8 Intensive Outpatient Program FAQs

Although drug and alcohol addictions are difficult to recover from, there are now a plethora of ways, means, and techniques to help you– one of which is an intensive outpatient program, or IOP.

But what is IOP treatment? It’s a type of treatment program that helps people address serious disorders like substance abuse, eating disorders, and other dependencies that don’t need detoxification and 24/7 supervision. Because patients don’t need to live in the facility, they can live their lives while still getting treatment.

Even though it’s one of the most sought-after treatment forms, there are still questions surrounding IOP. In this article, we’ll answer some of the questions frequently asked about intensive outpatient programs.

8 Intensive Outpatient Program FAQs

1. How long are most IOPs?

One of the main concerns of most recovering patients is how long their IOP treatment is. The duration of your treatment would heavily depend on your situation: how severe your illness is, your needs, support system, and your progress.

But generally, IOP treatments consist of structured sessions that have you meet with your therapist three to four hours a day, three to five times a week for five to eight weeks.

2. What’s the difference between inpatient programs, outpatient programs, and IOPs?

The primary factor that sets inpatient programs apart is where you stay. Here, you have to live in the facility 24/7 and have round-the-clock care from the medical staff.

While both IOPs and outpatient programs allow you to go home after each session, the latter is better suited for people in less severe conditions and better situations. On the other hand, IOPs are ideal for those with more serious conditions, so they take place more often than regular outpatient treatments.

3. Are IOP and PHP the same?

IOPs and PHPs, or partial hospitalization programs, share similarities but are not the same.

Both offer treatment to address mental and behavioral health without staying the night in facilities, including group and individual therapy and life skill courses.

But PHP is a level higher than IOP when it comes to care, making hours a bit longer-- six to eight hours, to be exact. It’s particularly helpful after an inpatient program, and you go back to a normal life.

4. What should you expect in these programs?

IOPs consist of a variety of services, not just individual talk therapy.

Group therapy and support groups are other activities you may get to experience. One significant benefit of group activities is interacting with others like you who are going through similar situations. You each share insights that may help other members on their journey– and that’s on top of the help the facilitator or therapist provides. 

IOPs also have complementary therapies to aid the traditional programs. These include:

• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Animal or pet therapy

5. What are the goals of IOPs?

Specific goals of IOPs vary depending on the condition it’s targeted to treat. For example, IOP alcohol treatment will teach you how to maintain sobriety and identify potential triggers for relapse.

But there are general objectives and lessons IOPs aim to attain, teach, and improve, such as:

• Coping skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Self-awareness
• The ability to recognize detrimental habits and behaviors
• Asking for and receiving help and support

‍6. What should you consider when picking IOPs and facilities?

• ‍Licenses, accreditation, and certificates - Before committing to a facility check if they have the proper paperwork. If they do, this means they have reached the standard and are recognized by the appropriate bodies. Addiction is a tricky thing to go through, and the people helping you recover should not only be competent but professional.
• ‍Evidence-based treatment - The treatments provided must be based on empirical research. While alternative treatments may be effective as complementary care, the treatments' basis should be on medical studies.
• ‍Accessibility - When it comes to recovery, time is important. You should not have to wait to get treated. Although there are public options, they usually have long waiting lists. Although a bit higher in price, private IOPs are more likely to guarantee treatment entry. Moreover, consider the center’s location. Because you’ll have to go home after sessions, look for quality places near you as it will be more convenient.
• ‍Personalized care - Substance abuse looks different on everyone, so be wary of the “one size fits all” programs. IOP drug treatments and alcohol treatments must be tailored to your needs and goals.
• ‍Available medical care - Recovery is a rocky road with many unexpected turns. The withdrawal phase alone is dangerous. Choose a center that provides medical care.
• ‍Good social support - A strong support group is essential to recovery and avoiding relapse. Picking a program that offers group activities can greatly help you. Get to know the people who will help you, like the staff. Make sure that they strengthen the support network.

7. Does insurance cover IOP?

Most insurance carriers cover IOPs. This usually happens when a psychiatrist or doctor refers it following inpatient care.

Just to be sure, ask what insurance carriers they accept, or simply ask if they accept yours.

‍8. Why should you opt for IOPs?

Here are some advantages of IOPs.

• You get to maintain relationships - Being able to go home after your sessions allows you to still spend time with your family and friends. More than that, they can offer support and love.
• You can still live your life normally - Because you don’t have to live in the facility, you can keep up with your responsibilities and pleasures, such as work and hobbies.
• You don’t have to spend as much - Outpatient programs are significantly less expensive than inpatient care. For one, living expenses are off the table, a big factor in costs. Other than that, IOPs give intensive care without the cost of staying 24/7.
• You can still build new relationships - With IOPs, you get the best of both worlds. While you maintain old, healthy relationships, you can develop new ones with the people you meet in the program, adding to your support system.

When looking for treatment options for addiction, there are so many available. One that people go after now is an intensive outpatient program. Now that we’ve answered the frequently asked questions regarding IOP, we hope that this article aids you in choosing the right path for your recovery. With its many benefits, IOP is a viable treatment option.

One of the best ways to recover from addiction and substance abuse is through IOP treatment. Start your healing and turn to Another Chance Drug & Alcohol Rehab Center of Portland. You can visit us at 12670 NW Barnes Rd Suite 200, Portland, OR 97229. You may also contact us at 971-269-8124.

Disclaimer: This post serves a strictly educational use. It does not reflect the services, products, or therapeutic approaches of this establishment or its healthcare practitioners. This blog aims not to advertise the products, services, or therapeutic approaches of any other establishment that may be associated with this site. On the subject of safe or legal services, products, and appropriate therapies, recommendations ought to be given by a qualified professional on a case-to-case basis.