Why Is IOP Suggested After Rehab?

The Continuum of Care and Intensive Outpatient

Undergoing and successfully completing a drug and alcohol treatment program is one of the biggest life-changing events that can happen to an addict. When someone who is addicted to drugs and alcohol makes the commitment to go into treatment and put in the hard work to address and overcome the underlying issues that caused their abuse of substances, the changes they go through are nothing short of miraculous. An IOP or Intensive Outpatient Program can help solidify these changes and assist in helping them become a permanent part of a sober lifestyle.

When their time in treatment draws to a close, the newly recovering addict has regained their physical health and mentally they feel on top of the world. While the addict who is new in recovery can’t wait to start a new chapter in their life, their work in recovery has just begun. It is time to start thinking about life in recovery and how an IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) can help their success long term.

The first few months of recovery are the most crucial, and those who complete drug treatment have to learn to deal with the pressures of everyday life while trying to keep their sobriety front and center. The stress of day-to-day life can wear down those who are in recovery, and as a result, it can make them vulnerable to relapse.

In order to minimize the chances of relapse in recovery, it is highly suggested those who are newly recovered attend an intensive outpatient program (IOP). An IOP is suggested after rehab because the continued counseling and support received in this type of program will give people the extra tools and confidence to maintain their hard-earned sobriety.

The Importance of an IOP or Intensive Outpatient Program

As already stated, treatment staff will suggest an IOP after drug rehab, both because it is the next in the levels of addiction treatment care, and because it allows clients to work with staff to further strengthen their individual program of recovery. There is a distinct difference between getting sober and staying sober. While the combination of detox, therapy, and life skills training will give those seeking recovery the tools they need to address their substance abuse issues, they will need to learn to effectively utilize those tools once they resume their busy family, work, and school obligations.

Intensive outpatient programs are structured in the same way as an inpatient or residential treatment programs. An IOP features individual and group therapy, active involvement in 12-Step and other sober support groups, and IOP focuses on refining and putting into practice the life and coping skills that were learned while in intensive inpatient treatment.

IOPs are suggested after rehab because clients can continue to receive intensive therapy and treatment services on a flexible schedule. Another benefit of an IOP is the fact that it is a “step down” program in which the intensity and frequency of therapy and other services can be reduced as the individual progresses through treatment and is fully ready to resume their daily obligations.

Intensive Outpatient Program Focuses on Relapse Prevention

The continuing therapy and treatment programming that is featured in an IOP focus on relapse prevention. When newly recovering addicts take part in the intensive outpatient program at Rehabs Of Armerica, our program focuses on four main points:

Learning About Your Triggers in an IOP

There are a lot of environmental, social, and psychological factors that can make you vulnerable to a relapse. Despite what many may think, relapse is not a sudden event. The attitudes and behaviors that lead to relapse often develop over a considerable period of time. A relapse can occur because of a variety of reasons such as a recurring episode of depression or anxiety, or it can happen as a result of a flashback to a past traumatic event.

Additionally, relapse can occur as a result of triggers such as family problems, relationship conflicts, or even a social event. IOPs are suggested after rehab because clients will learn how to identify those stressors that can lead to relapse, and they can develop healthy and proactive ways to cope with these stressors.

Coping with Urges and Cravings

Many addicts who complete drug treatment will be faced with many situations they may not have considered during treatment. For example, they may have found new employment or started a new and intimate relationship. Those new to recovery may have found a new place to live or decided to move to a different part of the country to get a fresh start. These types of stressful situations can bring forth the urges and cravings to use substances. Counseling sessions and support groups found in aftercare groups can help you cope with these high-risk situations in a healthier manner.

Thinking Through A Relapse

For those who are in the early stages of recovery, they may be tempted by the idea they can go back to using substances because they can “use responsibly”. The reality is that if an addict resumes drinking and drugging after a period of sobriety will lead to potentially dangerous outcomes such as an overdose, hospitalization, loss of a relationship or incarceration. An individualized relapse prevention plan that is a part of an IOP is suggested because those new in recovery will be able to evaluate the potential outcome of a slip before taking that first drink or picking up their preferred drug or drugs of choice.

IOP – Keeping a Lapse From Turning into a Relapse

An unfortunate part of the recovery process is the fact that relapse is a common occurrence. No matter how strong our recovery maybe, those who are newly recovering can have a lapse in judgment and can end up using drugs or alcohol on impulse. While these minor slips can be disappointing and can create tremendous guilt and same, these slips don’t have to snowball into a full-blown relapse. A quality IOP will teach clients how to handle these momentary lapses if and when they do occur.

Protect Your Sobriety with Help From Rehabs Of Armerica

You put in many hours of work in order to get clean and sober; protect your investment with a reputable intensive outpatient program. We offer quality and intensive therapy and treatment services that will allow you to grow in your recovery. Achieve the ultimate goal of lifelong recovery and call Rehabs Of Armerica toll-free today.

Anna M.( Senior Content Writer )

Anna M. joined Find Addiction Rehabs with extensive experience in the field of addiction treatment. As a former Nurse Practitioner in Miami, she found her passion for addiction treatment when a family member was lost to his disease. With each article and resource, she hopes to save other families from experiencing the anguish of a loved one’s passing due to drinking or drugs.