What is an Intensive Outpatient Program for Addiction?

There are different levels of care for anyone who is suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. The two main types of treatment programs for alcohol and drug addicts are inpatient and outpatient programs. Each is tailored to the needs of certain types of addicts. One of the forms of outpatient is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). In an Intensive Outpatient Program for addiction, individuals will have a little bit more freedom than they would at an inpatient facility, but they will still be getting a full day's worth of treatment. There are a few reasons you might go to an Intensive Outpatient Program for addiction, and it's important you understand when it's right to go to this type of program if you're looking for freedom from addiction.

Transitioning to an Intensive Outpatient Program

The first step before you go to any type of treatment program should be to get an assessment by an addiction specialist. An addiction specialist will gauge the severity of your addiction and recommend an inpatient or outpatient program. For those who suffer from a severe form of addiction, it's typically recommended that they do 15 to 30 days at an inpatient program. This is recommended because addicts left to their own free will and devices often relapse during recovery because the disease of addiction is so powerful. Once individuals have shown progress at an inpatient facility, they can go to an Intensive Outpatient Program. This is a way to transition to the next level of care so they aren't overwhelmed by being given too many freedoms.

An Intensive Outpatient Program for Young People and Lesser Forms of Addiction

If a person isn't suffering from a severe form of addiction, which usually is the case when the individual is very young or hasn't been using that long, an Intensive Outpatient Program may be best. If individuals are local to the facility and their home life can be beneficial to their recovery, they can live at home and go to the IOP on a daily basis. Others who have a home environment is a main trigger can go to this type of program while living in a sober living home or a recovery residence that's owned by the facility. If you've been assessed and need to go to an IOP, Freedom From Addiction can help you find one that suits your needs. Whether you want to stay in your hometown or go out of state, we'll be there to get you started on the road to recovery. 

Call us at 1-844 GET-HELP and we'll point you in the right direction.