Intensive outpatient addiction treatment is one of the most effective and convenient ways to get evidence-based care to overcome a substance use disorder. Call Insight Recovery Center at 828.826.1376 to learn more about our intensive outpatient program in Swannanoa and get started on your recovery today.
What Is Intensive Outpatient Addiction Treatment?
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a highly focused form of addiction treatment. Rather than moving to an inpatient or residential facility to start addiction therapies, clients attending an IOP for addiction continue living at home or in supportive recovery housing. They visit their treatment center several days a week to participate in therapies and treatments.
During your time at a treatment center, you will participate in several evidence-based therapies and treatment options, which may include the following:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Relapse prevention programs
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Motivational interviewing
These treatment options have decades of evidence supporting their effectiveness in helping people overcome substance use disorders. They teach valuable skills that can help you resist drug and alcohol cravings, repair relationships damaged by substance use disorders, and build motivation for change.
Benefits of IOP for Addiction
For most people, IOPs are the most effective form of addiction treatment. But in addition to being highly effective at helping people achieve recovery, they offer several advantages over other styles of addiction treatment.
First, since clients continue to live in their own homes and communities during treatment, they get the opportunity to practice the skills they learn in treatment daily. Other programs can isolate people from the stressors and triggers of the outside world, which can hinder a person’s ability to experiment with strategies that work for them.
Second, IOPs are flexible by design. A person attending an IOP program can continue to work, see their friends and family, keep up with responsibilities around the house, and generally have more time for their own recreation and self-care. Intensive outpatient programs can work around busy schedules and time constraints and typically include both daytime and evening programming options.
Third, several academic studies have shown that IOPs are just as effective as more intensive and demanding levels of care, such as inpatient or residential treatment. This makes it the obvious choice for most people since they can still receive all the benefits of addiction treatment with fewer restrictions and demands on their time.
Drawbacks of IOP for Addiction
Of course, there are certain cases where IOP isn’t always the best choice for treating addiction. Certain people will need a higher level of care to help deal with specific challenges that an IOP cannot address.
For people experiencing severe physical withdrawal symptoms, particularly if they are withdrawing from alcohol or benzodiazepines, an intensive outpatient program may not be able to treat the dangerous symptoms of withdrawal adequately. People in this situation should first attend a medical detox program before attending IOP.
Other people may need to find a residential or inpatient facility if their living situation is contributing to their addiction. Of course, an IOP may still be an effective option if it can be paired with supportive recovery housing.
Start Outpatient Addiction Treatment at Insight Recovery Center Today
If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, reach out to the treatment professionals at Insight Recovery Center by calling 828.826.1376 or contacting us online. Our team can walk you through our wide range of treatment options, help you to make the right choice for your recovery, and will be there to support you every step of the way.
You can overcome addiction. Don’t delay seeking treatment any longer. Reach out to Insight Recovery Center today.