Discovering that a loved one is abusing substances can be alarming and should be addressed with professional help as soon as possible. Of course, the willingness of the addicted person to receive treatment plays a significant role in when and how they take up rehab services. Below, we cover the basics you need to know about Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and their place in the continuum of care. This form of rehab is ideal for those motivated to get better.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
Unlike an inpatient program where patients stay at a rehab facility, an outpatient program involves living at home. Over 80% of people with a substance use disorder (SUD) don’t require full-time inpatient treatment.
In an IOP in MA, participants attend at least nine hours of treatment per week. Treatment occurs in three or more morning or evening sessions, depending on the patient’s needs. This schedule goes on for about three to four months.
For people in recovery, IOPs provide structure and access to resources to help them stay the course. They are a standalone form of rehab or can be a stepping stone between residential rehab and a regular schedule. IOPs can also cater to specific demographic groups such as women, older adults, or teens.
What is Partial Hospitalization?
Partial hospitalization programs are a type of IOP that demands more time and where medical monitoring is often necessary.
A relevant healthcare worker will confirm the type of treatment appropriate for a specific patient.
Who Is an IOP Suitable For?
An IOP in MA is only suitable for individuals who have gone through detox and no longer experience withdrawal symptoms.
It’s also essential that patients have a safe living situation that doesn’t present triggers for substance use, such as roommates that are still using.
How Can Someone in Recovery Benefit From an Intensive Outpatient Program?
Apart from the fact that IOPs are less costly than inpatient programs, they also offer the following:
Flexibility
IOP’s in MA allow patients to continue their education or to resume or acquire jobs. They’re also ideal for patients who have caregiving responsibilities and can’t leave their homes for long periods.
Support
An IOP in MA can give you the kind of compassion and regular attention you need to grapple with problems as they arise. The frequency of treatment can prevent a minor lapse from becoming a complete relapse.
What Therapy Modalities Can You Expect in an IOP?
IOPs in MA may offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) alongside various talk therapies. These forms of treatment complement each other and have proven to be highly effective, provided that counseling uses evidence-based modalities.
Evidence-based therapies include:
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
MET opens patients’ eyes to why treatment is integral to improving their quality of life. These individuals may feel that they don’t have a severe problem with, for example, alcohol or marijuana. This attitude is not conducive to long-lasting change, and the patient needs to work on their motivation for becoming sober. Licensed therapists help patients draw up goals and monitor them over time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is suitable for everyone, no matter their age or circumstances. Our thoughts influence our behavior, so abstinence or a reduction of substance use depends on changing negative thought patterns. CBT addresses the root causes of addiction and helps patients find coping mechanisms to deal with drug cues and cravings.
Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA)
CRA is especially useful for those who are addicted to alcohol and cocaine. CRA uses social reinforcers and incentives for clean drug tests. This approach creates conditions where not using is more appealing than its destructive alternative.
Patients learn relapse prevention techniques and life skills that allow them to make better decisions. Therapists urge patients to expand their social networks beyond individuals who could cause them to deteriorate and to nurture their talents for work or recreational purposes.
Family Therapy
In addition to individual counseling, family therapy can focus on restoring relationships broken by addiction. Family members can come in, and the mental health professional can facilitate reconciliation if it’s in the patient’s best interest.
Family therapy helps stabilize the home environment and teaches family members how to support the patient’s recovery without enabling them. It may also address a family history of substance abuse.
Group Therapy, and 12-Step Programs
Group settings allow therapists to educate patients about chemical dependence, stress, and other broad topics such as job-hunting. Individuals in the group can relate to each other, build solidarity through sharing, and teach each other. They sometimes role-play to reinforce lessons.
12-Step programs get patients used to the 12-step format; one they will rely on post-treatment. There are three core ideas here: acceptance, surrender, and active involvement.
What Comes After an IOP in MA?
Patients can move to nonintensive outpatient treatment when treatment at an IOP ends, and this can mean weekly sessions for as long as 24 months. When a patient is doing well, it may be possible for them to shift to telehealth services.
After that, they are strongly encouraged to continue attending support groups and free 12-step programs. Recovery is a years-long process, if not something that will require determined effort for the rest of a former addict’s life. Finding like-minded peers and uniquely equipped sponsors is crucial for post-rehab aftercare.
Looking For Intensive Outpatient Addiction Treatment in MA?
Paramount Recovery Centers prioritizes patient comfort and positive recovery outcomes. We offer MAT and a wide range of talk therapies and holistic services at our luxury addiction treatment facility in Southborough, MA.
Covering multiple steps in the continuum of care, Paramount meets you where you are. Whether you’re looking for a men’s IOP in MA or a women’s IOP in MA, we can assist. Get in touch to learn more about what we offer and how it can set you or your loved ones on a new and promising path.
