Each journey in overcoming substance use disorder (SUD) will be wholly unique. No two people will have the exact same experiences, needs, or goals throughout recovery. This is why finding the right program to tend to each person’s personal needs and goals in recovery is essential. Intensive outpatient programs, or “IOPs,” are one type of program that can provide many advantages for those continuing to further their sober journey. However, it is important to understand the advantages and limitations of IOPs to ensure that each person is receiving the most pertinent and impactful treatment possible while establishing their sober life.
What Is an IOP?
IOPs are an important part of the recovery process and can be used both for those beginning their recovery journey or looking to continue their recovery efforts following residential treatment. While IOPs do typically require that an individual successfully navigate a detox program to expel the traces of addictive substances from their body and navigate any intense withdrawal symptoms, IOPs can help an individual continue to pursue sober goals with professional and community guidance while balancing their personal lives.
IOPs are programs where an individual will attend regular treatment and recovery sessions at a treatment facility while living on their own or with friends, family, or supports. These meetings will typically last a few hours each and take place multiple times a week to ensure that the stresses encountered outside of a treatment facility are able to be addressed promptly and effectively. During these meetings, those in recovery will meet with trained professionals and peers alike who are navigating their own recovery journey to share strategies and challenges in efforts to develop essential coping and social skills while managing real-life stresses outside of the walls of a recovery facility.
Who Benefits From IOPs?
IOPs are unique in that they allow those in recovery to continue to tend to personal responsibilities while managing their sober journey. These can be great programs for those transitioning out of a residential program by providing a continued sense of support and normalcy during such a tumultuous time, helping an individual address new and unforeseen stresses that may not have been readily apparent during their time in residential treatment.
IOPs can also be beneficial for those who are tasked with balancing professional obligations. Holding down a job and continuing to financially support oneself or a family is stressful enough on its own. Not everyone will be able to take time off to pursue treatment depending on their unique situations and previous obligations. Working professionals can benefit greatly from IOPs, helping to balance their work schedule while continuing to provide necessary treatment to address the use of drugs or alcohol.
The Advantages of IOPs
Intensive outpatient programs can be beneficial for a wide array of situations. For many, the ability to tend to personal obligations and responsibilities is crucial and can help them balance their own needs for sobriety without compromising their professional or personal lives. However, there are other ways in which each individual can best take advantage of these programs.
Pursuing Professional Ambitions
Many of those overcoming addiction may also be pursuing or managing their professional lives and financial obligations. IOPs allow those in recovery to avoid feeling as if they have to choose between these two important dimensions of their lives. Being able to not just pursue professional advancement but also manage an individual’s schedule and work-life balance is a crucial advantage of IOPs. They can also help those in recovery cope with the stresses inherent in the workplace.
Developing Practical Strategies
Working with peers to develop new and practical strategies for real-world challenges is instrumental. Exploring new and effective techniques and developing these skills in practical situations can be exceptionally beneficial throughout each individual’s ongoing recovery. From social skills and role-playing therapy techniques to self-care routines, seeing effective strategies in practice can quell feelings of stagnation or empower those in recovery to learn from peers for a more comprehensive and healthy daily life.
Pacing Personal Development
Managing each person’s progress is a personal journey, and IOPs can always be individualized to best be paced with the needs of a group or individual. Continuing to individualize treatment and direct efforts to address the unique needs, goals, and progress of those engaging in IOPs can be instrumental in continuing to make the most of dedicated treatment. Being able to focus on the strategies most needed and take extra time on particular pertinent skills can ensure that they are effective and ready for implementation.
Understanding the Limitations of IOPs
While IOPs can be an effective and transformative approach to continued recovery, they may not necessarily be the best fit for everyone. Due to the nature of outpatient therapy, an individual will benefit most if they have a strong support system at home to help address needs and strategies outside of the program. Likewise, it is important that an individual has established self-care and relapse prevention strategies for when they are attempting to manage the stresses of personal and professional life.
If an individual is finding themselves challenged due to the stresses of the “real world,” residential treatment may be more beneficial while these skills develop, or while an individual has the opportunity to explore communities that can better support and understand a person’s sober goals.
Intensive outpatient programs can be an amazing way to balance personal needs and responsibilities with ongoing support. Those overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol can benefit greatly from the IOPs available at Buena Vista Recovery. We understand the nuances of each unique recovery journey, and our comprehensive outpatient programs are designed to help you manage the tresses outside the facility while furthering your sober goals. We also create a supportive community, encouraging the development of a pervasive healing atmosphere that permeates each program. For more information on how we can introduce you to our intensive outpatient programs or for any questions regarding your unique situation, call to speak to our caring, trained staff at (480) 741-9414 or verify your insurance here.
