3 Flat Out Lies about Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (casually called IOP by many) are frequently used by those in recovery as a way to continue treatment. Their true intention is for patients to get ongoing care through therapeutic and various ways as they continue their addiction healing process.
Generally, IOPs are like snowflakes due to none are really alike. Yet a lot of people have generally developed the wrong idea about this specific type of care, and several flat out lies are now being told.
Here are three lies about intensive outpatient programs:
“Intensive Outpatient Programs ban people from working or going to school”
Many claim intensive outpatient programs do not allow participants to have a job or go to school, causing people to lose interest. However, this is a big lie. IOPs actually are pretty flexible and take into account potential scheduling conflicts when setting their meeting times. Whether it’s early mornings, evenings or weekends, you and/or your loved one will be able to consistently participate in an intensive outpatient program. Finding a job or enrolling back into school is more than fine with IOPs, and some even help with patients with job searches and school enrollment!
“You can’t be in an Intensive Outpatient Program if you have legal trouble”
For those of you facing legal trouble, rest assured your ability to participate in an IOP will not be affected. It’s not unusual for someone in recovery from an addiction to have legal problems, and IOPs understand this. Yet the contrary seems to be among the biggest lies for outpatient care. It’s ok for you to join an intensive outpatient program because many of them now are even providing legal help. They’ll assist you in maintaining contact with your legal confidant, plus you’ll still be able to continue your recovery.
“All Intensive Outpatient Programs must last 3 months/90 days”
Many in recovery who are looking at the intensive outpatient program option are led to wrongly believe that if they join, they absolutely have to remain in it for 90 days. Well, this too, is a lie. There are outpatient programs that offer 30-day and 60-day programs to those in addiction recovery. Some even will allow you to stay longer if need be, as they make their recommendations on a case-by-case basis depending on each individual’s specific needs.
What are some other “lies” you feel need to be put to bed for good regarding intensive outpatient programs?
Tell us on our Facebook page or tweet us @TDHRehab!
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