Outpatient treatment options may get overlooked in your research for someone with a substance use disorder. For many people, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), rather than a traditional in-patient rehab, can be a next step for someone who’s been unable to sustain their recovery. Today let’s talk about how this resource can be especially beneficial for women with substance use disorders.
For women whose substance use disorder falls in a mild to moderate range of severity, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) can be a helpful resource as a first (or next) step in the recovery process. IOPs allow women to integrate program sessions into their existing lives and schedules, receive treatment more affordably, and practice the strategies they’re learning outside of the 10-15 hours a week they devote to a program. For women who are seeking a transition to living independently following an inpatient program, an IOP can provide a next step in the recovery process.
Intensive Outpatient Programs are integrated with your existing life.
As a woman with a substance use disorder, receiving treatment that fits in with your daily living can be tremendously beneficial. You can remain connected with your family and friends (a natural support system), you can find a program based on openings in your schedule so your family and work responsibilities still get covered, and you can continue your pursuit of a degree or specialized vocational training without interruption.
Intensive Outpatient Programs are more affordable.
An IOP can be a cost-effective way to seek recovery for a substance use disorder. The cost for participating in a program is related directly to the care that’s provided rather than the infrastructure of housing and amenities. Insurance also may help you offset the out-of-pocket costs so it’s important to check your health insurance plan for treatment coverage.
IOPs allow you to practice the strategies you’re learning in between sessions.
With a weekly commitment of 10-15 hours in an Intensive Outpatient Program, a majority of your time will be spent outside of the program using the recovery strategies you’re learning immediately. As you track what strategies work and identify what environmental issues at home or at work may be affecting your ability to sustain sobriety, you can return to each successive session with more information to discuss with your addiction specialists.
IOPs can be as effective as inpatient programs.
For many women whose substance use disorder is in the mild-to-moderate range, an Intensive Outpatient Program can be effective as a step in the recovery process. Women who have experienced detox prior to starting an IOP (preferably with medical supervision), who are suffering only mild withdrawal symptoms, and who have strong existing support systems in their family or communities can begin healing with the help of individual sessions, group sessions for peer support, and family therapy sessions.
IOPs can provide a next step after inpatient programs.
For women who have experienced inpatient programs and want a transitional step with a higher level of care, an Intensive Outpatient Program can provide a more regimented structure of support than a traditional outpatient program. These services can include a recovery coach for additional support and routine drug screening to help you remain accountable during this next phase of your recovery work.
