Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that requires extensive treatment and a personal dedication to bettering oneself. There are many different types of addiction treatment programs to choose from, but there are two main types of treatment individuals should be aware of first: residential treatment and outpatient rehab.
While residential treatment requires patients to reside on campus, outpatient treatment allows clients to live at home while they attend treatment sessions at a facility during the day.
One of the most common forms of outpatient treatment is known as an intensive outpatient program (IOP). This type of treatment provides patients with the intensive care that is found in residential programs and the flexibility in scheduling that outpatient treatment provides.
With that being said, there are many benefits of IOP that you should be aware of when you are deciding which program to attend.
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are treatment programs that are used to treat substance use disorders that do not require detoxification or around-the-clock support. These programs allow you to continue with your normal life while you receive the help you need regarding your addiction and mental health issues. While residential programs require you to live at the facility, IOPs allow you to live at home.
Sometimes intensive outpatient programs are used as part of a continuum of care. This means that some people choose to attend detox, inpatient treatment, and then an IOP to further their addiction recovery skills. This is recommended for individuals who suffer from severe substance use disorders, however, if you suffer from more mild addiction issues you can attend IOP as a standalone treatment.
Intensive outpatient programs typically last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Most of the time, you will attend sessions 3 to 5 days out of the week for a few hours each day. During your time at the facility, you will attend individual therapy sessions and group counseling meetings.
Top 5 Benefits of an IOP in New Jersey
The most obvious benefit of attending an intensive outpatient program is the ability to gain and maintain long-term sobriety. But what makes IOP stand out when compared to other forms of addiction treatment programs?
Let’s take a look at the top 5 benefits of attending an IOP in New Jersey.
1. Lower Cost
The first benefit worth mentioning is that intensive outpatient programs are significantly cheaper to attend than residential treatment programs. Inpatient treatment can cost upwards of $50,000, especially considering the cost of housing and food. Because IOP allows you to live at home, you do not have to worry about any extra fees.
2. Flexible Scheduling
One of the biggest benefits of attending an IOP is the flexibility in scheduling. If you struggle with addiction, you know that sometimes life can get in the way of self-care. Having children, a demanding job, or a school to attend can prevent you from attending addiction treatment.
Thankfully, intensive outpatient programs take this into consideration. Instead of asking you to take 3 months off of your life, IOPs schedule your treatment sessions around your previous responsibilities. This means that you can still care for your children, go to work, or attend school while you receive the addiction recovery care you need.
3. The Ability to Practice Skills
When you are attending addiction treatment, you will be taught relapse prevention skills that help you stay sober despite triggers or tough times. In a residential program, you have no opportunity to practice these skills in a real-world scenario until you leave the facility.
At an intensive outpatient treatment program, you leave the facility every day. This provides you with plenty of time to go home and practice the skills you have learned for the day. And, if you have a hard time with some of your healthy coping mechanisms, you can receive advice the very next day.
4. Access to Family Support
When you attend an intensive outpatient program you return home every day. This allows you to receive support from your family members and loved ones.
Oftentimes, programs will ask your family members to attend family therapy as their involvement is extremely beneficial to the addiction recovery process. Usually, when you attend an IOP it is close to home, which makes it easier for your family members to attend family therapy sessions.
5. Referrals to Additional Programs
Lastly, intensive outpatient programs can be used as part of a continuum of care. This means that you can attend other types of programs before or after you attend an IOP. Additionally, when you find an IOP that you like you can receive referrals from them to other programs in your area that have a good reputation in the local addiction industry.
Get Connected With a Top-Rated IOP in New Jersey
Addiction is a complex disease that requires a combination of medical care, peer support, and behavioral therapy for recovery. Because of this, it is important for you or your loved one to attend a professional treatment program.
At Moving Mountains Recovery, we provide our patients with all of the tools they need to gain and maintain long-term sobriety. Contact us today for more information on how to get started.
