Drug and alcohol addictions are complex conditions that impact every part of your life. When you live with an active addiction, you can struggle with daily functioning, have health problems, and experience difficulties in your relationships.
Because addiction is a complex condition, it requires comprehensive treatment. Comprehensive treatment programs provide holistic, evidence-based care for your body, mind, and spirit. They provide medical care, therapy, education, and support to help you work toward lifelong recovery.
Addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. There are many types of treatment and levels of care to help each person get the care they need to recover.
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is one level of addiction treatment. This article will explore what to expect in an IOP and the benefits of this level of care. You will learn:
- What happens during an intensive outpatient program
- The benefits of attending an IOP
- How to determine what level of care is right for your needs
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and support programs
If you or someone you love could benefit from the support of an IOP in Pompano Beach, reach out to the First Step Behavioral Health specialist to explore our programs. Contact us with questions or to schedule an intake assessment. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting us today.
What is an IOP?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is an intensive level of outpatient addiction treatment. People with substance abuse and mental health conditions can receive high-quality, intensive care while continuing to live at home.
An IOP may occur in a wide range of settings, including an addiction treatment center or medical clinic.
People with substance use disorder (SUD) may attend an IOP after completing an inpatient program, medically managed detox, or as a first step of recovery.
An IOP typically provides treatment sessions several days per week. Treatment sessions may last several hours and may include:
- Family, group, and individual therapy
- Behavioral therapies
- Relapse prevention education
- Treatment for mental health conditions
- Medication management
- Coping skills practice
- Exercise, mindfulness, art therapy, nature therapy, and other holistic treatments
IOPs offer many of the same therapies and support as inpatient or partial hospitalization programs (PHP). However, people typically spend fewer hours engaging in intensive outpatient treatment programs than these more intensive levels of care. People in an IOP may spend up to 20 hours engaging in therapies each week.
5 Benefits of IOPs
Many people in recovery can benefit from an intensive outpatient treatment program. Here are five of the most significant benefits of attending an IOP.
1. Community
Addiction can be lonely or isolating. Regular treatment sessions and a predictable schedule of support can help to reduce isolation. People attending an IOP develop strong support systems of peers, staff, and community resources to help them stay on track in recovery.
2. Holistic treatment
An IOP provides holistic treatment that can address the physical, social, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction. People receive compassionate care for the physical components of addiction and mental health issues. They receive tailored care that supports every aspect of their well-being.
3. Focus on recovery
The intensive treatment schedule of an IOP allows people to focus on their recovery for up to 20 hours per week. Participating in this level of care can help people make real, lasting progress and maintain sobriety.
4. Consistent care
Life with active addiction can become disorganized and chaotic. Many people in recovery require support and structure to make progress and stay on track.
The consistent schedule of an IOP provides structure and accountability that can help people stay on track in their recovery, even when challenges arise.
5. Flexibility
People attending an IOP receive high-quality care that fits into their busy lives. People may attend evening IOP sessions or choose daytime sessions. Many attending an IOP continue to work, attend school, or care for family members.
The consistent schedule and intensive treatment of an IOP can help people address the complex roots of their substance use. It may be the right choice for those who have completed a more intensive level of treatment or those who are not in active withdrawal.
What Level of Care is Right For Me?
Getting the level of care you need to meet your unique recovery needs is important. Before starting an addiction treatment program, a doctor or addiction specialist will assess your needs. This assessment will consist of:
- Questions about your past and current substance use
- A family history of substance abuse
- A complete medical and mental health history
- Lab testing
- A physical examination
- Information about your insurance coverage
This information will help your treatment team provide the most specialized, effective treatment possible. It is a crucial first step in your lifelong recovery journey.
Find an IOP in Pompano Beach
If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to explore our holistic treatment and recovery programs. Don’t wait for another day to get the help you need. Reach out today to schedule an intake appointment.
