Intensive outpatient treatment is a type of addiction care where the patient continues living off-premises. While months of residential rehab are the typical cultural image of drug addiction, it’s not always necessary. In fact, studies show that most people who struggle with substance abuse can get better with IOP care.
The Benefits of IOP Treatment
Intensive outpatient care is a viable way for those who suffer from drug addiction to seek help in an affordable, convenient way that suits their personal needs. It’s a balanced treatment option that leaves room for you to continue meeting day-to-day responsibilities while still receiving counseling, therapy, and other types of treatment. Compared to other treatment options, it has many advantages and you should consider whether or not IOP is right for you.
Lower Cost Than Residential Treatment
Residential treatment is inherently much more expensive than IOP, what with the more expansive treatment and the room and board requirement. This often puts residential care out of reach for poorer people who may not have good insurance. An intensive outpatient program comes with quality treatment at a much lower, more accessible cost.
Greater Treatment Than Other Outpatient Models
While IOP is more flexible and less committal than inpatient care, it’s a much greater commitment than other, more modest outpatient treatment options. This gives it a greater utility, as it’s still suitable for people with serious issues. Where other outpatient options are largely suitable as aftercare, IOP can potentially be your primary method of addiction treatment.
Have Time for Work and Personal Life
During an IOP program, you’ll receive care three to five days a week. Each of these days, you’ll have to commit two to five hours to care. While this is a major commitment, it’s not so great as to crowd out work or leave you without time for friends and family. Remaining in touch with your normal support system can make your recovery easier, and you’ll have support from your program as well as your loved ones to avoid relapse.
Receive Continued Support After Inpatient Treatment
It can be difficult to leave the supportive, 24/7 atmosphere of a residential facility and return fully to independent life. In this case, using IOP as a transitional tool can do a lot of good for your transition back into independent life.
Treat Your Addiction Without Major Life Disruption
While most practitioners talk about IOP as a supplement to inpatient rehab, many can use it as a substitute altogether. Studies show that IOP is as effective as inpatient care for most people, although there are exceptions.
Not only will some people need inpatient care, but it may also be necessary to combine IOP with other treatments. Undergoing medical detox beforehand may be a particularly important step, but afterward, you can use IOP to overcome drug abuse while remaining present in your day-to-day life.
Reach Out to Hickory Treatment Centers
At Hickory Treatment Centers, we believe that everyone deserves the help they need to live a drug-free life. If you’re considering IOP for addiction, reach out to us today to learn more about enrolling in our program.
