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Do Intensive Outpatient Programs Work?

woman on couch wondering does iop work

Addiction is a truly devastating disorder. It can lead people to lose friends, jobs, and their quality of life. Fortunately, addiction is highly treatable with the help of professional addiction treatment programs like Northpoint Omaha’s Nebraska intensive outpatient program. If you’re ready to stop using drugs or alcohol for good, call 888.687.8014 to learn more about our treatment options and start your recovery today.

What Is IOP?

The first step in understanding how IOP works is answering the question, “What is IOP?” The acronym stands for “intensive outpatient program,” and it refers to a level of care that offers evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders in a convenient, outpatient setting.

As the name implies, IOP is intensive, meaning it provides a condensed, focused, and effective form of treatment for substance use disorders. Patients in an IOP will typically attend treatment three to four days a week for several hours at a time. The time commitment is not unlike a part-time job, but all of the work is focused on helping people break free from addiction.

Does IOP Work?

Intensive outpatient programs are time-tested and effective at helping people stop substance use, regain their quality of life, and build long-lasting support for a life in recovery.

By using therapies and techniques that have been studied by addiction researchers for decades, treatment professionals equip people with the tools and skills needed to lead healthy and productive lives.

Just some of the treatments provided at an IOP program include:

  • Peer-to-peer support for recovery
  • Individual therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Relapse prevention programs
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • 12-step facilitation

Together, these treatments and therapies help people manage their cravings, deal with triggers in the real world, and rebuild relationships that have been damaged during addiction.

Many people wonder, “Does IOP work?” Absolutely. Every day, countless people participate in IOPs and learn how to overcome substance use disorder.

IOP Benefits

While sobriety is always the ultimate goal and one of the main benefits of IOP, a quality addiction treatment center can help people rebuild their holistic health, heal damaged relationships, and deal with co-occurring mental illnesses as well.

Furthermore, the flexible nature of IOP benefits people who have busy schedules and can’t necessarily commit to full-time residential or inpatient care.

Just some of the benefits of IOP include:

  • Treating co-occurring mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
  • Helping people to build strong communication skills
  • Guiding people towards self-help and support groups that can help them for years to come
  • Allowing people to continue meeting social, occupational, or familial responsibilities
  • Introducing patients to peers and professionals who will support them in their recovery

With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why IOP is a common form of addiction treatment.

One of the last key benefits of an intensive outpatient program is that they are designed to help people where they are. Residential or inpatient services offer the same treatments as IOP, but they do so in a controlled environment, without the pressures and triggers of the outside world.

In contrast, an IOP helps people navigate these difficult situations in real-time and provides extensive support that works in the real world. Patients can learn to apply the techniques and skills they learn during treatment as soon as they encounter a bump in the road.

Start an Intensive Outpatient Program at Northpoint Omaha

When you’re ready to start an intensive outpatient program in Nebraska, reach out to the professionals at Northpoint Omaha by calling 888.687.8014. Our compassionate team will be there to answer questions, provide assistance, and support you in every aspect of your recovery.