Addiction is a chronic disease that can negatively affect every area of your life. Substance abuse can lead to physical and mental health issues, financial strain, social isolation, and more. In other words, you’ll need extensive treatment and time to recover from a substance use disorder.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people struggled with addiction in 2022.[1]

If you are dealing with a substance use disorder, you need to attend a structured treatment program. While inpatient rehab is always a great choice, some people cannot commit to full-time treatment. If you need to continue working or caring for children while you receive addiction support, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is your best option.

Intensive outpatient programs are the most structured form of outpatient treatment, aside from a partial hospitalization program (PHP). They offer many of the same services as inpatient treatment while providing you with the flexibility in scheduling that you need to conquer your outside obligations.

This article discusses intensive outpatient treatment.

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

Intensive outpatient programs allow you to recover from addiction while living in the comfort of your own home. You will commute to the treatment facility several times a week to participate in therapy sessions, support groups, and mental health treatment. Your treatment plan will be based solely on your needs, meaning IOP does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

Depending on your needs, IOP programs usually meet 3 to 5 days a week. Usually, treatment sessions last 3 to 4 hours each day you attend. This means that attending IOP is similar to having a part-time job.

IOP offers the evidence-based treatment services you need while allowing you time to care for outside responsibilities. If you need to work, attend school, or care for children, you can do so while receiving IOP.

What to Expect During an IOP in Charlotte

If you are looking for a higher level of care, you should consider attending inpatient rehab before transitioning into an IOP program. That said, you can use IOP as a standalone treatment option if you do not need 24/7 monitoring. Additionally, IOP is great if you want to continue going about your normal daily life while receiving addiction treatment.

During an IOP in Charlotte, you can expect the following services:

Assessment

The first step in an intensive outpatient program is an in-depth assessment. The admissions counselors will ask you questions about your physical health, whether you have mental health conditions and your history of substance abuse. This information will be used to create an individualized treatment plan.

Charlotte Detox Center accepts the following insurance providers

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Evidence-Based Therapies

Once your treatment plan is created, you will begin partaking in individual and group therapy. Individual therapy is ideal for unpacking childhood trauma, determining the root causes of your addiction, and more. Group therapy is designed to teach you communication skills, provide paper support, and help you develop vital coping mechanisms.

During both individual and group therapy, you will participate in evidence-based therapies. This means the therapeutic models you engage in are proven effective for treating substance use disorders.

Examples of evidence-based therapies include:[2]

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Contingency management (CM)
• 12-step facilitation therapy
• The matrix model
• Family behavior therapy

Medication Management

Intensive outpatient programs also help you manage your medications. You might be participating in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and take methadone or Suboxone to manage your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, you could be taking daily medication to treat a mental health condition.

No matter the reasoning for your medication, your IOP program in Charlotte will help you manage them to prevent you from falling back into substance abuse patterns.

Holistic Care

In addition to therapy and medication, you will be offered holistic services to help you heal your mind, body, and soul. For example, many IOP programs in Charlotte offer yoga or meditation classes to help you learn how to cope with triggers and stay in the present moment.

Other examples of holistic care offered during IOP include:

• Mindfulness and breathing techniques
• Yoga and reiki
• Massage and acupuncture
• Art and music therapy
• And more!

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare

Lastly, you will engage in relapse prevention planning before you complete your intensive outpatient program. IOP programs in Charlotte understand the importance of knowing your triggers and being prepared to overcome them. Relapse prevention planning often involves identifying triggers you struggle with and learning healthy coping mechanisms to get through them.

Another aspect of relapse prevention is access to aftercare services. These are tools and services offered to you after you complete the program. IOPs in Charlotte offer the following aftercare services:

• Continued therapy
• Medication management
• Access to an alumni support group
• Referrals to traditional outpatient therapy or sober living
• Recommendations on local support groups
• Case management services like vocational assistance

Get Connected to an Intensive Outpatient Program in Charlotte

If you or a loved one suffers from a substance use disorder, it’s time to seek help. Intensive outpatient programs in Charlotte can help you regain control over your life and achieve long-term sobriety.

Contact Charlotte Detox Center today to get connected to an IOP near you.

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data
2. Science Direct: Evidence-based practices for substance use disorders