What is Intensive Outpatient Treatment

 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 program, it does not require participants to live at a particular facility. Due to COVID CDC guidelines, clients can join IOP virtually or by phone.

Phoenix Center For Health and Wellness Intensive outpatient programs typically meet on weekdays in the morning or evening. All clients are required to attend groups regularly.

Group therapy is the main component of many intensive outpatient programs. Groups allow IOP participants to improve their communication, learn how to socialize without drugs or alcohol, support each other, and experience structure and discipline. 

Other IOP services include individual counseling, medication management, case management, introduction to support groups and one on one peer support. 

Phoenix Center For Health and Wellness conduct drug testing. However, the frequency of testing varies. Some clients test once a week, while others test 2 or 3 times per week depending on the circumstances. Drug testing is a normal part of our treatment protocols.

 We don’t test participants to “catch” them using drugs. Instead, we test them to ensure that they adhere to program rules and to protect other members of the program from people who are using drugs. A positive drug test is also a sign that a person may need to step up to a higher level of treatment.

Even though 90 days is the standard length of treatment, the duration can be adjusted based on the person's needs, support system, and mental health status.  A person that builds skills and remains clean, for instance, may require fewer and fewer sessions over time, while someone who relapses while in the program may need more sessions or even need to be moved up to a higher level of care. 

The important thing to remember is that a person isn’t “cured” when they complete an IOP. Staying clean requires work, and most people who have been addicted to drugs or alcohol need to continue to be involved in ongoing care. Meeting with a therapist or support group helps a person stay motivated, work on relapse prevention skills, and help other people with their sobriety, all of which can help maintain abstinence.