Deciding to get help for your drug or alcohol addiction problem is a big step in the recovery process.

There are many different levels of addiction treatment to choose from, depending on where you are in your recovery journey. An intensive outpatient treatment program is one option offered at our Illinois drug rehab that provides individualized care and support to clients. This treatment program offers a flexible and supportive treatment schedule that supports a smooth transition from ongoing care to ongoing recovery. Below is more on the benefits of IOP for addiction recovery and how our facility can help you or a loved one get sober.  

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)? 

Intensive outpatient programs are used to address substance use disorders, mental health disorders, eating disorders, and other conditions that don’t require medical detox or round-the-clock supervision. IOP enables patients to continue with their normal, day-to-day routines in a way that residential treatment programs do not. Whereas residential facilities have patients residing onsite, clients in our Chicago IOP come to our facility for treatment during the day and return home in the afternoons or evenings.   

This treatment is a more flexible option for those in need of substance abuse care. This plan makes it easier to adjust to independent and healthy living. Of course, there are responsibilities in everyday life, and they don’t disappear when you are undergoing treatment. This type of treatment allows individuals to continue their recovery journey while still maintaining and balancing tasks such as school or work. This program bridges the gap between 24/7 care and independence while still allowing patients to receive therapy and develop valuable coping skills. 

What to Expect in Intensive Outpatient Care 

IOP treatment is a beneficial approach to addressing drug and alcohol abuse, as it allows patients to stick to a regular treatment schedule while still fulfilling their responsibilities at home, school, or work. Because clients aren’t required to live onsite while in our IOP, they’re able to return home to their loved ones and develop a flexible schedule that honors commitments like work and school. This helps patients meet their responsibilities outside of the treatment setting while still receiving support, structure, and direction from our facility.  

When in an IOP, patients will visit our Chicago addiction treatment center following a specific schedule of treatment. They can transition back into a routine of post-treatment life while still enjoying the support and scheduling offered by professional treatment services. This makes the full transition to life after rehab considerably easier by easing patients back into the rhythm of everyday life while still offering support through IOP care. For many, IOP is an in-between, offering additional treatment following residential care.  

Furthermore, IOP benefits and care may vary depending on the facility you attend. At our treatment center, IOP clients will undergo around 10 to 12 hours of group and individual therapy per week. They may work with our team to schedule these according to their other obligations. Clients are also encouraged to attend our 12-step meetings, as they offer additional support for the transition to a sober lifestyle.  

While we offer these sessions in person at our facility, like our other Banyan rehab locations, our Chicago rehab offers telehealth services for patients, including IOP online. We also provide IOP for co-occurring disorders as well as a specialized program for veterans and active-duty military. Creating individualized levels of care allows us to place clients in a pleasant environment where they feel comfortable and understood.  

Moreover, in addition to individual counseling sessions, patients in our IOP can also expect to participate in family and group therapy sessions. Family sessions are especially important, as having the support of parents, siblings, and spouses is crucial during recovery. Patients will also learn the necessary tools for preventing relapse and effectively managing temptations. In addition, their communication skills will be enhanced, and they will learn how to maintain healthy relationships with those around them. 

What Are the Benefits of IOP? 

Among the many benefits of intensive outpatient treatment are the following:  

• Easy and flexible access to treatment that lets you maintain your day-to-day routine 
• Less expensive treatment option than a residential treatment program 
• Treatment held in a clinical setting that can offer more flexibility and respond to your individual needs 
• The opportunity to practice what you’re learning and to apply newly developed coping skills immediately in your day-to-day life 
• A greater ability to develop a community-based support network 
• Better access to treatment programs in the event of a relapse 
• More individual responsibility and accountability for your recovery can provide greater intrinsic rewards 
• More privacy concerning your daily routine and habits 
• Option to participate in peer groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) immediately upon being admitted into the program 

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) allow for an added level of flexibility compared to other addiction treatment programs. This level of care features fewer hours of group and individual therapy per week than a partial hospitalization program. You will still be able to accommodate your busy schedule and live in your own home. Because medical detoxification is not included in IOP, this may be the correct level of care for those who have a more moderate substance abuse problem.  

Individuals will receive the support of clinicians and therapists, as well as other individuals who share similar addiction struggles and can relate to the obstacles faced in everyday life. Being in a supportive environment helps foster the recovery process. Intensive outpatient treatment often includes group therapy as well as individual sessions. Most people complete this treatment with a new sense of confidence and empowerment as they enter a sober lifestyle.  

Finding IOP Near Me  

Before participating in an intensive outpatient program, patients must complete the initial stages of treatment. This includes medically assisted detox and residential care to fully address the underlying causes and patterns of addiction. Following inpatient care, patients may be referred to an outpatient program to meet their additional needs in recovery. 

After completing an IOP program, patients will typically begin the next step down to outpatient programming (OP) and then completion of care. Each patient has unique needs in their recovery journey, and IOP or OP may not work for everyone. The key is to find a treatment program that supports individualized care needs, such as our programming at Banyan. 

An IOP may be right for you, depending on your personal needs. Fortunately, our Illinois addiction treatment center conducts a clinical assessment for new patients to develop the most effective and beneficial plan for their recovery.  

We can help you! Call Banyan Treatment Centers today at (888) 280-4763 to learn more about our unique programs and therapies for addiction treatment.  

Related Reading:   

PHP vs. IOP Treatment for Addiction 

A Typical Day in IOP