If you’re struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction, simply admitting that you need help is an accomplishment. Once you’ve made that commitment to yourself, it’s important to find the type of treatment that’s right for you. The continuum of addiction care ranges from residential inpatient treatment to outpatient treatment. This means that no matter what stage of substance use disorder you may be experiencing, you’ll be able to find the type of program that fits your needs and goals. Two types of treatment programs are often confused: Intensive Outpatient Programs, known as IOPs, and outpatient treatment. In this blog, we’ll discuss how IOP programs and outpatient programs are alike, how they’re different, what purposes they serve, and how to choose the program that’s right for you.
Addiction Treatment Levels of Care
As you begin your research into treatment programs, you’ll learn that there are different addiction treatment levels of care. The American Society of Addiction Medicine recognizes five levels of addiction care. In order of increasing intensity, the types of substance abuse programs are:
- Early intervention services
- Outpatient treatment
- Intensive Outpatient Programs and Partial Hospitalization Programs
- Inpatient treatment
- Medically managed inpatient treatment
These levels of care differ in requirements, types of services, time commitment, and facility settings. The point at which you enter the continuum of addiction care depends on your unique circumstances, including your stage of addiction, any co-occurring diagnoses, your overall health, your financial situation, and other factors.
What Is Outpatient Treatment?
Outpatient treatment is the lowest level of care for drug and alcohol addiction. In an outpatient program, you’ll spend less than nine hours per week in treatment. Usually this means you’ll go to one or two sessions per week. Sessions are offered during the day and at night so you can fit treatment around your other obligations. Treatment usually consists of individual counselling sessions, group therapy, and educational classes. Outpatient treatment is a good option for people who have completed inpatient treatment or an Intensive Outpatient Program, as well as for those who need extra support after a relapse.
What Is an IOP Program?
IOP stands for Intensive Outpatient Program. You may also hear it called an IOP program. These programs are considered “intensive” because an IOP program typically offers high levels of medical and psychological support similar to those found in inpatient treatment, but without the requirement that you live at the treatment facility. “Intensive” also refers to the amount of time you spend in treatment. With an IOP program, you’ll participate in at least ten hours of treatment per week. Treatment sessions usually include individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and psychoeducation. Because of the high level of support an IOP program provides, it’s where many people choose to begin their recovery journey.
IOP vs. Outpatient: How Long Do They Take?
Addiction treatment is highly individual. The length of time you spend in treatment will be determined by your unique needs, goals, and progress. Both IOP programs and outpatient treatment programs can last anywhere from several weeks to three months, depending on how you’re engaging in and responding to treatment. Outpatient treatment may last longer than 90 days with the intensity and time commitment decreasing as your coping skills get stronger and you successfully reintegrate into your daily life.
IOP vs. Outpatient: How Many Hours a Week Will I Go?
Program specifics will vary depending on the treatment facility you choose, but in general, outpatient treatment is the least restrictive level of addiction care. Outpatient substance abuse treatment programs require you to attend sessions for eight or fewer hours per week. These eight hours are spread out over three to five days depending on the types of treatment sessions you attend. Because it’s just a few hours per day for a few days per week, outpatient treatment gives you the freedom and flexibility to fit treatment around your everyday life.
IOP programs typically require you to attend treatment a minimum of nine hours per week. These sessions are also spread out over several days each week. You may also be required to attend peer support group meetings in addition to your treatment sessions. IOP programs do allow you to live at home, go to school, and work, but they require more of your time so are somewhat more restrictive.
IOP vs. Outpatient: Types of Therapies
While there is some overlap of services between outpatient treatment programs and IOP programs, IOP programs typically require you to spend more time in treatment, increasing the intensity of treatment. Outpatient treatment services vary from facility to facility, but most programs offer services such as:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Education sessions
The services offered by IOP programs also differ depending on facility, but most IOP programs include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Medication management
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Alcohol/drug testing
Some people may also receive job training and assistance with housing as part of an IOP program.
How Effective Is an IOP Program?
Research has shown that for most people, an IOP program can be as effective as inpatient treatment in addressing substance use disorder. In one study, people who had gone through an inpatient program and people who had completed an IOP program all reported similar reductions in the severity of their addiction and increases in sobriety maintenance. We know that, overall, the longer you spend in treatment, the more successful you’ll be at maintaining your sobriety. Because IOP programs last longer than inpatient treatment, they can give you a better chance at long-term success.
Outpatient treatment offers less support and structure, so it’s usually not a good fit for people who are entering treatment for the first time. Outpatient treatment is a good next step for those who have completed an IOP program or PHP program and have well-developed coping skills and an established support system.
Individualization
No matter what type of program you choose, finding one that is tailored to your personal needs and goals is critical to your long-term success. Look for a facility and program that utilizes proven, evidence-based therapies and treatments to address your specific addiction and circumstances, including any co-occurring disorders, your stage of addiction, the availability of your support system, and the environment in which you’re currently living.
IOP vs. Outpatient: What Will Insurance Cover?
Different plans and policies have different levels of coverage, making it difficult to provide a simple answer to this question. Most insurance policies will cover both outpatient treatment and IOP programs if you’re referred by a doctor or other medical professional. As part of your treatment facility selection process, find out what insurance carriers and plans they accept. Most treatment facilities will help you navigate insurance and payment options.
Virtual IOP Programs
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many facilities adapted their outpatient programs so that people could receive treatment online. This adaptation has made treatment available to people who couldn’t otherwise participate, so online IOP programs and online outpatient programs have become more commonplace. Many facilities offer outpatient treatment via video calls or telephone calls. If you’re considering virtual outpatient care, make sure that the facility you choose uses HIPAA-compliant technology so that your private information is safe and secure.
IOP vs. Outpatient: How Do I Choose?
If you’re entering treatment for the first time or looking for your next step after inpatient treatment, you likely need more support and structure than outpatient treatment can provide. An IOP program offers a wider range of services, more time in treatment, and more personal attention than outpatient treatment, making it a good choice for those who need extra support in the early days of sobriety.
Outpatient treatment works best for people who have already completed inpatient treatment and/or an IOP program and are better equipped to handle the freedom that an outpatient treatment schedule provides.
IOP Program: A Bridge Between Inpatient Treatment and Outpatient Care
At Lakeside-Milam, our Intensive Outpatient Program is designed to provide a bridge between inpatient treatment and outpatient care. Long-term participation in treatment improves your chances for long-term sobriety, so whether you’re entering treatment for the first time, seeking extra support after a relapse, or considering your next step after inpatient treatment, an IOP program can be a great choice. Our IOP program is less intense than inpatient treatment while still providing the high level of structure and care that can help you avoid a relapse. Our IOP program offers you enough flexibility to be able to participate in everyday life activities while maintaining the high level of structure and care that you need to strengthen your coping skills, build your support network and help prevent relapse.
Choosing a treatment program can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Part of providing you with the most effective addiction treatment possible is helping you choose the type of program that’s right for you and your unique situation. And whether you choose outpatient treatment or an IOP program, we build a treatment plan that’s personalized for you. Substance use disorder isn’t a moral failing or a character weakness – it’s a disease that can be successfully treated. You can recover. We can help. Call us today to talk to someone who cares.
