Drug and alcohol rehab programs are multifaceted plans designed to suit the specific needs of each individual they encounter. From medical detox programs to inpatient treatment therapies and outpatient services, each step in the addiction recovery process builds to work together to aid clients in building up their coping skills to live successful, sober lifestyles. Typically the addiction recovery process works through medical detox, then inpatient therapy, and into outpatient services.

But not all addiction recovery paths look the same. Some individuals may thrive in the healing process, and some others may need a little extra assistance. No one has the exact recovery process as another everyone has different healing experiences. Some individuals may need to attend a partial hospitalization program in-between their inpatient and outpatient services, and others may want to enroll in an intensive outpatient program (IOP).

The Definition of Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)

So, what exactly is an IOP program? An intensive outpatient program for substance use disorder treatment is an alternative therapy plan to inpatient or residential rehab. IOPs are ambulatory services (services designed for or adapted to clients who are not bedridden, immobile, etc.). These programs exist to help individuals who do not meet the initial enrollment criteria for a residential or inpatient drug rehab to receive the types of healing services they need to work towards sobriety.

IOP programs also include transitionary care for individuals recently discharged from inpatient/residential treatment programs. These clients typically require more intensive care than what the traditional weekly/bi-weekly outpatient services provide. IOP programs exist for treating clients who do not fit in partial hospitalization programs. IOP programs offer a minimum of 9 hours of weekly treatment services for clients, broken into separate 3-hour sessions dispersed throughout the week.

Intensive outpatient programs work similarly to inpatient/residential rehab plans, except clients can live outside of rehab campus grounds. Clients can continue all their traditional rehab therapies and programs, on a fairly regular schedule. If clients need more pre-planned time during their week to help them remain sober, work on healing, and applying the lessons and skills they have learned for coping with stressful situations in healthy manners, their program time can be adjusted for more hours during the week and sometimes even weekends.

IOPs vs. Outpatient Rehab Programs

Intensive outpatient programs have a great deal in common with both residential rehab plans and outpatient services. Although IOPs are designed to be alternative treatment options for individuals with substance use disorders, who do not require the use of medical detoxification services or 24/hour surveillance, the program also operates on many of the same principles as outpatient rehab programs. Clients can commute for their treatment services, they are not required to live on a rehab campus, and thus have more overall freedom in their daily lives.

Inpatient, outpatient, and IOP programs all allow their clients the opportunity to engage in traditional addiction rehab services, like reciting cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, family therapy sessions, skill-building lessons, support group meetings and so much more. The one major difference between outpatient services and IOPs is that intensive outpatient services typically require more scheduled hours of therapy work and sessions than their less intense counterpart. And the biggest difference between inpatient rehab and IOPs is that IOPs allow for clients to live off-campus while still recovering, but continuously engaging in levels of concentrated, structured treatment hours, while residential rehabilitation plans insist individuals remain in the facility grounds 24/7 for continuous supervision and emergency assistance.

The Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Rehab Programs (IOPs)

If you are looking into drug and alcohol rehab programs for yourself or a loved one, you are probably wondering what the benefits of an IOP may be. There are many benefits of intensive outpatient programs. Like inpatient and outpatient treatment services, IOP rehab programs are considered successful, with a line of well-researched evidence pointing to the program’s virtues. Individuals who participate in IOP plans have all the benefits of both residential and outpatient treatment services, and the outcomes for most clients consistently point towards the treatment plan’s quality work and success. Some of the most memorable benefits of intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) include:

  • The considerable number of treatment therapies and services a client can engage in; family therapy, individual counseling, support group, etc.
  • Clients can practice their lessons and develop their healthy coping skills in both controlled and less supervised conditions.
  • IOPs provide struggling clients with a large amount of structure, helping them to ground themselves and aid in the healing process.
  • Intensive outpatient programs are flexible and can mold to fit the needs of each client.
  • Clients can maintain their school, work, and home lives while attending therapy, healing without having to put their lives on hold, and are thus allowed the opportunity to retain a sense of privacy in rehab.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment at SJRP

Here at St. John’s Recovery Place (SJRP), we believe in empowering our clients to improve themselves and meet their recovery goals in as holistic a manner as possible. We offer everything from traditional treatment therapies in medical detox, inpatient, and outpatient programs, to alternative and complementary services in all our rehab plans. We also offer partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient (IOP) services, for the individuals who need either some added support or alternate methods to approaching their recovery journey. Our IOP program here at SJRP includes:

  • Life skills development training
  • Individual therapy and counseling sessions
  • Group therapy and counseling sessions
  • Family therapy and counseling sessions
  • Psychoeducation
  • Relapse prevention training
  • Problem-solving coaching and development

And so much more. The SJRP intensive outpatient program exists to help individuals ages 18 and older recover from addiction and substance use disorders. Our IOP programs are designed to be available for clients use anywhere from 3 to 5 days a week, as needed, with a minimum session duration averaging at 3 hours. Our IOP programs help clients recover from substance use disorders and co-occurring diagnoses work towards living healthier freer lives. You do not have to live with addiction any longer, and you most certainly do not have to let substance use disorders run your life any longer. Recovery is possible, and here at SJRP, we are willing to help you through every step of the way.

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