Intensive Outpatient Program: What You Need to Know
An intensive outpatient program, commonly called IOP, is typically recommended for those who are not in need of a medically-supervised detox treatment. This will be determined by an assessment counselor when you seek addiction treatment. If detox is recommended, an intensive outpatient program may be the next step.
There are many benefits of an intensive outpatient program:
- The freedom to remain in your current environment surrounded by family
- The ability to continue working or going to school
- Being able to apply recovery skills as you learn them instead of waiting until returning from a rehab facility
- Establishing long-term recovery support in your home and community early on in the process
Services Offered at Intensive Outpatient Program
Typically IOP services are given through small group counseling and therapy sessions. However, individual and family counseling is available as well. Family involvement in the recovery process is highly recommended and may be mandatory.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine suggests attending therapy at least 9 hours per week. Typical intensive outpatient programs consist of three meetings per week lasting three hours each for four weeks. Meeting days/evenings, times, and duration varies with program location. Depending on the treatment center and your needs, meeting topics may also vary and may include:
- Orientation and intake admission
- Custom treatment plans and review
- Vocational training or employment search assistance
- Introduction to the 12-step program
- Substance use monitoring
- Transition management and individual discharge plan
- Relapse prevention skills
- Introduction to community based support groups
- Psychiatric exam and psychotherapy
- Adult education
- Transportation to and from meetings
- Licensed child care during meetings
- Smoking cessation classes and/or treatment
- Parenting skills classes
- Social activities
- Healthy lifestyle skills
- Problem solving skills
- Stress management
The Cost of an Intensive Outpatient Program
The American Medical Association recognizes substance abuse and addiction as a disease; as a result most major health insurance providers cover intensive outpatient program costs, including Medicare (Part B). Intake counselors will be able to assist with determining cost and coverage.
Take that first step toward recovery. Contact a treatment center for an assessment to see if an intensive outpatient program is right for you.
