An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is an excellent treatment option when you’ve already attended an inpatient program or are working through a mild addiction. IOPs provide you with structure and support while you manage your daily responsibilities at home or work. Additionally, an IOP lets you ease into your daily life without drugs or alcohol.
There are many intensive outpatient programs, and each one is different from the next. This is why it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions, as this will help you find a program that meets your needs. As a trusted IOP program in Prescott, we recommend looking for the following in an IOP.
Evidence-Based Practices
One of the most important things to look for when choosing an intensive outpatient program is whether they provide evidence-based treatments. These treatments have been studied extensively and have been proven to work. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy.
Many outpatient programs will also offer alternative or holistic therapies, such as yoga, mindfulness, adventure therapy, art therapy, music therapy and others. These therapies are beneficial to recovery because they help clients process their emotions, release stress and prevent boredom. Overall, alternative therapies support a complete recovery.
Individualized Treatment Options
Another thing to look for is individualized treatment options. There are few, if any, treatments that work for everyone. Each person is unique and requires an equally unique treatment plan that addresses their needs, strengths and challenges.
For example, a person with post-traumatic stress disorder will benefit from trauma therapy and EMDR. A person with a personality disorder or social phobia will need a different approach. Recovery can then be supplemented with alternative therapies like nutrition, outdoor therapy and mindfulness meditation.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If you are struggling with both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, it’s ideal to choose a dual diagnosis treatment center so that you can treat both conditions at the same time. Otherwise, it’s much harder to recover when only one condition is being treated. The untreated addiction or mental health problem will continue to interfere with a healthy recovery.
It’s estimated that about half of people who have a mental health problem also struggle with addiction. Some people develop a mental illness after using drugs and alcohol extensively, while others use these substances to cope with an existing mental illness. Either way, the symptoms of both disorders feed off each other.
Aftercare/Case Management Services
Aftercare is a type of ongoing treatment service that helps a person maintain their recovery. This is a critical component to the treatment spectrum, as recovery is an ongoing process. It does not end with the treatment program. Just as a person with diabetes needs to maintain their health, so does a person with addiction.
Some of the resources included with aftercare support are:
- 12-step groups
- Outpatient treatment programs
- Legal advice and support
- Career counseling
- Substance monitoring
- Case management
- Coaching and goal setting
- Academic support
- Financial planning
These components make up a strong intensive outpatient program that will support your journey to sobriety. To learn more about the outpatient programs offered at our dual diagnosis treatment center, contact Wolf Creek Recovery today.
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
