When it comes to dealing with addiction treatment, it’s all about options. Finding the right program for you may depend on your situation. One of them might be intensive outpatient treatment.
This guide by Epiphany Wellness will be about intensive outpatient treatment and how it might work in your favor. You’ll find out how the whole thing works from start to finish. Finally, we’ll discuss if it’s the right option for you.
It’s vital to make a choice regarding your treatment plan. The important thing to be aware of is you can’t go at it alone. You need a team of professionals that will help you on your way toward a better life without addiction.
Let’s take a look now at this guide and find out more about intensive outpatient treatment.
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What is Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOT)?
Intensive outpatient treatment or IOT is a kind of treatment that operates on the outpatient model. This will allow you to attend treatment at a facility that offers IOT and be able to go home. This will be a good fit for those who will be dealing with substance abuse issues along with certain mental disorders. You will be working with medical professionals on a regular basis. They consider this kind of treatment intensive because of the amount of hours per week. For example, adults who undergo IOT will have at least 9 hours of treatment every week until further instructed.
What does IOT consist of?
IOT will consist of the following elements:
Individual counseling: This is where you work one-on-one with your assigned counselor. This will make things a bit more personalized. Your counselor will listen to you and be able to focus on your best interests regarding your recovery.
Group sessions: You will also be able to take part in group therapy sessions. This is where you’ll meet with like-minded people who have similar goals and aspirations as you do. You’ll each have stories to tell about your struggles with addiction and mental disorders. These group members can also become part of your support network as well.
Mental health counseling: Since IOT also focuses on mental disorders, you can take advantage of regular mental health counseling. You’ll be speaking to someone who may specialize in your specific disorder. They will be able to give you a personalized therapy plan that will help it become more manageable.
Medication management: While you are handling addiction, it’s also a good time to learn about medication management. You’ll learn how much is enough in terms of dosage. Especially when you are being treated for both addiction and your mental disorder.
Educational courses: You’ll learn about your mental disorders, how it can be managed, and so much more. You’ll also learn about how your addiction may have been connected to it in the first place. Think of it as an opportunity to get to know something that you’ve learned about yourself recently. And now, you need to know more.
Additional therapy options: This includes yoga sessions, art classes, and other programs that will help put your mind at ease while beating addiction and managing your mental health.
Who will benefit from IOT?
IOT will not be for everyone. The following list below are considered to be good candidates for this kind of treatment. They include but are not limited to:
Have a home life that is supportive: This is a key criteria that needs to be met. Your home needs to be a stable and supportive environment. This means the relationships should be stable. No one in the home should also be involved in drug activity.
No detoxification needed: If your addiction is not severe enough, there’s a good chance that no detoxification is needed. This means you won’t be dealing with serious withdrawal symptoms that may lead to serious or fatal consequences.
Are not a threat to themselves or others: If they exhibit behaviors that pose no threat to themselves or those around them, they can be able to use IOT to their advantage. This may take some evaluation to double check and confirm before making a final decision.
They have a need to continue their obligations: They may have obligations with school, work, or anything they need to tend to. In order for them to keep that, they can use IOT to their advantage.
They don’t need around the clock supervision: IOT will be useful for those who will not require around the clock supervision like you would in an inpatient setting. You will be allowed to live your day to day life. But you will need to attend regular treatment appointments until further instructed. A lot of trust and responsibility will be placed on you. But you will do whatever it takes to make life better after addiction.
If you are looking for a cost-effective program: Compared to other programs out there, IOT is the most cost-effective. This means you can be able to have it covered under your insurance policy (if included). Otherwise, out of pocket expenses won’t be as intimidating. If finances are an issue, payment plans can be arranged. Nevertheless, you won’t have to face any future financial challenges during or after the treatment
It’s private: You can be able to keep things private during your treatment. You are free to let other people know about it if you so choose.
Final Thoughts
If you fit the criteria listed above, then intensive outpatient treatment (IOT) might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s important that you take care of your addiction and mental disorders as soon as you can. You’re in a situation where it can be easily manageable.
You just need the right kind of people to help you along the way. You will be trusted to continue with the program until you are able to control it on your own. While this may be a challenge, you have it within you to move forward and conquer your addiction while managing your mental disorders on a daily basis.
