INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (IOP) IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
Intensive outpatient programs are a level of care used to manage addictions, mental health disorders, eating disorders, and other conditions that do not require detoxification or around-the-clock supervision. IOPs allow patients to go about their daily activities in a way that inpatient treatment programs do not. Unlike residential rehab, which requires clients to live on-site, clients in intensive outpatient programs dwell at home.
IOPs are occasionally used in combination with inpatient programs to assist clients in reintegrating more smoothly and seamlessly into their families and communities. They are intended to develop support systems, aid in relapse prevention, and provide coping strategies.
Candidates for intense outpatient treatment should have a secure home environment. This includes encouraging family members and friends who are willing to help their loved one recover. Residential therapy is often indicated if a person lives with other individuals who use drugs or drink to get the person away from an environment that could trigger a relapse.
IOPs are generally not advised for people who have significant addictions or co-occurring disorders. These cases are typically assigned to inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs because they necessitate more intensive treatment and 24-hour supervision.
To learn more about which type of treatment center and program is right for you, Luna Recovery Services in Houston, Texas is here to help.
What is An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An intensive outpatient program, also known as an IOP, is considered a form of substance abuse rehabilitation in which individuals attend a treatment center numerous days each week for a couple of hours at a time. IOPs are considered more time-intensive than the majority of standard outpatient treatment. However, it doesn’t require the patients to live at the facility, like the inpatient programs.
Generally, intensive outpatient programs meet on weekdays in the evening or morning. This type of treatment center mainly consists of services such as employment assistance and individual counseling. The majority of the programs last about 90 days and even include drug testing.
Benefits of an IOP Program Houston
IOPs are an important aspect of care for people seeking help in overcoming addiction as well as, mental health issues. For many people, inpatient care – whether in a hospital, clinic, rehab, or other facility – can be challenging.
These live-in treatment options often provide the highest level of care, separating people with substance use issues from access to the drugs or alcohol they abuse and from other people who may encourage relapse or actively sabotage recovery efforts; however, they aren’t always feasible. People often have family or work commitments that prevent them from entering full-time care. They simply can’t leave their lives behind for a period of time. IOPs support clients in a variety of ways. The benefits include, but are not limited to:
- The opportunity to practice the skills that are being learned and have them applied to newly developed coping skills in more of a timely manner.
- Individual responsibility for the individual’s recovery can provide greater intrinsic rewards.
- The ability to participate in peer groups such as Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous from the beginning.
- A clinical setting can offer more flexibility to respond to more of the individual’s needs.
- Easier and more flexible access to treatment services
- High-intensity outpatient programs tend to have a greater success rate than various other outpatient approaches.
- Better access to treatment programs if a relapse occurs.
- A greater ability to develop a community-based support network.
- It is less expensive than a residential program.
- It’s generally more private.
- The ability to live at home.
- Lower cost.
IOP TREATMENTS AND THERAPIES OFFERED AT LUNA
LUNA Recovery’s IOP offers treatment for 3-hours during the day or evening to fit your schedule. We offer an IOP to assist clients needing rehab for substance abuse with minimal disruption to their daily routines as they are free to live at home. Similar to our inpatient program, clinical support is provided through both individual and group therapy. Our IOP is offered in three-hour sessions, so clients can choose a day or an evening program.
THE FOLLOWING TOOLS AND PRACTICES ARE INTRODUCED THAT SUPPORT CLIENT AND THEIR FAMILIES:
- GROUP THERAPY
- INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
- PSYCHOEDUCATION
- 12-STEP EDUCATION
- COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT PLAN
6. EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY
7. FAMILY PROGRAM
8. ADJUNCT STAFF LECTURES
9. OPTIONAL ADVENTURE OUTINGS
10. RECOVERY PROTECTION GROUPS
11. ALUMNI ACTIVITIES
TECHNIQUES WE USE:
- DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (DBT)
- COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)
- MINDFULNESS PRACTICES
- ADDICTION MEDICINE
- EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION & REPROCESSING (EMDR)
- SOMATIC EXPERIENCING
OUR IOP IS OFFERED IN THREE-HOUR SESSIONS, SO CLIENTS CAN CHOOSE A DAY OR AN EVENING PROGRAM.
The IOP utilizes an ongoing combination of behavioral and medical treatment. Clients in drug rehab and alcohol rehab receive psychoeducation, which is information that helps them understand addiction and the treatments they can expect to receive. Additionally, we identify and address the barriers to leading a sober lifestyle. We make clinical decisions on the level of treatment they are eligible for.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM?
Generally, individuals don’t know what to expect when starting their journey to recovery. They usually feel that they aren’t able to maintain a level of “normal” substance abuse. These outpatient treatment programs can help the majority of individuals who need help, and typically not full-time. Starting any type of drug rehab program can present to be super intimidating, but use the fear to fuel yourself in making a solid decision. The below-mentioned tips are what an individual should expect upon attending an IOP program in Houston, TX.
Before the actual treatment occurs at an intensive outpatient program, it’ll be critical to touch base with the care team in an intake appointment. During the initial screening, an individual will go over mental, emotional, and physical health with a mental health clinician.
During this time, the medical professionals will ask questions centered around the frequency of the substance, the type of substance, and how it overall affects an individual’s everyday life. A drug test and physical exam will be performed as well. Facing the overall reality of an individual’s problems in the form of a questionnaire can be super uncomfortable.
It’s essential to note that the care team isn’t attempting to invade privacy. They are working diligently to design a treatment program that meets an individual’s needs. During this intake, you will be met with encouragement and compassion, and no judgment as you embark on the first step of your journey.
For starters, in residential treatment, individuals live in a committed drug rehab center for a couple of weeks and months as they work through the program. Everyone doesn’t need that level of supervision; many individuals just simply need a helping hand and accountability. In an IOP, an individual will have sessions an average of three times a week for an average of 2-4 months.
Each of the sessions will last for about three hours on-site. Generally, the person will be given exercises to work through while the individual is at home. Overall, this grants an individual the flexibility to continue working and spending time with the family during the recovery period.
Gaining the support that is needed from an individual who is going through similar obstacles can make a significant difference in your overall recovery. For this reason, many IOPs follow more of a group format. For individuals who would benefit from one-on-one treatment, individual counseling sessions are readily available. There are also options for family therapy options so that loved ones can join in the healing journey.
Family and friends are valuable aspects of an individual’s support system. Upon dealing with a medical condition such as substance use disorder (SUD), it’s ideal to have an experienced professional on your side. During IOP, an individual will work side by side with trained clinicians in a mix of holistic and traditional counseling methods.
The trained clinicians will utilize dynamic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement to help assist the individual to identify and further fix distorted thinking. During this time, the professionals will also utilize demonstrative techniques to assist an individual in working through challenging emotions. Therefore, learn more about themselves.
No matter how powerful the resolve is, many of us find it difficult to resist temptation in the present moment. So the question is, what will an individual do when they’re faced with situations and emotions where they once used to turn to alcohol or drugs for comfort? A massive part of outpatient treatment is aimed at arming individuals with healthy coping mechanisms used as a weapon to replace the bad, detrimental ones.
Acquiring healthy coping mechanisms can present to be simple, such as doing a breathing exercise or even going for a run. It can be super thoughtful such as writing out your thoughts in what is known as a recovery journal. Whatever coping mechanisms end up working out for you, they will all have similar results. For example, picture yourself being faced with the opportunity to binge drink on New Year’s Eve or even turn to drugs when you begin feeling down, you’ll be able to say no and instead engage in something more productive.
The overall benefits of an intensive outpatient program in Houston won’t end when the program does. Before the individual officially graduates, an individual will work with their counselors in an attempt to come up with a plan for the future. For example, how will you avoid environments that trigger you, and how will you be able to stay clean when help is unavailable?
Who are you able to call when you need support? Or how can you occupy your time productively when you are alone? Fully figuring out the answers to these questions will inspire you to write out a plan of action that can assist your sobriety that can last for the rest of your life.
Overcoming addiction is considered to be one of the most substantial obstacles a person can take on in their life. In an IOP program in Houston, an individual will still be free to engage in family activities at home. Overall, the power to change lies in your hands. While it might seem impossible at certain times, a life free of substance dependency is worthwhile. Remember, an intensive outpatient program can be life-changing.
Why Choose an IOP Over Residential Treatment?
Intensive outpatient rehab is an important element of care for persons seeking help with addiction and mental health concerns. Inpatient care can be difficult for many people, whether in a hospital, clinic, rehab, or other facility.
These live-in treatment solutions frequently give the highest level of care, isolating patients with addictions from the drugs or alcohol they misuse, as well as from other people who may encourage relapse or actively sabotage recovery efforts; but, they aren’t always practicable. People frequently have family or work obligations that prevent them from enrolling in full-time care. They simply cannot abandon their lives for a lengthy amount of time.
IOPs are frequently the best option for these folks. They continue to receive extensive care, but they are allowed to live at home.
How to Find the Right Intensive Outpatient Rehab in Texas?
Finding an intensive outpatient program near you is often the first step in addressing drug and alcohol addiction matters. Our drug and alcohol rehab facilities will be more than happy to discuss what we offer, including medical professionals that specialize in evaluating and treating people with various behavioral health issues. We’ll determine your needs, and create a personalized plan to reach optimal recovery. So, be sure to communicate with treatment facilities what your needs are.
Discover an IOP that can meet your needs, that is near you, allows your loved ones to visit on the designated visiting days, and can even participate with you in family therapy sessions. Another perk is since you are more familiar with the climate, you’re able to pack accordingly. On the contrary, out-of-state treatment can provide a fresh start in a new area. Our sober living environment will limit any external distractions that could take someone off the path of their recovery.
BREAK THE CYCLE OF ADDICTION AT LUNA RECOVERY
It is completely natural to be nervous before embarking on any life change, especially one as paramount as entering an intensive outpatient program in Houston or the surrounding areas. However, if you’re able to not take things to heart and further open your mind up to all the possibilities, your life can transform for the better. If you believe that you might be a good candidate for an intensive outpatient program in Texas, contact us today.
Dr. Allaire received his Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of Houston, as Valedictorian of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and his Medical Doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident. He is the medical monitor for the Physician Counseling Committee of the Harris County Medical Society and the Medical Director of Serenity House Detox. Dr. Allaire specializes in medically assisted detox cases, treating patients in recovery from addiction or other mental health disorders, the medical assessment and monitoring of patients with addictive disorders, medical care related to eating disorders and the medical treatment of patients with mental health conditions.
