Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Programs

Intensive outpatient substance abuse programs take a head on approach to recovery.

Intensive outpatient substance abuse programs provide treatment for drug addicts who cannot accept inpatient treatment for some reason but who still require intensive therapy in order to fully recover from addiction and prevent the chance of relapse. The reasons that individuals cannot attend an inpatient substance abuse program may range from a lack of ability to pay to a lack of availability at the inpatient facility. Regardless of why an addict chooses an intensive outpatient substance abuse program, the goals are the same for both inpatient and outpatient programs which are to provide in depth treatment for clients who suffer from an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

What are Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Programs?

Intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment (IOP) programs are based upon the Hazelden Matrix Model and have been approved as a best practice model that is used in treatment center throughout the United States. An intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment program provides group therapy which includes education, process, interventions and an individual or family component. The program lasts 16 weeks and participants are required to attend group sessions for 3 hours daily 3 days per week as well as one hour of weekly individual therapy.

How are Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Programs Different from Regular Outpatient Programs?

Intensive outpatient substance abuse programs differ from outpatient treatment programs mostly in the level of therapy and treatment that is provided by the programs. Outpatient treatment programs usually offer limited therapy time on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Intensive outpatient substance abuse programs provide a significantly higher level of treatment by providing individuals with intensive therapy, more support and better case management than outpatient programs. Intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment programs were designed for working adults to be able to maintain their jobs and community or family responsibilities while they are receiving high quality substance abuse treatment.

Who Needs Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment Programs?

Individuals who are heavily committed to their own sobriety and who cannot attend inpatient counseling due to work, family or community restraints are good candidates for intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment. These programs offer individuals the opportunity to continue maintaining their daily lifestyle while still receiving quality addiction treatment.

Addicts must be at least 18 years old to attend intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment programs and they must be committed to the entire 16 week program. These programs expect active participation which means that the individual will be require to come to the 3 hour group meetings 3 days a week and attend the one hour counseling session weekly.

Only those who are medically stable and who have a substance abuse problem will be accepted to an intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment program. The individual must also be committed to abstinence from all mood altering substances which includes alcohol and drugs such as marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription medications. Additionally, in order to receive treatment in an intensive outpatient substance abuse program the addict must be mentally stable enough to actively and appropriately participate within the program.