What is an Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) Alcohol And Drug Rehab Center?

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Andrew McKenna - Expert Content Editor

Updated: 07/20/2023

What Is Intensive Outpatient Treatment?

Intensive outpatient (IOP) drug rehab provides a longer and more in-depth level of care than traditional outpatient treatment. While each facility’s IOP program is different in terms of scheduling, these programs typically run three to five days per week and last around three months, depending upon patients’ progress and ongoing care needs. IOP generally consists of group therapy, individualized counseling, and supplemental therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). IOP is often covered by private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid to make treatment affordable for you or your loved one. Use our directory to find an IOP addiction treatment center in your area.

What Happens in Intensive Outpatient Treatment?

Each IOP alcohol and drug rehab center will vary in its programming based on resources, specialties, and other factors. However, the general model is essentially the same. You or your loved one will come to daily treatment sessions and return home after getting the care you need. 

IOP alcohol and drug rehab centers often include techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and other common modalities to help you address the root causes and triggers associated with your addiction. You will also work with a case manager to coordinate most aspects of your care, including medication-assisted treatment (if applicable), sober living, drug court navigation, and more.

What Are the Benefits of IOP Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers?

Intensive outpatient alcohol and drug rehab centers offer the flexibility many people need when going through treatment without compromising the quality or depth of care. The reality of addiction is that it impacts every area of your life, including your career, your family relationships, your legal freedom, and more. As these areas of life are disrupted, it can be difficult to completely remove yourself from these areas without causing even more dysfunction.

A Substance Use Disorder can make life stressful, and also be a trigger for relapse. IOP programs provide the in-depth level of care you need while allowing you to stay present in the important areas of your life that need attention. It allows parents to remain present in their children’s lives. It allows employees to enjoy discrete and distraction-free treatment and job security. It allows people to remain home while they get the care they need. IOP treatment can also be done virtually in the safety, privacy, and discretion of your own space. 

When you realize you need help for alcohol and drug addiction, IOP treatment can be a prime choice if you:

  • Have a family for whom you’re responsible.
  • Have a job from which you can’t take an extended leave of absence.
  • Have health struggles that would make it hard to stay elsewhere for treatment.

IOP alcohol and drug rehab centers are among the most common types of addiction treatment centers. IOP Rehab can also be combined with detox and withdrawal management at a nearby medical facility or as part of your care program at the facility you choose.

Use our directory of IOP alcohol and drug rehab centers to find treatment in your area

Additional Resources For IOP Addiction Treatment

Speak With a Compassionate Treatment Specialist Now! Who Answers?
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