What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a form of substance abuse rehabilitation in which people visit a treatment center several days a week for a few hours at a time. An IOP is more time-intensive than most standard outpatient programs. However, unlike an inpatient level of care, it does not require participants to live at the facility.
Intensive outpatient programs typically meet on weekdays in the morning or evening. Programs primarily consist of group therapy, though they may offer other services such as individual counseling and employment assistance. Most programs can last up to 90 days and include drug testing.
What is the Difference Between Intensive Outpatient Treatment and Inpatient?
The major difference between an IOP and an inpatient level of care is that people treated in an inpatient program live at the facility while they receive their care. These programs also offer services and amenities that IOPs do not, such as meals, housing, recreation, and access to medical care.
Inpatient levels of care are usually a good fit for people who have longstanding or more severe addictions. Some people in these programs have had multiple relapses and need to be kept away from drugs and alcohol for an extended period of time. These facilities are also good options for people who live in home environments that are particularly unstable or triggering or who have mental health conditions that require dual diagnosis treatment.
Is an Intensive Outpatient Program Right for Me?
In some cases, people may transition or step down to an intensive outpatient program after completion of an inpatient or residential level of care. That way, they can ease back into their normal routine while still receiving care and building on the skills they need to remain sober.
On the other hand, some people may move up to a more intensive outpatient program if standard outpatient interventions are inadequate in promoting their recovery. For example, they may increase the number of groups they attend in the program each week.
IOPs provide individuals with the opportunity to continue working or going to school while they are in treatment for their substance use. They often provide a more flexible treatment schedule so that people can continue to maintain their responsibilities while in treatment. Outpatient treatment programs are often the best fit for those who have a strong support system in place.
