Intensive outpatient programs are often the next step after completing an inpatient residential program. At an intensive outpatient program like Relevance Recovery in Freehold, New Jersey, you will have the freedom to resume daily life while continuing to progress through the steps of addiction treatment. For some, depending on the severity of your addiction, it may be necessary to complete an inpatient addiction treatment program before “stepping down” to an intensive outpatient program. For others, this type of program may be the best first step towards sobriety.
Defining Intensive Outpatient Treatment
An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is an addiction treatment program where you will attend addiction treatment several days each week for several hours each day. Intensive outpatient programs generally meet on weekdays and provide programs consisting of group therapy, individual therapy, and sometimes other services such as employment assistance. Most intensive outpatient programs last ninety days (although some can last longer) and include mandatory drug testing. An intensive outpatient program is more time-intensive than a standard outpatient program.
How Is IOP Different from Inpatient Treatment?
The most notable difference between an intensive outpatient program and an inpatient or residential addiction treatment program is that those who participate in an inpatient program live at the facility throughout their treatment. Also, residential treatment programs offer various services, treatment options, and amenities that intensive outpatient (and traditional outpatient) programs typically do not. For example, an inpatient program provides meals, housing, comprehensive medical care, nutrition services, and recreational opportunities. Many of these services are necessary due to the structure of the program.
Inpatient programs provide medical and therapeutic care on a 24-hour per day basis. During a residential program, medical monitoring, mental health supervision, and nutritional support are available in a structured environment away from known triggers. Inpatient residential programs can be more expensive than outpatient programs and require a time commitment away from loved ones or work commitments.
Intensive outpatient programs provide the ability to live at home while receiving addiction treatment services. Intensive outpatient treatment programs are traditionally less expensive and provide flexibility around treatment session scheduling. The most notable benefit of intensive outpatient programs may also be the most significant challenge. Throughout the duration of treatment in an intensive outpatient program, you remain integrated into your home community. This means it is not unreasonable to assume you will be exposed to the same people, situations, or events that both led to and further propagated ongoing substance abuse. There is also a notable lack of access to on-site medical care and detox services commonly available in an inpatient setting.
Another difference between intensive outpatient addiction treatment programs and inpatient residential programs is duration. An inpatient program can vary from as few as thirty days to as long as six months. How long you remain in treatment will depend on various factors, including the severity of your addiction, if you need detox, if this will be your first time in an inpatient addiction treatment program, and overall physical and mental health. Intensive outpatient programs generally last for at least ninety days; however, some can last longer depending on your specific treatment needs. During an inpatient program, you will have a treatment schedule consisting of several hours of daily therapy sessions between three and five days per week. Most treatment programs consist of around thirty hours of in-person treatment each week.
Intensive outpatient programs are generally well suited for those who have just completed an inpatient program. An IOP may also be recommended if your home environment is stable and supportive, your addiction is less severe, and you do not struggle with a co-occurring mental health condition.
Benefits of Going to an Intensive Outpatient in New Jersey
Intensive outpatient treatment programs focus on helping you maintain abstinence while helping you develop healthy coping skills and a strong “sober” support system. Intensive outpatient programs in New Jersey use multiple evidence-based therapy models to help you achieve and maintain long-lasting sobriety. Our Freehold, New Jersey intensive outpatient program will work with you to develop an addiction treatment program that meets your unique treatment goals and aftercare needs. If you believe an intensive outpatient program may be right for you, contact us at Relevance Recovery to learn more about our New Jersey Intensive Outpatient Program.
