Intensive outpatient programs for substance use disorder are successful in helping up to 70% of their graduates stay clean and sober for the long-term. So, if you are considering IOP, it’s likely that you haven’t been before. With most cultural depictions of addiction treatment focusing on rehab, you might wonder what really happens in an intensive outpatient program and what to expect from a Louisiana IOP.
What to Expect from a Louisiana IOP: The Program
Intensive outpatient programs are designed to treat substance use disorders, mental health issues, and cases where both coexist at the same time. Every program is different, but most consist of 12 to 15 hours per week of programming, split up into three to five sessions per week. In between sessions, clients return to their homes, families, work, and everyday life, allowing you to get help for drinking or drug use on your own terms.
Every session includes a mix of education and treatment designed to help each individual heal and achieve long-term recovery. That mix will be different for everyone depending on their needs, but typically includes group therapy, one-on-one counseling, innovative therapies like DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), and educational sessions on relapse prevention and more. Because every day in IOP is different, it’s easy to stay interested and engaged in the programming. In addition, returning home every day allows you to test out your new recovery skills in real-time. If your family or your boss makes you feel like you need to drink or use, IOP can help you work through that long before you’re out on your own.
When you graduate, you’ll have your local recovery support system in place from your time in IOP: everything from clean and sober friends to a therapist you can count on and 12 Step meetings you enjoy. For all of these reasons, IOP for drinking or drug use can be extremely helpful — even just as effective as residential addiction treatment in some cases and at a lower price.
What to Expect from a Louisiana IOP: The People
The flexible structure of IOP often attracts people who have full-time jobs or other daily commitments that would make residential addiction treatment difficult. Ideally, these individuals will have a safe and supportive home environment that they can rely on outside of class. In addition, it’s recommended that IOP candidates be generally healthy (physically and mentally). Serious medical issues can require more care than IOP for drug or alcohol addiction can provide.
Some IOP members will be stepping down from a residential addiction treatment experience, while others are beginning their healing for the first time. Everyone in IOP is focused on the same goal: healing the mind, body, spirit, and family, so they can stay clean and sober.
What to Expect from a Louisiana IOP: The Price
One major benefit of IOP is that it can be more affordable than residential treatment. Cutting out the need for room, board, and 24/7 care lowers the price dramatically. At the same time, many insurances cover intensive outpatient programs for substance use disorders. Check with your provider or ask our team to verify your benefits to learn whether your plan will cover IOP entirely or if you may have to pay a small copay. Longbranch Recovery is proud to be in-network with several major providers. We also accept most other insurances. Simply contact us via phone, email, or chat to find out more about your options.
Are you ready to heal from the roots? IOP can be the fertile ground for true healing. Let us help you plant the seed of a new life.
