Intensive Outpatient Treatment

For those who are moderately addicted to drugs and need help, sometimes outpatient treatment is to lenient while inpatient treatment is too invasive. There is a need for a happy median in which patients can get help that is rather intense but not so invasive as requiring them to remain in a treatment facility for months on end—intensive outpatient treatment is the solution. These programs require the patient to stay in a recovery program for up to 8 hours per day, 5 days or more per week but they do allow the patient to return home at the end of the day.

What Makes Intensive Outpatient Treatment Different?

Are you wondering what makes this method of treatment any different than standard outpatient treatment? Intensive outpatient treatment is more invasive than standard outpatient treatment and typically takes place during the majority of the daytime hours but at the end of the day, the patient will return home. Most of the time, educational classes, counseling and group therapy will take place for up to 8 hours during the day and the program is usually Monday thru Friday but there are also options over the weekend. Intensive outpatient treatment provides almost the level of care and support that is found in an inpatient treatment program which makes it an effective method of treatment for those who are moderately addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Most intensive outpatient treatments last for a period of at least 4 weeks but some are shorter in span. The activities that the patients can take part in during this method of treatment include watching movies, educational activities, reading, listening to live speakers, and homework assignments that will keep them on track even when they are not in the treatment program.

Family Involvement in Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Most of the time, family members are included in these programs. Recognizing that family members are equally as affected by the problems that come with substance abuse, intensive outpatient treatment programs will often provide education and support to the family members of those who are addicted in an effort to help rebuild the family support system and increase the chances of ultimate recovery and long term sobriety. Some even provide child care while the parents get adequate support and counseling to ensure lasting success in recovery from this devastating disease.