How Does Intensive Outpatient Therapy Work?

If you’re here because you or someone you love needs help for an addiction, congratulations. Addiction is a disease that affects people of all ages, genders, and races. While addiction starts with the act of voluntarily taking drugs or drinking alcohol, the need to use changes over time. Seeking out and taking certain drugs becomes a compulsive habit for many people. The chemistry of the brain changes, leading to the many harmful behaviors that are seen over and over again in people who abuse drugs. It’s a cycle of using, getting clean, and then relapsing for many- a cycle that millions find extremely hard to break.

Treating drug addiction isn’t easy, but there is help available for those who want it. You may be thinking about intensive outpatient therapy for yourself or a loved one. But just how does intensive outpatient therapy work? Read on to learn about different therapy solutions and how they can benefit you or someone you care for. Remember, it’s never so bad that rehab can’t help.

What are the main types of treatment programs?

When you’re searching for a rehab program, you’ll see that there are a few different varieties to choose from. The more popular ones are residential, inpatient, and outpatient. We’ll take a closer look at these below.

Residential treatment provides in-house care, day and night, for all patients. You’ll be given a room to stay in for the duration of your program, which can range from a couple of weeks to a few months or more. You will partake in many therapy options while you are a patient, such as individual cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. If you are suffering from withdrawals when you begin the program, most residential centers offer medically-monitored detox.

Inpatient treatment is provided in a hospital-like setting and often involves intense detox services. This type of program is needed for patients suffering from severe drug abuse and for those who are suffering from a medical condition brought on by alcohol or drug use, such as cirrhosis of the liver. Many patients start with an inpatient stay and then move into a residential facility.

Outpatient treatment is a more flexible option for patients who cannot commit to nightly stays. You’ll be able to work around things like school, work, and family obligations while receiving care in a professional setting. Outpatient treatment provides care in a more relaxed setting for patients who cannot commit to a residential program.

What does intensive outpatient therapy involve?

IOT, or intensive outpatient therapy, addresses a variety of issues, including addiction. Patients suffering from a dual diagnosis, such as eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and other dependencies that go along with their addiction, will find IOT well-suited to their needs. Since it is still an outpatient program, there is no round-the-clock care, making it an ideal solution for patients who don’t require detox or constant supervision. Patients attending IOT live at home while receiving treatment during the day. Treatment is considered “intensive” when adults attend the facility nine hours a week and when adolescents attend six hours a week.

Intensive outpatient therapy consists of various treatment options. These include:

  • Group therapy
  • One-on-one counseling sessions
  • Medication management
  • Psychiatric counseling
  • Educational classes
  • Anger management classes
  • Art therapy, yoga classes, or meditation

It’s important to speak to your doctor or addiction care specialist to find out whether you or your loved one is the right fit for IOT. It may be very beneficial for patients who:

  • Do not need a detox program
  • Are not a danger to themselves or to others
  • Need to go to work or school
  • Have a family to support
  • Have supportive loved ones or a sponsor

Many patients attend IOT after successfully completing a stay in an inpatient or residential treatment facility. Intensive outpatient therapy helps patients slowly and carefully adapt back into their family life and community. You’ll receive support, coping strategies, and relapse management while you are in an IOT.

Do you need help? We’re here for you!

If you are ready to start your path to a cleaner, sober you, we’re ready to give you all the help and support that you need. Call today- we can be reached at 833-846-5669, day and night.