Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Substance Abuse
Intensive outpatient program Massachusetts provide evidence-based therapy and individualized care on an outpatient basis. This level of care is intended for people who do not need inpatient services but can still benefit from structured therapy sessions. IOP comes in after the patient has been physically detoxified from the drugs or alcohol, or the next step for patients with a high risk of relapse after their residence in a facility. IOPs also benefit people who undergo other mental health issues along with addiction, such as bipolar disorder or depression. These health issues are brought out by the therapist and worked on along with the addiction treatment.
How IOP Helps Cure Addiction?
When someone signs up for the program, a case worker evaluates the patient for addictions and underlying mental health problems. Individual programs are designed for them that fit their needs. The time involved in this is more than a typical IOP patient, so that they focus on their healing more through a supportive environment and counseling. They attend to the patient’s behavioral, social, psychological conditions, and provide therapy accordingly. Individual programs also help the patient discover why they may have an addiction disorder and how they can prevent it in the future and avoid relapse. There are other helpful therapies in intensive outpatient program Massachusetts too. Group programs offer a great deal of support from other people who are also going through addiction, their recovery stories can provide support. Group therapies may include classes and lectures to teach individuals how substance abuse might be damaging their bodies and mental health. All these efforts work towards a better chance of long-term success.
Other Therapies that IOP Offers
Some of the programs that IOPs offer amongst many others are;
- Case Management: Being a regular part of IOP, the patient works with a case manager who keeps altering the program the program to suit the individual’s needs.
- Individual Counseling: It is private therapy with a licensed therapist, and is often the focus of many substance abuse programs. To unveil the challenges faced by the patient, the therapist uses psychotherapy while treating addiction.
- Group Therapy: As explained earlier, in this form of therapy, a group of patients heal with each other’s support.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This therapy counsels the cognitive thinking of an individual. It helps them identify the negative thoughts that lead to substance abuse and helps them learn how to adjust their thinking. - 12 Step Programs: This is a kind of group therapy that runs without a licensed therapist. These are like support groups where people can share their stories and challenges.
Duration of IOP
The duration of time an individual spends in an intensive outpatient program depends on his needs. However, the American Society of Addiction Medicine has set the minimum duration of therapy as nine hours per week. Usually, this is divided into three days per week and three hours per day. The National Institute of Drug Abuse suggests that a program be 90-days long to have long-lasting results and lesser chances of relapse.
While 90 days is the recommended duration for successful treatment, those 90 days may consist of multiple levels of care. IOP is only one part of the full continuum of care offered at Elevate Recovery Center. Patients may spend 4-6 weeks in an IOP depending upon many factors like the condition of the patient, the speed of recovery, the mental health of the patient, etc. Some patients may also become dependent on the program. In such cases, a ‘step down’ pattern is opted for in which the time is reduced gradually until the patient feels confident to live without the services. Long term addictions may require a longer time like six to nine months for a full recovery.
Position of IOP in the Complete Recovery Process
IOP does not involve physical detoxification. Physical detoxification is the first step towards recovery from substance abuse. It can be risky since not only the patient’s mind but also his body is addicted to large amounts of dosage of the substance. Side effects of detoxification can lead to seizures or coma. For this purpose, the patient is recommended to spend this first stage in the clinic or hospital or other residential facilities. Detoxification requirement can be regulated by addiction professionals who schedule programs depending on the patient’s condition and capacity.
Intensive outpatient program Massachusetts begins when physical detoxification has been successful. The patient will need to check his insurance to find out what kind of program it covers or ask their physician to refer them to an addiction specialist.
After a patient has been enrolled, a schedule will be made for him with appointments and sessions which he will need to attend.
The realization of the need for addiction treatment and facing it is difficult for most individuals. Some people do not even realize they have become addicts until it’s too late, as in most cases, it is accidental.
Substance abuse ruins lives and although it may be hard, seeking help for it is important. Recovery is always possible, no matter on what stage it is. An intensive outpatient program bridges the gap between the discharge from a residential facility and a traditional outpatient program. We will help you in getting enrolled in an intensive outpatient alcohol rehab that will help you in fighting against relapse.