The time commitment necessary to treat substance abuse disorders (SUD) can feel overwhelming. If you are looking for a more flexible option, then an intense outpatient program (IOP) might be the right path.
A 5-day IOP offers a personalized treatment environment and support structure similar to what you might find with an inpatient program without the live-in requirement. It allows the individual undergoing treatment the flexibility to go home or to a sober-living community each day.
This is a unique benefit for those who cannot just walk away from the responsibilities of their lives to undergo substance abuse treatment. It is a chance to continue working or going to school while participating in a highly structured program for substance use disorder and relapse prevention.
What Is A 5-Day IOP?
An IOP provides someone struggling with addiction a way to get treatment without committing to a residential program. The outpatient option allows this individual to live outside the treatment environment while undergoing a structured therapeutic program.
When participating in an IOP, you travel to the treatment facility for counseling based on a schedule. Afterward, you return to your life responsibilities such as family or work.
Typically, addiction treatment programs fall into one of five levels (.05-4) as defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Those levels of care include:
- Early intervention and prevention
- Outpatient (OP)
- IOP
- Inpatient
- Intensive inpatient
A 5-day IOP would fall in the middle or level 2. Someone attending an IOP could expect treatment sessions to last around several hours daily, but the schedule differs from place to place. The different appointment options might include morning, afternoon, and evening therapy based on the individual’s schedule. Some may require full-day sessions on specific days.
Even though the structure of the programs can vary from facility to facility, the goals should be similar, such as:
- Education about SUDs
- Developing coping skills and other approaches for relapse prevention
- Identifying and planning for obstacles to treatment and recovery
- Creating support systems
- Symptom monitoring and management
- Emotional support
- Addressing immediate physical and emotional needs such as sober living housing or medical services.
The program will include a planning session to ensure each person undergoes treatment specific to their needs.
Balance Of Structure And Flexibility
The flexibility of an IOP is an attractive option for those who have obligations at home, work, or school. The therapy can be just as intense as an inpatient program, though. You can expect a comprehensive schedule with both individual and group therapy sessions.
Providers of IOPs often rely on some of the same treatment principles as residential care facilities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and 12-step facilitation.
Increased Accountability And Consistency
IOPs build accountability into the structure of the program. Participating individuals have regular check-ins with the support team. This allows other people to help monitor their sobriety and provide assistance if necessary.
The program also offers consistent therapy along with reliable emotional support. There is a community of professionals and peers that can play a critical role in relapse prevention.
Access To Supportive Therapies And Peer Connections
Groups serve as a core structural element for IOP treatment. They offer a sense of belonging and allow individuals with similar needs to meet and discuss solutions. This supportive environment shows a sufferer of substance abuse disorder they are not alone in the journey.
Typically, group sessions are frequent. This builds a sense of community and mutual support.
Also, incorporated into IOPs are some of the therapeutic approaches that have proven to be successful for SUDs over decades.
CBT, for example, is a form of behavioral therapy that dates back to the 1920s but became universally recognized in the 1960s. It focuses on the premise that modifying thoughts and behaviors can reduce the risk of relapse.
MI is about problem-solving. The interviewer asks a series of open questions that help the participants to solve problems and better understand their behaviors.
The Matrix Model program integrates different therapies such as CBT, MI, and 12-step. This comprehensive approach can help individuals with substance abuse disorders meet their therapeutic goals.
Opportunity For Real-Life Application
Those who participate in a 5-Day IOP plan can implement their behavioral changes and new skill sets immediately in a real-world setting. Residential care puts you in a secure environment free from many external triggers. Although they go through many of the same therapies as someone in an IOP, it may be weeks before they see how they impact their lives in the real world.
With an IOP, the individual continues their normal lives during their therapy. They get immediate exposure to the stressors of everyday life. That allows them to see how the changes they can make can impact them right away.
Just as importantly, they go back to their support system and talk about their experiences. They see what works for them and what behaviors might still require tweaking. Additional therapies, such as with family, might help the participant work toward sustainable goals.
Customizable And Client-Centered Approach
Even though 5-Day IOP is a structured treatment approach for substance use disorders, providers still tailor it to the needs of each individual. Counselors work with each person to integrate therapies as needed in the care plan. Together, you can discuss your progress and talk about what you need.
Who Can Benefit Most from a 5-Day IOP?
Individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders can enter 5-day IOPs at different points in their treatment journey. For some, it is the first stop after a residential care program.
They may spend weeks at an inpatient treatment center and then transition to a 5-day IOP. The IOP allows them to have a similar support system and structured therapy but reenter their lives, as well. They might go home to live with friends or family. Some will go to a sober living community and enter an IOP to continue the next stage of their therapy.
An IOP might be a solution for someone who has too many responsibilities to participate in a live-in program. For example, it might be an option for a single parent who needs to spend time caring for children. It can work well for the business professional who would lose a job if they took time off or a student who doesn’t want to interrupt their studies.
For IOP to be a good option, you must have a stable living environment and not require 24-hour supervision. It provides more support than you would get with an OP but still allows you to abide by a schedule for work, school, or home life with structured therapy.
Why Choose Riverside Recovery’s 5-Day IOP?
The 5-Day Intensive Outpatient Program at Riverside Recovery in Tampa, FL, provides clients with a full continuum of care in a less restrictive environment. Available in both day and night sessions, the experienced staff at Riverside take an evidenced-based approach to treatment.
The IOP starts with a complete assessment. Our admission team goes over the person’s history and symptoms and discusses how they are managing their daily lives.
There is a review process of the first assessment with the clinical and medical teams, who determine what care path is the most appropriate based on this person’s needs. The team will work out a schedule, keeping the participant’s outside obligations in mind.
Riverside Recovery offers a state-of-the-art facility that includes a gym and pool. There is family support available for those who have loved ones in treatment, whether they are in an IOP program or one of the other services offered there.
If you or someone you love is looking for a solution to substance abuse, Riverside Recovery of Tampa offers personalized options. Contact us today to find out more about the 5-Day IOP and our other programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some answers to common questions we receive about 5-Day IOPs.
A 5-day IOP requires more of a time commitment than other outpatient programs. A typical OP can mean one or two sessions a week with lower-intensity therapy. IOPs have a structured schedule with more frequent visits to the facility and longer sessions.
An IOP is built around the idea that someone who participates can still manage their other life responsibilities. That is part of the flexibility of the program. At Riverside Recovery, our team will consider your schedule when establishing your care plan and treatment journey.
There is accountability built into the structure of an IOP. Sessions of your IOP are as much about checking in as they are about therapy. If you miss a day, it’s important to contact your counselor and let them know.
It may be necessary to reschedule that session. Keep in mind that missing individual and group therapy may increase your risk of relapse, so it’s better to try to be there on schedule.
Our treatment team will do regular assessments to track the progress. That will include looking at symptoms, behaviors, coping skills, and functioning in daily life. These assessments allow for adjustments to the treatment if necessary.
A 5-Day IOP gives sufferers of substance abuse disorders a way to get the structured treatment they need and still attend to their life responsibilities. It focuses on the same core therapeutic models as inpatient treatment but allows the participant to go home at the end of the session. IOP is a balanced approach to treatment for the individual transitioning from a residential program to sober living or someone who can’t afford to be away from family, school, or work for weeks at a time.