Is Recovery Time Shorter with Intensive Outpatient Program?

The number of illegal drug users in the USA is over 31 million. However, only 11% of those who get addicted receive the help they need and deserve.  

Various factors can keep drug users from seeking help. However, lack of access to help can be one of the primary reasons. Even when many try to quit drugs through rehabilitation, a lack of support or a support system can lead to addiction relapse. Every two or three out of five patients experience relapse. Relapse can extend the duration of their healing journey. 

Intensive Outpatient Programs are being recommended more and more to help those who have completed inpatient programs. They are designed to fit into patients’ lives to bring them closer to a normal life while also helping them through each step of the way.  

How Long do Intensive Outpatient Programs Last? 

Intensive Outpatient Programs or IOP Pompano Beach can last anywhere from one month to a year. However, most intensive outpatient programs last between two or four months, i.e., eight to sixteen weeks. Patients must come in three times a week, with each visit lasting up to three hours. 

Do Intensive Outpatient Programs Last Shorter than Inpatient Programs? 

Inpatient programs last 90 days and require the patient to stay at the hospital for the entire duration. On the other hand, intensive outpatient programs last for a much shorter duration. Since they only require up to nine hours of the patient’s time during a week, the overall duration of even a long intensive outpatient program can be shorter than an inpatient program lasting three months. 

The Convenience of Intensive Outpatient Program  

Dropping everything and staying at the hospital may not be convenient for many patients with drug abuse.  

Patients cannot go to work or attend in-person classes during the inpatient program. They can also miss out on fulfilling their domestic responsibilities. Since these requirements also come with financial strains, the patients may be unwilling to enroll in an inpatient program. 

However, intensive outpatient programs can fit different schedules. The patient only needs to schedule a few hours in the whole week to receive the help that increases their quality of life for the rest of the week and even the rest of their life.  

While many patients are recommended intensive outpatient programs after completing an inpatient program, those who deal with drug addiction but cannot make time for an inpatient program can also opt for it. Patients having experienced relapse can also join intensive outpatient programs.  

The Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Program 

Intensive outpatient programs help patients in the following ways: 

Attend Work or School 

The primary benefit of intensive outpatient programs is that they don’t take up much of a patient’s time, and hence the patient can easily go to work or attend school. This benefit allows the patient to stay independent, bring a sense of normalcy to their life, and help them progress in their career.  

Fulfill Domestic Responsibilities 

Besides allowing patients to keep a sense of normalcy in their life outside the home, intensive outpatient programs also allow the patients to be present at home and fulfill their domestic responsibilities. Patients with children or partners can especially find this advantageous. 

Get Support from Families 

Inpatient programs can make many patients feel isolated from their families. However, intensive outpatient programs allow the patients to spend time at home with their family and friends. It allows the patients and their family members to build communication and talk about the patient’s progress. 

 

Many intensive outpatient programs may include some sessions on family counseling and building communication between family members. These sessions can prove to be significantly helpful for the patient in finding their family’s support. 

Maintain Privacy 

Patients may feel hesitant in enrolling in an inpatient program for the fear that people close to them will notice their absence and find out about their addiction issues. The hesitation can also make patients feel guilty or ashamed of their addiction. These feelings can sometimes worsen the addiction and keep the patient from seeking help.  

However, since intensive outpatient programs allow the patients to attend work or school and maintain a normal routine, it saves them from answering difficult questions from their acquaintances. Patients can feel safe from judgment while also finding support from those close to them.  

Feel Belonged with Their Recovery Group 

Patients are grouped in intensive outpatient programs with individuals with similar needs. Intensive outpatient programs also include many group therapy sessions. These factors allow patients to feel understood and belonged. They can build a community with individuals who understand their issues and support them in overcoming them. 

Last but not least, Intensive outpatient programs are also affordable compared to inpatient programs. When looking for an intensive outpatient program or IOP Pompano Beach, patients are advised to opt for one that personalizes the care according to the patients’ needs. Sand Treatment Center is one such place that helps patients with tailored therapy to help them make the best of their lives.