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IOPs provide a high level of care, but they are generally more affordable than inpatient treatment or even partial hospitalization programs (PHPs). IOPs offer more flexibility, allowing participants to keep up with other areas of life, such as work, school, or taking care of their family.
Like all addiction treatment programs, IOPs have specific requirements for clients who participate. Understanding the IOP program requirement details can help you gain a better idea of what to expect during your treatment and how to prepare for it.
Basic IOP Program Requirements
The main IOP program requirements include
- Attendance
- Active participation
- Completing homework
- Following a treatment plan
- Abiding by program rules
IOP Program Requirement For Attendance
One major requirement for IOPs is a commitment to attendance. Clients are expected to attend all appointments, therapy sessions, and group meetings as scheduled. Oftentimes, specific treatment sessions can be rescheduled based on your needs, but most programs will expect you to let them know if you need to miss or excuse yourself from a session.
Consistently missing or being tardy are considered relapse risks. For this reason, it is best that you participate in your IOP as much as you can, and attempt to reschedule any missed sessions as soon as possible. By being consistent, you can ensure that you can receive the full benefit of the IOP program and stay sober in recovery.
Active Participation In IOP
An important IOP program requirement is active participation. Clients are encouraged to actively engage in their treatment by sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with the group. This helps create a supportive and collaborative environment where individuals can learn from one another’s perspectives.
Homework In An IOP Program
Homework is an important component of some portions of an IOP. You may be given homework related to relapse prevention, and you may be given some exercises in group sessions that you can practice in the outside world. Sometimes you’ll be given recommended articles or books to read. Every program will be a little different. Ask the treatment coordinator what to expect in IOP regarding homework.
Individualized Treatment Plans In IOP
During IOP, clients must be willing to follow any individualized treatment plans provided by their therapists. These plans may include attending additional therapy sessions or completing specific assignments outside of the program. It is also important for clients to actively participate in group therapy sessions and engage in open and honest communication with their peers and therapists.
Abiding By IOP Program Rules
SAMHSA says that many centers will test you for alcohol or substances upon admission, and they may continue to do so once per week. This may consist of a simple urine or saliva test, but you may receive a more thorough exam if you are suspected of using substances or alcohol again.
There are several ways your therapist may approach a positive drug test or suspicion that you are using again.
- Observation: A staff member may be in the same room while you provide a urine sample.
- Discussion of life circumstances: Your therapist may ask about life circumstances, any absences, or different behavior. You have a chance to provide feedback about your experiences in treatment.
- Increased drug testing: The frequency of urine or saliva tests may increase from once per week to three times per week, for example.
Clients who consistently test positive will be encouraged to talk about what happened. A person will not necessarily be dismissed from the program for signs of drug use, but there will be changes in treatment as a result. Changes may include:
- An increase in sessions or returning to previous treatment levels.
- Referrals to a treatment center that is more intensive or even an inpatient or hospitable-based program.
- Creating a new plan that takes different needs into account to better serve the individual.
IOP Rehab Sample Schedule
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Counselor’s Treatment Manual outlines a sample schedule that gives an idea of what you can expect if you or someone you know begins treatment at an IOP.
This is only a sample, and your program may differ depending on your needs.
| Weeks 1-4 | Weeks 5-16 | Weeks 13-48: Aftercare | |
| Monday | Classes that focus on recovery skills and relapse prevention (3 hours) | Relapse prevention (1.5 hours) | Day off |
| Tuesday | Peer support group or 12-step meeting | Peer support group or 12-step meeting | Peer support group or 12-step meeting |
| Wednesday | Family education | Social support or family education (1.5 hours) | Social support (1.5 hours) |
| Thursday | Peer support group or 12-step meeting | Peer support group or 12-step meeting | Peer support group or 12-step meeting |
| Friday | Recovery skills and relapse prevention (3 hours) | Relapse prevention (1.5 hours) | Day off |
| Saturday & Sunday | Peer support group or 12-step meeting | Peer support group or 12-step meeting | Peer support group or 12-step meeting |
As you can see, the schedule gets less intense over time, but it still assumes that you will dedicate a substantial amount of time to treatment. The first 13 to 16 weeks require a daily commitment.
In addition to spending time in a scheduled program on a given day, you can expect homework and handouts for certain sessions. Programs have to integrate many or most of the components of proper care, but there seems to be some leeway regarded how much of these services are included.
What Insurance Companies Have to Say About IOPs
Insurance companies outline what they cover, which can also give you a rough idea of what to expect at an IOP.
- Inpatient or residential treatment options are usually covered for a period of one to six weeks, depending on your plan.
- After a certain amount of time, you may be expected to transfer to an outpatient program, which can include an IOP.
- Some plans may cover partial hospitalization programs, which means you attend a rigorous program about five days a week.
Insurance plans generally expect outpatient care to include peer group meetings or 12-step program attendance, therapy (family, individual, or group therapy), education on the effects of substance or alcohol abuse, and medical care.
Is an IOP Right for Me?
An intensive outpatient program provides a high level of care, but it still offers flexibility to continue living at home. An IOP might be right for you if:
- You finished medical detox and are transitioning to a lower level of care.
- You have responsibilities at home or work that you can’t leave behind. IOPs allow you to continue living at home and working if needed. This makes an IOP especially attractive to people who are the primary caretakers of their families or those who cannot take time off work.
- You don’t need 24/7 care. If you suffering from co-occurring medical or mental health conditions, you may need round-the-clock care, particularly in the early stages of treatment.
- You can commit to the requirements of the program. You’ll have support from your treatment team, and they’ll teach you how to maximize your time in the program.
In an IOP, your treatment will be tailored to your needs. All aspects of your care can work to get you closer to stability in sobriety.
Getting Help In An IOP Program
Intensive outpatient programs offer a comprehensive and flexible approach to addiction treatment that can greatly benefit individuals in various stages of recovery. By providing a balance between structure and independence, along with ongoing support and resources, IOP can help individuals build a strong foundation for their recovery journey.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider exploring the option of intensive outpatient treatment for a personalized and effective approach to healing. Remember, there is always support available on your path to recovery – don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to listen to your story and help you get started with the next steps.
