Nearly everyone with a substance use disorder can benefit from the 24-hour care provided by a residential addiction treatment program. However, being away from home for 30 days or more isn’t feasible for everyone. Fortunately, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) offers close-monitoring and exceptional levels of support without the isolation of an inpatient program.
During outpatient treatment, you can still prioritize work and family commitments while working on your recovery. Contact Virtues Behavioral Health in Los Angeles at 855.579.8599 to learn more about outpatient treatment options.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
Before you can understand what qualities to look for in an IOP, you need to understand how this type of treatment works.
Not everyone with an addiction disorder is a good fit for an intensive outpatient program. They are most often recommended for clients who have a stable, drug- and alcohol-free home. Living in an environment where substances are frequently used can significantly increase the likelihood of relapse.
What is an intensive outpatient treatment for drug or alcohol addiction? An intensive outpatient program offers the appropriate level of care for people who do not need medically-supervised detox or 24-hour supervision but do need more treatment and support than the typical outpatient program provides. Think of it as a halfway step between residential (inpatient) and outpatient treatment.
While in an IOP, clients live at home where they can continue fulfilling work and family obligations in the evening while attending treatment most days. There is no one stand-alone answer to the question, “What is an intensive outpatient treatment?”
What Happens in an IOP?
The exact level of care depends on each client’s needs. However, all participants are given the option of multiple types of addiction therapy to ensure the program meets all of their needs. Some of the therapeutic options at Virtues Behavioral Health in Los Angeles include:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Family therapy
- Nutritional therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Art therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical therapy
Life-skills training, relapse prevention, and other follow-up programs help clients to live a full, satisfying life free of addiction are also included.
What to Look for in an Intensive Outpatient Program in Los Angeles
Choosing the right IOP for your specific needs can seem like a challenge when so many programs are available in the Los Angeles region. Before selecting a program, make sure you know exactly what’s provided. Look for an IOP that offers:
- A minimum of 10–12 hours of individual or group therapy each week
- A commitment to visit the facility at least four times a week
- Skills-development groups/programs
- Relapse prevention training
- Family therapy
- Complementary therapies such as art, yoga, or adventure therapy
- Support groups, such as 12-Step groups
- Personalized care
- Appropriate medical treatment
- Treatment that is readily available (no long waiting lists)
- Treatment that is ongoing for at least 90 days
Social support is also an essential part of any recovery program. An IOP that emphasizes peer support and participation in group meetings is preparing clients for sustained recovery after the official treatment program has ended.
Find the Right Intensive Outpatient Program at Virtual Behavioral Health in Los Angeles, California
IOPs can be just as effective in helping clients maintain long-term sobriety as residential programs, but not every person is a good candidate for this type of program. Clients in generally good health, highly motivated for recovery, and living in a stable home environment can end the cycle of addiction and reclaim their lives with the help of an intensive outpatient program.
If you or someone you love would benefit from an intensive outpatient program in Los Angeles, California, call Virtual Behavioral Health 855.579.8599 and speak to one of our admissions counselors today.
