Drug and alcohol abuse can impact every part of a person’s life. It can affect physical health, emotional well-being, daily functioning, and more. Living with untreated addiction can lead to strained relationships, life-threatening medical conditions, mental health disorders, and more harm.
Comprehensive treatment can help people identify and address the roots of substance abuse. People have different needs throughout their recoveries and require different levels of care. There are several types of treatment programs to cover a broad range of needs.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and outpatient programs (OP) are two levels of addiction treatment. Both offer valuable support, treatment, and therapy sessions but provide different levels of support.
This article will explore the differences between IOP or OP programs.
What you will learn:
- What to expect in an intensive outpatient program
- What happens in an outpatient program
- The differences between IOP and OP programs
- How to determine which level of care is right for you
- Where to find addiction treatment and support in recovery
If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Alamo Behavioral Health to explore our comprehensive treatment programs. You may also reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What to Expect from an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is an intensive level of outpatient addiction treatment. An IOP provides rigorous treatment for people with severe addictions or co-occurring mental health conditions.
IOP sessions occur several days per week. In total, people in an IOP may spend up to 20 hours engaging in treatment sessions. Some IOP programs offer evening sessions, allowing people to continue working or attending school during the day.
Each person follows a tailored IOP treatment plan. An IOP treatment plan may include:
- Assessments and screenings
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Behavioral therapies
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Exercise, nutrition counseling, creative therapy, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning and support
After completing an IOP, people must follow an aftercare to stay engaged in recovery. An aftercare plan might include:
- Other levels of addiction treatment
- Sober living
- Support groups
- Individual therapy
- Mental health and medical care
- 12-step meetings
People may participate in an IOP after completing an inpatient level of care. Or, people who require support can participate in an IOP at any stage of their recovery.
What is an Outpatient Program (OP)?
Outpatient programs (OP) are a treatment option providing support for people with SUD or mental health conditions. People may attend an OP in a community mental health center, clinic, private practice, or addiction treatment facility.
Outpatient programs provide high-quality treatment on a flexible schedule. An OP treatment plan may include:
- Relapse prevention education
- Individual counseling
- Support groups
- Coping skills
- Life skills training
People who have completed more intensive treatment levels may benefit from an outpatient program’s support.
IOP vs. OP: Understanding the Differences
Each person has their own needs and goals during recovery. There are several levels of care in addiction treatment, and each provides a unique type of support.
So, what are the differences between IOP vs OP programs? Here is a quick explanation of the differences.
Time commitment
Intensive outpatient programs typically require people to engage in treatment sessions several times per week. Generally, people spend up to 20 hours per week engaging in treatment.
An outpatient program may only require one weekly treatment session. This can allow busy professionals, parents, and others to receive care while keeping up with responsibilities.
Intensity
An intensive outpatient program offers more intensive support than an outpatient rehab program. It is a good option for people who may benefit from the structure and treatment of a more intensive program.
An outpatient program (OP) is a more flexible level of care that is best suited for people with less intensive needs. It provides regular treatment and support on a less intensive schedule.
Structure
An IOP offers a more rigorous and intensive treatment schedule. While it is not as intensive as an inpatient or partial hospitalization program (PHP), an IOP provides reliable support, therapies, and education for people with more intensive needs.
It is critical to get the right level of care and support to meet your needs. Before starting a treatment program, you must undergo a substance abuse evaluation to determine which level of care is appropriate.
Which Level of Care is Right For Me?
Many people seek outpatient treatment after completing a residential or inpatient program. People may also participate in outpatient levels of care to build new skills, manage a relapse, or start a recovery journey.
While IOPs and OPs are outpatient levels of care, they provide different levels of support. Finding the right level of care to meet your needs at each stage of recovery is critical.
Before starting an outpatient program, a medical or addiction specialist may assess a person’s needs in recovery. This assessment may consist of:
- Questions about past and current substance use
- Medical and mental health history
- Family history of substance use disorder (SUD)
- A physical examination
- Lab testing
This assessment can provide valuable information that helps the treatment team create an effective recovery plan. It also ensures that doctors and mental health professionals can recommend the correct level of care to meet each person’s unique needs.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love needs addiction treatment or support during recovery, contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists. Learn about our compassionate, holistic approach to addiction recovery, or make an appointment by reaching out today.
