What is Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment?
IOP’s are a form of group therapy that includes education, process, interventions and an individual/family component. IOP participants attend group sessions three hours per day, three days per week and one hour of individual or conjoint therapy per week. Family members are highly encouraged to participate in a weekly family group as well as the individual sessions.
IOP’s were developed to help working adults maintain their jobs, community and family responsibilities while attending a higher level of treatment than weekly education groups. IOP’s provide intensive therapy, support and case management. These programs provide an individual the opportunity to continue his or her daily lifestyle while in treatment. They also provide an alternative to residential treatment, which usually takes an individual out of the home community, severely impacting family relationships and finances.
Group Composition
- There is currently two groups in Carlsbad and one group in Artesia
- Group size is limited to 10-12 people
- Group meet three times per week for 16 weeks
- Active participation is an expectation
Criteria for Placement
- Must be 18 years of age
- Carry a substance abuse or dependence diagnosis
- Be medically stable to participate
- Be psychiatrically stable enough to participate appropriately
- Must be willing and motivated to be an active participant
- Commit to the significant reduction and/or abstinence of all mood altering substances
IOP accepts individuals referred through the criminal justice system, individual employers and self-referred clients as well as other referral sources. The program targets the issues of individuals with addictions and co-occurring disorders, such as a combination of addiction and a mental health diagnosis.
The assessment team will make the final determination of the client’s level of need according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria, the funding source criteria and the general milieu as well as the perceived ability to participate in a fashion that will enhance the client’s life situation.
