Attending an intensive outpatient program is recommended as part of a well-rounded treatment plan that targets drug addiction and alcoholism. Long-term sobriety requires ongoing, intensive treatment and a strong support network. Intensive outpatient programs in Long Island and out-of-state provide clients with continued care and support through a convenient yet powerful addiction treatment program in an IOP level of care.

When clients attend an intensive outpatient program, they are able to develop the skills and relationships needed to sustain recovery from alcohol and other drug use while keeping up with jobs, school, and family commitments. Most IOPs offer a day/night treatment program, giving clients the opportunity to attend treatment sessions in the morning or evening.

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What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?

Intensive Outpatient Programs are treatment programs utilized to address drug addiction, alcohol abuse, depression, and mental health issues associated with drinking or drug addiction. During an IOP, round-the-clock supervision, detoxification, or staying in the facility 24/7 is not required.

The patient simply attends the appointment several times a week and still gets to go home and continue with their job or school. You still live at home, and simply attend IOP sessions. Intensive Outpatient Programs also help patients adapt to their everyday life, establish support mechanisms, help avoid relapse and learn coping strategies for facing a life of sobriety.

Intensive Outpatient Program Therapies

A set of core services is essential to all intensive outpatient treatment efforts and should be a standard part of the treatment package for every client (NCBI). An intensive outpatient addiction treatment program is a good fit for addicts and alcoholics that need structure and support in their recovery process. The main components of intensive outpatient treatment generally include:

  • Psychotherapists/addiction specialists on-site
  • Individual counseling sessions
  • Network of recovery resources
  • Group Therapy: A small client-to-therapist ratio in process groups
  • Collaboration with sober living residences
  • Family involvement in the recovery process
  • Random drug and alcohol screenings
  • Strong aftercare support
  • Relapse prevention
  • Medication management

IOP is not a step down from inpatient treatment or detox treatment, you can still expect similar mental health treatment with an inpatient program. The primary benefit of an IOP is you still get to be home to your family and live as normal a life as possible.

What Are the Therapies Expected in an IOP?

Is an Intensive Outpatient Program Right For You?

There are different kinds of sobriety and drug rehabilitation programs available at Long Island Interventions. There is full-time inpatient care, partial hospitalization program, or residential treatment. But how do you know if an Intensive Outpatient Program is right for you? If you can relate to one of the situations below, then you should definitely consider joining the IOP of Long Island Interventions.

  • Individuals with substance abuse disorders, drug abuse, alcohol dependency, mental health disorders, and co-occurring disorders of drug and alcohol abuse
  • You have difficulty concentrating at school and work
  • You experience symptoms triggered by certain stressful situations or events
  • You feel depressed, anxious, and stressed most of the time
  • You resort to drinking alcohol or taking drugs to cope with daily life
  • You think about drinking alcohol or taking drugs most time of the day and get anxious if you can’t
  • You can’t fully commit to 24/7 hospitalization and inpatient rehabilitation due to your daily responsibilities
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The Benefits of an Intensive Outpatient Program

There are plenty of benefits when joining an IOP. When you come to think of it, it’s all about the benefits, here’s what you need to be aware of:

You Still Can Continue Living at Home

Since this is an inpatient setting, you still have to live at home and maintain your responsibilities at home, school, or at work. Your life continues as it is, except for the part you are receiving the help you need to overcome drug addiction or alcohol dependency. It’s like going to therapy, but with a higher level of care.

You Still Get To Spend Time With Your Family

Instead of living in a treatment facility for weeks or months, you still get to go home and spend time with your family. In these tough times, you need a support system to rally around you. The presence of your family members during your treatment process is a big factor in recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Program Is Less Costly

Compared to an inpatient treatment center, IOP is more affordable. If the budget is tight especially if your health insurance does not cover drug or addiction treatment, IOP is the better option.

You Can Keep Your Privacy

In an IOP setting, you can still maintain your privacy. It’s inevitable that the stigma that comes with residential treatment still exists. Plus, taking time off work to attend a residential treatment may raise some issues, especially from the judging eyes of some colleagues. So if you want to keep your privacy, an IOP is a better option.

The Stages of Addiction Treatment 

The American Society of Addiction Medicine and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defined the 5 stages of the evidence-based treatment process of substance use disorders as part of the continuum of care. In an IOP, here are the 5 stages you can expect.

  • Level 0.5: Early Intervention
  • Level 1: Outpatient Treatment
  • Level 2: Intensive Outpatient Program or partial hospitalization
  • Level 3: Intensive Outpatient Program or residential treatment facility
  • Level 4: Medically-managed intensive outpatient program

As you can see, in all stages of addiction treatment, it is proven that outpatient services are considered as effective as inpatient treatment services. Although an inpatient program is still considered a higher level of care, IOP is still as effective.

Why Choose Long Island Interventions?

Long Island Interventions is composed of experienced and highly-qualified health care professionals and clinicians to guide you in your journey to recovery. The health care team of Long Island Interventions has one mission and that is to help you or loved ones recover from substance abuse, and alcohol addiction and avoid relapse.

Long Island Interventions is an industry leader in addiction treatment in Long Island. Our team of medical experts is committed to ensuring individualized patient care. With all the uncertainty and challenges that come with addiction recovery, Long Island will guide you to the pathway of recovery.

Intensive outpatient programs in Long Island

IOP Programs for Long Island, Queens, Staten Island Residents

There are many intensive outpatient programs that cater to Long Island, Queens, and Staten Island residents. It is important to select an IOP program that will personalize your treatment plan to fit your unique personal needs. Some clients require more psychoeducational process groups, while others need skills development, and so on. Our certified interventionists can help you or your loved one prepare to enter an IOP program. Give us a call to learn more today!

Intensive outpatient programs are not directly offered by Long Island Interventions. However, we do recognize that this type of addiction treatment is often necessary and vital to one’s long-term recovery from substance abuse. 


Published on: 2017-02-03
Updated on: 2024-07-11