If you have come to terms with the idea that you are struggling with substance dependence and what to get clean, you will need to make the decision of whether you will commit to an inpatient or outpatient program. As its name suggests, an inpatient program means staying at a treatment facility while you are in the earliest stages of recovery. There are many benefits of inpatient programs.
Here are some of the most important benefits of intensive outpatient services, but they are not always feasible for people who are unable to meet the required commitment.
What is IOP?
IOP programs are treatment programs that can be used to treat addictions, eating disorders, depression and more. Programs that do not need detoxification or 24/7 supervision. They allow patients to continue with their normal lives in a manner that inpatient treatment programs do not. While inpatient programs mean that clients stay on side, clients who are attending IOP can stay living at home.
IOPs are sometimes used after attending an inpatient program, to help clients smoothly and seamlessly adapt back to life within their community. They can help clients to establish support mechanisms, assist with relapse prevention, and provide clients with coping strategies so that they can live a long and happy life in recovery.
1. You can continue to support your family
Outpatient programs give you the flexibility needed to maintain household responsibilities while you are starting recovery. Some patients have young children that need supervision and care. Other patients might have a spouse that is in full time employment and cannot get a full-time nanny. IOP programs offer you the flexibility and freedom to navigate these issues.
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2. Receive help from your friends and family
Isolation is one of the biggest threats to getting through addiction. In an inpatient program, one of the goals is that you are able to be around people who are going through the same struggles. If you do not need inpatient treatment and already have a strong network of people who want to see you get clean and sober, attending an IOP program might be the best option.
3. Maintain your privacy
One of the biggest roadblocks to addiction recovery are shame and embarrassment. People who have addiction problems often struggle to admit that they have a problem. Moments of embarrassment may prevent potential clients from starting their recovery journey. In a good treatment center, staff are committed to privacy, and work with the discretion of the client in mind. The people who are with you going through the IOP program can help you to feel safe and confident while you are going into recovery at your own pace.
4. Lower costs
The cost of going to IOP is far less than inpatient recovery. This is often the reason that people choose IOP programs. If you are unable to afford inpatient care, attending an IOP program is likely the best choice. The total cost of IOP programs is usually under $10,000, while inpatient programs can cost $40,000 or more.
5. Build community with other people in recovery
One of the keys for you to maintain sobriety is having a network of peers who are in recovery. You are able to find a sense of belonging and family, with people who really understand what you have been through and what you are going through. With IOP programs, you are able to develop a community from the first day. This is crucial for long term sobriety.
6. Stay at school or work
Many individuals are not able to simply uproot their lives and come out of school or work for weeks or months so that they can go to treatment. IOP gives you the flexibility of maintaining work and school schedules. While you might need some time off when you are going through the most challenging stages of withdrawal, you should be able to continue with your responsibilities after you have been through this. Work or school can also provide you with a positive outlet during intense periods of recovery.
Conclusion
If you have problems with addiction, the most effective way of treating them is by going to an addiction treatment facility. For most people, the best results will come from attending inpatient treatment. If this is not possible for you, IOP is a fine alternative, that has helped many people in the past to begin a life of recovery.
