Substance abuse and addiction disorders wreak havoc on millions of lives. Fortunately, there are many options available for addiction treatment. You may already know about traditional inpatient and outpatient choices. But you may wonder if you need something in between those options. Maybe you see signs that you or a family member need intensive outpatient program.

If you are researching treatment offerings, congratulations on being ready to address the issue head-on. Only 10% of Americans who experience addiction seek treatment. So be proud of yourself for beating the odds and reaching out for help. Fair Park Counseling is here to help you start and maintain your sober life.

Intensive Outpatient Therapy Offers Another Option
Addressing a substance abuse disorder can be intense and overwhelming. It is emotional and requires a lot of hard work. For most people, the typical outpatient therapy doesn’t provide enough support early in their treatment.

As you examine the options open to you or a family member, be sure to consider an intensive outpatient program (therapy). It is the one option that combines two essential things when it comes to addiction therapy: effectiveness and work-life flexibility.

IOP services involve significantly higher amounts of counseling time compared to traditional outpatient therapy. Patients in intensive outpatient therapy typically see a counselor for 10-20 hours each week. This time can be in group or individual sessions. Conventional therapy is generally only one or two hours per week.

5 Signs You or a Family Member Need An Intensive Outpatient Program

If you are unsure which form of addiction treatment is right for you or a loved one, here are five signs that an intensive outpatient program is appropriate.

1. You Just Left an Inpatient Rehab Facility

If you are fresh out of inpatient rehabilitation, then you need to consider an intensive outpatient therapy option. It is difficult for those in recovery to go from having support twenty-four hours a day to just two hours a week. Intensive outpatient therapy is the perfect next step after residential treatment.

Successful, long-term recovery from addiction depends on the care you get after you leave inpatient therapy. Intensive outpatient therapy keeps you connected and accountable to your counselors regularly, generally a few hours a day. Frequently, IOP options include drug testing, as well.

It is never advisable to go from inpatient treatment directly to traditional outpatient therapy. You will not receive enough support for your ongoing recovery. IOP is the right step in between the two options. After an adequate amount of intensive outpatient services, you will be ready for the next level down.

2. You Have a Job

At Fair Park Counseling, we understand that you need to pay the bills. When you or a family member take part in an intensive outpatient program, you still have commitments. Having to quit your job in order to seek treatment makes matters worse.

If your substance abuse issues have not cost you your job, that is excellent news. Not everyone can say that. And we help you maintain your ability to work by offering intensive outpatient therapy during your non-working hours. By developing your new healthy skills with your counselor, you will have the tools you need to keep your job and stay on your financial feet.

Intensive outpatient therapy means that you do spend a lot of time under the care of our expert staff. But it also allows you to pursue and maintain your regular life activities, such as school or work. Attend therapy sessions in the morning, in the evening, or both.

If inpatient treatment isn’t the best fit for your circumstances, then intensive outpatient therapy just might be a perfect choice.

3. Standard Outpatient Therapy Has Been Ineffective

Perhaps you are not new to addiction treatment. It could be that you or a loved one has tried to get help for substance abuse in the past. If you have attempted outpatient therapy without success, then intensive outpatient services may be what you need.

An intensive outpatient program is the most effective type of outpatient therapy there is. For some people, depending on their level of addiction, it is as effective as inpatient therapy. When you feel that you need a different level of support than traditional outpatient counseling, consider an intensive option. The extra hours of therapy each week may be enough to keep you healthy in your recovery.

4. You Are Serious About Getting Clean

Recognizing that you need help with substance abuse is the start of the wellness journey for you or a family member. You are likely at the point of feeling that enough is enough. So now what? Do you try to stop cold turkey on your own? Should you check yourself or a family member into an inpatient therapy clinic? There are so many choices. It can feel overwhelming to find the option that is best for you or a loved one.

An intake session with one of our Fair Park licensed addiction counselors will help you make an appropriate plan. It may be best to utilize intensive outpatient therapy. It will help you recognize your needs, reset your habits, and kick your addiction to alcohol or drugs.

When you are ready to recognize your addiction and your need for help, intensive outpatient therapy might be the right fit. Your commitment to recovery will have support from 10-20 hours of treatment each week.

5. You Need Court-Mandated Therapy

Sometimes the decision to seek help is made for you by outside sources. If addiction has created legal problems for you or a family member, the court may require therapy.

If things have escalated to this point, then intensive outpatient therapy is a great option. You will be able to fulfill the court’s expectations and get healthy at the same time. Even from adverse circumstances, you can start your road to recovery.

Fair Park Offers a Powerful Intensive Outpatient Program for Families and the Addicted

With master addiction counselors on staff, Fair Park Counseling is proud to provide intensive outpatient therapy to our patients. We understand the unique needs of those in recovery who are also still living their day-to-day lives.

Our staff is here to support you, hold you accountable, and celebrate your wins as you seek health and wellness in each aspect of your life. Give us a call today to get started.