Many patients come to treatment with the thought of immediate recovery (as addicts we do like immediate gratification) sometimes a thought of “I just need on medication and things will just fall back into place”, forgetting that it took us years to get to this point of our addiction and that it will take time to get back to the person we were before we started using. Although every one of us is unique and have come from different backgrounds (although similar in nature for some) occasionally it may take some longer than others to find themselves again, with time, support and work on the patients part it is possible. This is where IOP is the most helpful, it gives you the knowledge and support needed to continue your growth and keep moving forward in your recovery. It gives you a chance to look a little deeper and see for yourself what you may be lacking or needing for your recovery.
Questions about outpatient treatment and IOP
What is the difference between inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment?
At an inpatient treatment facility, you live in a residence type living, usually a shared dorm room, under the rules and governance of that center. Each treatment center is unique with its own set of requirements, but you generally give up control of your day to day life while in treatment. The typical rehab experience lasting 30 days for most inpatient (can depend on other criteria such as whether you are on probation or not), this can mean a significant time away from work, family, and personal obligations.
With an outpatient program like our IOP, you continue to live at your own home. You remain in control of your own life. You can still go to work or get a job, and begin rebuilding your personal life, with the help and support you receive from the program. You are responsible for participating in the treatment programs according to your scheduled treatment plan.
In the Intensive Outpatient Program, you continue your life with support from our staff, and emotional and peer support provided by the IOP.
Who is eligible for the intensive outpatient program?
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for people who are struggling with problems associated with addictions, substance use, abuse and polysubstance use (which is the use/abuse of more than one substance), or the co-occurring disorders associated with substance use.
Eligibility for the IOP is determined by our medical team and counselors at your assessment, which is conducted as part of the admissions process. The intensive outpatient treatment program is customized for each person, guided by the initial assessment and follow up.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
Intensive Outpatient Treatment (also known as IOP for "Intensive Outpatient Program") is a primary treatment program recommended by our clinical team and typically during your assessment. IOP may be recommended for those who do not need or want to do detox and is on a part-time yet intensive schedule of 9 hrs. per week and generally last 6 weeks based on individual plan, designed to accommodate work and family life, so we have most of our groups in the evening time.
You can start rebuilding your personal life and reconnecting with family much quicker, when you live at home and participate in intensive outpatient treatment. With our Intensive Outpatient Treatment program you are able to establish a foundation for long term recovery support from the start of your treatment, instead of waiting until you return from living away in an inpatient facility…
What sort of therapies and activities are involved when participating in our IOP?
In our Intensive Outpatient Program, you receive services primarily through group therapy, but are also assigned an individual counselor you will meet with on a weekly basis and doctor while in treatment. Our groups are generally small and do not exceed 10 people, allowing for a safe and personal environment.
Many different areas and topics are covered in the IOP. Everyone is introduced to the following areas while in our IOP:
- Process group (which helps with engagement from other group members)
- Relapse Prevention Skills
- How to Manage Urges and Cravings
- Understanding the Brain Chemistry of Addiction
- Progression of the Disease of Addiction
- Introduction to the Twelve Steps/what is the NA/AA program
- Spirituality (many belief systems are different)
- Stages of Change (as there are different stages through our recovery process)
- Dual diagnosis and the Effects on Addiction and Recovery
- Family/Parenting and communication skills
Depending on your needs, you may be referred to additional comprehensive mental health treatment, or training in how to increase healthy life skills, so you have the ability to make to make the best decision for your recovery.