Drug addiction and alcoholism is a progressive disease, so there are many stages of the disease and many different levels of care in which you can treat them. Although the 28 day treatment programs are effective for the severe/chronic cases, Intensive Outpatient is a great alternative. Most people think of a 28 day treatment program when they think of rehab for alcoholism or some other substance addiction.
It is important for people to recognize that there are many different ways to get sober and start a life of recovery. There is not ONE perfect way to get sober. Each individual is different, people learn differently, they cope differently, they manage things differently, which is why there is not one perfect way to get sober. There is inpatient, intensive outpatient, outpatient therapy, individual therapy, SMART Recovery meetings, AA meetings, NA meetings, and the list goes on. Intensive Outpatient is not better than other therapies, but it is becoming the most common because of the restrictions managed care is putting on the availability of inpatient treatment days.
Intensive Outpatient provides structured treatment 3 hours per day; at least 3 times a week (it can be as frequent as 5 times a week). The most beneficial part of a client attending an Intensive Outpatient program is that while in treatment, they have one foot in rehab and one foot in their daily life. For example: While they are learning about coping mechanisms in their groups, they can practice them in their daily lives and come back to their counselor and group for support and express any struggles they are having. They have a built in support system in their lives while beginning new routines and making new life choices. This is why its important for clients that have been in inpatient to transition to Intensive Outpatient program afterwards, it helps them transition back into their daily routines with support from a clinical team and a sober community.
Intensive Outpatient also allows a client to continue their normal work and home routine while attending treatment. They will not have to worry about taking off time from work, missing holidays/birthdays with their family/friends, or having people find out why they took a leave of absence. Intensive Outpatient is also significantly cheaper than a 28 day treatment program and insurance companies are more likely to cover the entire treatment stay of Intensive Outpatient program rather than that of an inpatient stay.
Inpatient treatment is still an important level of care for clients that are in the severe, late or chronic stages of an addiction. They typically need more medical care in conjunction with their treatment which is why it is important that they start in an inpatient setting. The best way to determine which level of care is right for you or someone you know who is struggling with an addiction or alcoholism is to get an assessment at a treatment center by a trained professional.
New Hope Recovery Center offers Intensive Outpatient at night and in the morning. The night time program is from 6-9pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The morning program is from 8:30-11:45am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday (extended hours on Saturday). For more information about New Hope Recovery Centers IOP program: Intensive Outpatient.
Written by: New Hope Recovery Center
For information about inpatient treatment please see our post:
Residential Drug Rehab: The Inpatient Treatment Option
