Alcohol and Drug Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

What is addiction? Addiction is a biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual disease which affects virtually every aspect of an abuser’s life. Consequences of addictive behaviors increase as disease progression continues. Those participating in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) are properly educated about these aspects of addiction.

What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured program including group or individual therapy for individuals who do not require inpatient detox and rehab services, or have completed an inpatient stay and are transitioning to the structured outpatient services an IOP program provides. Our IOP typically includes group meetings three to four times a week, for sessions lasting approximately three hours in the evening. We offer different tracks that address both the substance use and mental health issues simultaneously. Our programs meet the highest standards of hospital-based care and evidence-based treatments that includes specialized focus on early recovery skills, relapse prevention, family education and social support and resources.

Our IOP treatment groups and services offer participants an opportunity to learn and practice recovery skills while maintaining their daily lives. A critical component to all our treatments is for participants to bring real life situations into the treatment process; addressing challenging problems and situations, and identifying and practicing supportive strategies for overcoming them. Our IOP programs offer a full continuum of Medication Assisted Treatment for substance abuse disorders, featuring:

• Anti-craving medication
• Co-occurring disorder treatment (depression and anxiety)
• Treatment team consisting of an Addiction-Certified psychiatrist, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Intensive Outpatient Treatment Focusing on Wellness

Unless treated and stopped, alcoholism or drug addiction is a serious, progressive illness that can lead to mental, physical, and emotional pain and even death. Intensive Outpatient treatment focuses on a recovery program concerned not just abstinence, but with improved quality of life and well being.

Our IOP treatment program is based on the 12-step philosophy in tandem with an individualized evaluation and treatment plan for each person’s specific needs. Besides the goal to prevent relapse, we strive to help chemically dependent patients understand the disease of addiction by providing information about the physical, emotional, social, and legal consequences of alcohol and/or drug use.

Why is IOP For Addiction Important?

Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) helps alcoholics and those addicted to drugs during the early stages of the recovery process. Abusers of alcohol, drugs, prescription medications, painkillers, and other substances lack coping skills to deal with life problems without the use of those substances. Problem-solving and the identification and application of coping skills are vital for the addicted person to maintain recovery. For this reason, these skills are a major focus of the outpatient services offered in the Intensive Outpatient Program.

Alcoholics and drug abusers also experience cravings and urges on a regular basis. These desires could cause a slip back into active addiction very easily. Those with substance abuse problems may additionally have anxiety and/or depressive disorders which need to be addressed as part of an overall co-occurring disorder treatment plan. The support of an IOP program early in the process can be the difference between relapse and recovery. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is utilized during treatment to address the addictive thought process, dysfunctional emotions, behavioral, and cognitive concerns.

Get Addiction Treatment While Living Everyday Life

The Intensive Outpatient Program enables you to seek treatment for your addiction to alcohol and/or drugs while continuing to work and take care of your family.

Treatment begins with an initial addiction consultation and addiction/psychiatric assessment by a physician for all individuals considering the Intensive Outpatient Program for alcohol and/or drug addiction or dual diagnosis treatment. Once admitted to our NJ Intensive Outpatient Program, you will work with an assigned Certified Addiction Therapist as well as a Licensed Social Worker through the course of your treatment in regularly scheduled individual and family sessions. This is combined with group counseling that is also run by our highly experienced IOP therapists who have expertise in both mental health and substance use disorders.

IOP Alumni Meeting

The monthly IOP Alumni meeting is held to maintain a connection with our incredible community of graduates who would like to share their support, strength, and hope with each other. Coffee and light refreshments are provided during each meeting.

Anyone who graduated from the IOP program is able to participate. RSVP to Rachel.Wallace@HMHN.org.