Many addiction treatment centers offer multiple levels of care that are designed to meet the different needs of their patients. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are rehab programs that are used to treat addiction, alcoholism, mental health, and eating disorders in people who don’t require detox or 24-hour care. IOP is more intensive than a standard outpatient program but more flexible than an inpatient one.
If you or a loved one are preparing to go to rehab, you may have to consider which level of care is right for you. While IOP may be an option, it’s important to consult with an addiction specialist about your needs and your situation before starting treatment. If you require a higher level of care, you can always take advantage of IOP by using it as a form of aftercare after finishing residential treatment.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a type of drug and alcohol rehab where you go to a treatment center for a few hours at a time, several days a week. This type of treatment allows you to continue with your regular, daily life in a way that inpatient rehab programs do not. Rather than living at the rehab facility, you are able to live at home while in an IOP.
IOPs in South Carolina usually meet 3-4 days of the week in the late morning or early evening. Treatment mainly involves group therapy, however, you may have one individual therapy session each week as well as supplemental services like employment assistance and case management. You may also have to provide regular urine samples for random drug testing.
Most IOPs last about 90 days, however, this can vary on a case-by-case basis depending on your needs and your progress in treatment.
Understanding the Difference Between Inpatient, IOP, and Outpatient
During inpatient rehab, you must stay at the treatment facility and remain under 24/7 supervision. This leaves little room for family, work, or school. While people with severe addictions or co-occurring disorders may benefit most from an inpatient or residential program, live-in treatment options are not realistic for many people.
Many people have family, work, or school commitments that prevent them from seeking full-time treatment. If you are one of these people, you can benefit from an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or a regular outpatient program (OP).
The main difference between IOP and IOP is the number of hours each week spent in therapy. IOPs take place 9-15 hours each week while OPs generally involve less than 5 hours of therapy weekly. Many people transition to an OP after completing an IOP to help ease the transition back to independent living.
You are an ideal candidate for IOP if you have already detoxed or don’t need detox and you have a safe, supportive home environment. But, if you require more intensive services, a residential program may be a better fit for you.
What to Expect During an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in South Carolina
The majority of your therapy sessions are held in groups where you can learn from the experiences of others, get feedback from your peers, and gain support from people who understand what you are going through. These groups may include a variety of different topics and modalities, including:
- Life skills development
- Psychoeducation
- Relapse prevention
- Family therapy
Groups provide an open forum between therapists and group members where everyone can discuss important topics in a safe space. Each of these group therapies can help you embrace healthy lifestyle changes, improve your communication skills, and learn about what it takes to achieve long-term sobriety.
In addition to group therapy, you may have weekly one-on-one therapy sessions between you and your primary therapies. These private sessions allow you to dig deeper into the work you are doing in group therapy. You have the opportunity to discuss and reflect on personal issues while receiving undivided attention from an addiction professional. At the same time, these sessions give your therapist the opportunity to evaluate your progress and modify your treatment plan to meet your exact needs.
The primary goals of an IOP are:
- Promote healthy behavioral changes
- Encourage 12-step participation and other support groups
- Address psychosocial issues that may affect your recovery
- Improve problem-solving and communication skills
- Preventing drug and alcohol relapse
Key Benefits of IOP for Substance Abuse Treatment
Understanding the advantages of an IOP can help you decide whether or not this type of treatment is right for you. Benefits of IOP include:
- Flexible scheduling allows you to work, care for family, or participate in your education while getting sober
- Part-time care leads to lower treatment costs. If inpatient rehab is too expensive, IOP is a much more affordable option
- Adaptable treatment can serve as a means of transitioning from one level of care to the next
- Living at home means the freedom to spend time with family, friends, and loved ones to get the support you need
Find Out if an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in South Carolina is Right For You
South Carolina Addiction Treatment is a state-licensed and CARF (Commission on accreditation of rehabilitation facilities) accredited substance abuse treatment facility. We are a dual-diagnosis facility with a primary focus on substance abuse. We offer individualized, extended-term treatment in an intimate setting located in Greenville / Simpsonville, SC.
We take a holistic approach to treating addiction, offering a variety of treatment modalities centered around identifying and resolving the underlying issues associated with the addiction. Contact us today to learn more and to get started on your recovery.