Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that requires professional treatment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people struggled with substance abuse in 2022.
There are plenty of options when it comes to addiction treatment. For example, you could choose inpatient or outpatient treatment, depending on what level of care you need. If you go the outpatient route, you might find that an intensive outpatient program (IOP) is the best choice.
Intensive outpatient programs in IOP offer a high level of care on an outpatient basis. This means you will receive many of the services offered during inpatient rehab while you live at home. During IOP in New Jersey, you can expect an in-depth assessment, evidence-based therapies, medication management, holistic care, and relapse prevention planning.
Knowing exactly what to expect during an IOP in New Jersey will help you determine whether it is the right kind of treatment for you.
How Long Does an Intensive Outpatient Program Last?
IOP programs are designed to help people recover from substance use disorders while they live in the comfort of their own homes. While they offer a range of treatment services, they are less intense than an inpatient treatment program. You will not receive 24/7 monitoring and supervision.
Typically, intensive outpatient programs meet 3 to 5 days a week. Each treatment session will last about 3 to 4 hours each day. This gives you enough time to engage in individual therapy, counseling group sessions, and building skills for relapse prevention.
Depending on your needs, an IOP in New Jersey may last between 30 to 90 days. Your treatment plan and length of services will be solely based on your needs for addiction recovery.
What to Expect During IOP in New Jersey
Intensive outpatient programs are designed to offer clients everything they need to achieve long-lasting sobriety. While some people choose to attend inpatient first, you can use an IOP as a standalone treatment option. A social worker or addiction counselor can help you determine what the best route is for you.
If you are considering attending IOP in New Jersey, it is important to know what to expect. You will engage in the following types of services during an intensive outpatient program:
Assessment
The first step in IOP is assessing your needs. After your insurance and payment information is taken and your medical release forms are signed, you will undergo an in-depth assessment. The staff members will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of substance abuse.
The information gathered will be used to create an individualized treatment plan. Your treatment plan might include information like how long you require IOP services, whether you need treatment for co-occurring disorders, and what types of therapy are best for you.
Individual and Group Therapy
Outpatient therapy for addiction typically only meets 2 to 4 times per month. When you choose an intensive outpatient program, you will have therapy sessions 3 to 5 times per week. Your therapy goes much more in-depth than traditional outpatient counseling.
You will engage in both individual and group therapies. Individual sessions focus more on the root causes of your addiction, while support groups are ideal for building coping mechanisms and social skills.
IOPs in New Jersey use evidence-based therapies to treat addiction, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This means you will be participating in a type of counseling that is proven effective for substance use disorders. If you have mental health issues, the therapy will also help you learn to cope with those.
Medication Management
Intensive outpatient programs often offer services to help people manage their medications.
First, you might be participating in a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program. This would mean you are taking medications to curb withdrawal symptoms or prevent cravings. On the other hand, you could be taking medications to treat a mental health condition.
No matter the reason you are taking medication, your IOP will help you manage the doses. If you are taking a daily medication, this might mean coming to the facility every day to receive your dose. Daily check-ins prevent you from abusing your medications and suffering from a relapse.
Holistic Treatment
Many intensive outpatient programs in New Jersey offer holistic treatment services. This might mean yoga, meditation, massage, or even acupuncture appointments. These types of holistic care can help you recover from addiction physically, psychologically, and spiritually.
For example, meditation can help you relax your muscles, cope with stress, and be a vital coping mechanism to overcome triggers or cravings for substance abuse.
Relapse Prevention and Aftercare
Lastly, IOP programs in New Jersey will ensure you develop relapse prevention skills. This often involves learning about what triggers your substance abuse and developing coping mechanisms to prevent a relapse.
Another vital part of relapse prevention is aftercare services. Once you finish your IOP program, you will have access to services that your facility offers to alumni. These services might include:
- Continued therapy
- Continued medication managementÂ
- Access to an alumni support group
- Referrals to outpatient programs or sober living homes
- Recommendations on local support groups like 12-step meetingsÂ
- Case management services like vocational trainingÂ
Get Connected to a Top-Rated IOP in New Jersey
If you or a loved one suffers from an addiction, intensive outpatient treatment in New Jersey might be right for you. IOP allows you to receive the addiction care you need while you live in the comfort of your own home.
Contact The Living Room today to learn more about how IOP works.