Across the United States, there are thousands of addiction treatment centers. Each facility offers various types of treatment options ranging from inpatient residential drug rehab programs to outpatient addiction treatment options. Also, there are different types of outpatient addiction treatment options depending on your individual treatment needs.
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a form of addiction treatment in which allows clients to visit a treatment center several days a week for a few hours at a time. An IOP is more time-intensive than most standard outpatient programs. However, unlike an inpatient program, it does not require participants to live at the facility they can continue to live at home and attend school or work.
The most notable difference between an intensive outpatient program and an inpatient program is that those who participate in an inpatient residential program in Los Angeles live at the facility throughout the duration of their treatment program.
Inpatient residential programs are generally a better fit for those who struggle with a severe addiction or have completed an addiction treatment program and suffer a relapse. To enhance the chances of treatment success, it is often beneficial to remove the temptations associated with drugs or alcohol for an extended period. Inpatient residential programs are also a suitable option for those who have challenging or difficult home environments that are unstable, triggering, or for those with co-existing mental health conditions requiring specific dual-diagnosis treatment.
Inpatient programs provide care on a 24-hour per day basis. Regardless of the time of day, medical monitoring, mental health supervision, and nutritional support are available in a structured environment away from known triggers. Unfortunately, inpatient residential programs can be more expensive than outpatient treatment programs and require a time commitment away from loved ones.
Intensive outpatient programs are generally better suited for those with less severe addictions, minimal or no co-occurring mental health conditions, and a stable, safe support structure at home.
Group therapy is one of the main components of intensive outpatient treatment programs in Los Angeles. Group settings allow you to improve your communication, give and receive support from peers, experience structure, and perhaps most importantly, learn how to socialize without drugs or alcohol.
Also, intensive outpatient treatment centers are traditionally less expensive and provide flexibility around treatment session scheduling. Intensive outpatient programs strive to help you maintain abstinence, address issues such as housing and employment, develop a “sober” support system, and improve problem-solving and coping skills. Most intensive outpatient programs do not offer detox services. If your addiction is such that detox is necessary before you can successfully participate in treatment, you may be referred to a residential program or similar detox facility for detox services before beginning outpatient care.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Duration
The duration of an inpatient addiction treatment program often varies from as little as 30 days to as long as 6 months. How long you stay in treatment will depend on several factors, including your addiction’s severity, if this is your first time at a Los Angeles intensive outpatient program, and your overall physical and mental health.
Intensive outpatient alcohol treatment typically consists of a schedule that includes several hours of daily treatment between 3 and 5 days per week (totaling around thirty hours per week). Most intensive outpatient programs last for at least 90 days, but some can last longer, depending on your treatment needs.
Intensive outpatient treatment programs in Los Angeles use several different therapy models to help you achieve and maintain long-term sobriety. The most common of these include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and other similar therapeutic approaches. Some intensive outpatient programs also incorporate 12-step programs into their treatment approaches.
"Becky and Alison and the amazing team are here to really help people with addiction and related mental health issues. The intimate and approachable setting here will make anyone feel comfortable and the multi-faceted programming really deals with the entire scope of underlying triggers and reasons that people turn to abusing drugs and alcohol in the first place. I would refer friends and family here without hesitation."
- Greg, Alumni
"Great place! One of my friends spent time here to kick a bad habit and to eventually live healthier. Ever since my friends treatment here they have become more confident, beat a bad habit, and now live a healthy lifestyle and are doing something meaningful with their life. I would recommend this place to anyone in need of help or to anyone who knows someone in need of help."
- Trainer, Loved-One
"Heart centered therapy with skills and competencies of the highest standard. Body - Mind - Spirit blend together in order to provide outstand services at Comfort Recovery LLC."
- Michael, Professional
"Comfort Recovery LLC Staff is the best, and great session options and outpatient programs.
- Gabriela, Alumni
Our substance abuse intensive outpatient program in Agoura Hills begins with a comprehensive assessment of your unique treatment needs. After this initial assessment, a therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and where you are in the recovery process. Part of the treatment planning process consists of creating a schedule for how many days and hours you will attend treatment each week. If your treatment needs or the speed of your recovery change during treatment, this plan can always be revised. Intensive outpatient programs generally meet on weekdays and offer day and evening programs to ensure treatment options are available to everyone, regardless of work, school, or family obligations.
During the time you are at treatment, you will meet for various group sessions, including relapse prevention, family groups, addiction education, skill-building, and 12-step groups.
Most intensive outpatient California conducts drug testing while you attend the program. The frequency and intervals of this testing vary and can be quite random. Drug testing is a normal part of many treatment protocols. It helps the program ensure that participants follow program rules and protects other program members from those who choose to continue to use. A positive drug test may be a sign that you need to consider a higher level of treatment, such as a residential program.
It is important to remember that once you complete your intensive outpatient program, you are not necessarily “cured.” Maintaining recovery and long-term sobriety will take ongoing work. Many who struggle with addictions to drugs or alcohol will still participate in some form of continuing care after completing treatment. Continuing group sessions or meeting with your therapist one-on-one can help you stay motivated in your sobriety and continue to work on essential relapse prevention skills. If you are ready to seek addiction treatment and believe an intensive outpatient program might be right for you, contact us at Comfort Recovery LLC today. There is no wrong time to begin the journey to sobriety. Find your path to freedom at Comfort Recovery LLC in Agoura Hills.