In an intensive outpatient program, patients are typically at the clinic for two hours each day. This is a great option for individuals who want to maintain a healthy work-life balance and continue to meet their responsibilities outside the clinic. Patients in an intensive outpatient program typically attend these sessions on consecutive days for three weeks or more, followed by one week of rest. Throughout this course, patients interact with all levels of staff members, from professional therapists and case managers to physicians and nurses. In this piece, we have listed what to expect from an intensive outpatient program.
What to Expect from an Intensive Outpatient Program
When it comes to an intensive outpatient program, patients can expect several different treatment techniques. There are varying lengths of time that patients are in the clinic each day, dependent upon whether they require the services of the entire clinic or not. This can range from 12 to 18 hours a week in order to receive individualized care and attention. Below is what you can expect patients to receive during an intensive outpatient program.
Weekly Core Sessions
The weekly core sessions can last from an hour to a half an hour and consist of patients completing their treatment worksheets. These worksheets may include such tasks as reading information about their addiction, filling out questionnaires, or participating in group therapy. These sessions also educate patients about different treatment techniques, learn about the appropriate warning signs of relapse, and help patients cope with cravings.
Follow-Up Sessions
A follow-up session takes place on the same day as a core session. These help further patients understand their treatment plan, identify addictive behaviors, and discuss how they can continue to remain abstinent during their recovery. Patients can also expect to receive feedback on how they are doing during their weekly sessions.
Individual Therapy
One of the ways that intensive outpatient programs provide treatment is through individual therapy sessions. During these sessions, the patient will meet with their therapist every week to adjust their treatment plan. Some of the things that these sessions are used for include preparing patients for challenges they may face, helping them change negative thinking patterns, and overcoming any cravings they may have experienced.
Drug and Alcohol Screenings
Patients can expect to undergo regular screenings for drugs and alcohol during a treatment program. This helps them monitor their sobriety and can also provide them with the opportunity to receive feedback about their substance use patterns.
Relapse Prevention
Patients can expect to learn about relapse prevention techniques to help them understand what happens during a relapse and how to prevent it. Through these sessions, patients will also learn about the warning signs of relapse, how to recognize them and what to do in an attempt to prevent them.
Group Therapy
Patients can expect to participate in various groups during receiving treatment in an intensive outpatient program. Group therapy is used to help individuals recognize their addictive behavior and their role in the recovery process. Some of the covered issues include dealing with life-changing events, coping with stress, and notifying loved ones and others about recovery.
Employment and Education Programs
In some intensive outpatient programs, patients may have the opportunity to develop or further their education or occupational skills. In an effort to provide patients with an exit strategy, it is not uncommon for these programs to help their patients develop a plan for the future. Patients will also receive assistance in looking for employment if they cannot maintain employment while receiving treatment.
Individualized Care
While all intensive outpatient programs are similar, they can vary in the amount of care provided to patients. In some cases, patients may receive individualized treatment for two hours a day for three weeks, whereas other intensive outpatient programs provide treatment around-the-clock. Patients’ length of time in these programs also depends on their level. Patients that require more time to treat their addiction will be in the program longer than those who require less intensive care. In conclusion, patients need to understand the benefits of an intensive outpatient program when trying to overcome addiction.
An intensive outpatient program can be beneficial in many ways, from allowing patients to maintain a healthy work-life balance and providing them with the optimal level of care and treatment that they need. Patients will also receive individualized care by receiving treatment on an around-the-clock basis, which can help reduce any feelings of isolation they may have experienced throughout their recovery. If you are ready to start, call us today at 833-285-1315 and let us help you find the intensive outpatient program that is right for you and your family.