Content updated on 03/29/24
When it comes to substance use and addiction, one of the most challenging decisions is whether or not to seek treatment and recovery. Addiction can be a vicious, perpetuating cycle that causes a person to lose their sense of self and question their self-worth. It can take people several years to recognize the consequences of their substance use and take the necessary steps to begin the healing process. However, once the decision to seek treatment is made, another challenge begins: finding the right treatment program.
There are numerous substance use and mental health treatment facilities across the United States, with each facility offering unique treatment programs. The main two categories of treatment programs are known as inpatient and outpatient programs. Inpatient programs, also referred to as residential programs, tend to be more intensive than outpatient programs and allow patients to live at the treatment facility. Outpatient programs are flexible and allow patients to attend work and school while attending weekly therapy sessions.
As overwhelming as choosing between an inpatient and outpatient program may be, many treatment facilities now offer a third treatment option known as intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). IOPs bridge the gap between receiving intensive care while still living and maintaining personal responsibilities at home. There are notable benefits to IOPs that make them a valuable treatment option.
IOPs offer greater flexibility and structure.
One of the most significant benefits of intensive outpatient programs is that they are highly structured and flexible. If a person recognizes their need for a highly structured treatment program but cannot commit to inpatient treatment because of outside responsibilities, IOPs are a great option. Instead of putting work or school on hold, IOPs allow patients to continue to receive treatment before or after other personal obligations throughout the day.
IOP treatment typically takes place in a substance use or mental health treatment facility. Treatment occurs in regularly scheduled sessions. IOPs encourage engagement in individual and group therapy sessions throughout the week. These programs tend to offer a surplus of different treatment resources after scheduled treatment sessions, such as peer-oriented or self-help groups, to help provide additional treatment support.
IOPs allow patients to actively apply new skills outside of the treatment setting.
Another benefit of IOPs is that they allow patients to quickly and practically utilize the skills they are learning in treatment and actively apply them in their daily lives. Since individuals in IOP programs live on their own, patients are encouraged to use the lessons and skills from treatment as soon as they leave the treatment setting.
Inpatient treatment programs vary in duration, lasting anywhere from 30 days to a year or more. While a significant advantage to these programs is full engagement with treatment, one disadvantage after completing the program is adjusting quickly back to reality. In this way, skills learned in therapy can be applied to the live-in setting but not directly to common environmental triggers that occur outside of the treatment setting. IOPs make it so patients can actively work through environmental triggers that they may experience in their home environment as they are introduced to different therapeutic skills and lessons throughout their weekly treatment sessions.
On the other hand, standard outpatient programs tend only to require that patients attend treatment one to three times a week for one to three hours per session. IOPs require patients to attend more than three treatment sessions a week for four to six hours a day. In this way, patients obtain higher quality care and attain more skills and lessons that they can use at their disposal.
IOPs foster greater engagement with other community members in recovery.
Social support plays an essential role in an individual’s ability to achieve and maintain sobriety. Another benefit of IOPs is that they encourage community building with other local members in recovery due to the significant amount of time patients spend in the clinical setting. Group therapy can help people find a sense of family and belonging while talking with others who know exactly what they are going through. Standard outpatient programs still encourage group therapy attendance and building community, although not to the same extent as IOPs.
Many IOPs offer opportunities for individuals to mentor, sponsor and engage in peer-support programs. Likewise, these programs work by welcoming patients to be mentored or sponsored. IOPs supply patients with long-term support and resources to help those in recovery stay on track, no matter how long they have been sober. It is vital to find a program that emphasizes the value of social support for recovery and associated long-term sobriety.
Casa Palmera is a substance use and mental health rehabilitation center that offers intensive outpatient programs. We develop individualized treatment programs tailored to your specific needs and goals for treatment. No matter where you find yourself on your recovery journey, we can help you take steps to secure long-lasting recovery. To learn more about our intensive outpatient program or for more about our facility, call us today at (855) 508-0473.
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