, and mental health status. For example, a patient who engages with the program and remains clean may require fewer and fewer sessions over time, while someone who relapses while in the program may need more sessions or even need to be moved up to a higher level of care.
Types of Intensive Outpatient Counseling
At New Life, we provide our patients with the following types of outpatient counseling:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is mental health counseling that helps people address problematic thoughts and feelings to overcome whatever challenges they face in their lives. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used widely today in addiction treatment and helps recovering addicts identify and work on the thoughts and actions that are impacting their lives and causing them to use drugs or alcohol.
Individual Counseling
Patients who choose individual counseling receive customized therapy from a counselor who is an expert in substance abuse issues and co-occurring disorders. In their initial session with a New Life therapist, the patient’s needs will be assessed, and the counselor will set treatment goals, such as learning coping skills, managing emotions without using drugs, and enhancing social supports.
Group Therapy
New Life offers a range of group counseling and therapy options for its patients who are struggling with drug and alcohol misuse and addiction. Often, group therapy is the most effective because patients can learn from others who are struggling with the same substance issues and problems that they are. This is important because many people in addiction think they are alone when, in reality, there are many others who are dealing with the same issues.
Peer Coaching
New Life’s Approach to Peer Coaching Includes:
- Establishing a relationship with a recovery sponsor to help guide you in your day-to-day life in recovery
- Sharing our personal experience, strength and hope to show that it is not only possible to get clean and sober but to stay clean and sober
- Regular attendance at a 12-Step Program, Faith-Based Program, Smart Recovery Program or Holistic Recovery Program
- Encouraging active fellowship within the recovery community
Drug Testing
Most intensive outpatient programs, like New Life’s, conduct regular drug testing. Drug testing is a normal part of many treatment protocols and is used to ensure that a patient is adhering to program rules. A positive drug test is a sign that a person may need to step up to a higher level of treatment.
What Happens After IOP Recovery & Treatment for Drug or Alcohol Addiction?
After a person completes an IOP for drug or alcohol addiction recovery, they will meet with their therapist to determine next steps. If the person met all their goals in the program, the therapist will usually recommend the person continue on with a less intensive level of care, which can include:
- Continued out-patient group therapy sessions.
- Individual meetings with a therapist or psychologist.
- Participation in 12-step programs.
Depending on their personal situation, a patient could participate in any of these and also in continued vocational training, family therapy, or medical care.
It is important to remember is that a patient isn’t completely cured when they complete an IOP. Remaining clean and sober requires work, and most patients who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol need to continue to be involved in ongoing care.
To learn more about IOP at New Life, call us today at: 856-942-3700or send us a Text Message
