Intensive Outpatient Drug Rehab Benefits Families as Well as Individuals

There are many options for people looking for a drug rehab program. Each patient has their own work schedules and family obligations, and comes in with varying severity of addiction. Some find the intensive daily treatment in residential drug rehab programs the best for them. Others find that outpatient therapy allows them more flexibility for their family and work needs.

While some patients may benefit from inpatient drug rehab, others are finding intensive outpatient treatment (IOT) equally beneficial for their lifestyle.

Defining Intensive Outpatient Drug Rehab

Intensive outpatient treatment blends parts of other drug rehab treatments to create a flexible, yet intense rehab program. While it provides a longer period of treatment than traditional outpatient treatment, it is not quite as intense as inpatient treatment.

IOT uses the typical components of drug treatment programs such as detox, counseling, and aftercare counseling and programs. Addiction professionals meet with patients a minimum of nine hours each week, night or day.

The flexibility, yet intensive treatment, of IOT is one of its most attractive benefits.

IOT Benefits Families

IOT drug rehab programs allow patients the flexibility to attend treatment sessions and still be an involved family member. Parents can still have the opportunity to read a bedtime book to their child each night, attend school programs, and make dinner for their families all while going through a treatment program. Parent-child bonds don’t have to be completely broken while a parent or a young adult is undergoing treatment. For single parents who do not think that they have the time for drug rehab, IOT may be the solution.

While a patient’s family members may benefit from IOT, the patient may also benefit from the additional support of their family. Part of overcoming drug addiction is having the support of your family around you. After a day of intense treatment, patients can come home to talk with their family about their accomplishments, fears, and hopes. With added comfort and security of certain home atmospheres, patients may heal more quickly.

IOT Benefits Students and Workers

Flexible schedules are more likely to allow students to keep taking some of their coursework. Rather than completely dropping out of school for a while, students may be able to still take one or two classes a semester.

Some people may fear that they will lose their job while they attend a drug rehab program. IOT may help make it possible for them to work the same schedule or a part-time schedule at work.

Finding Time for Treatment

Addiction specialists help a patient find the right intensity for their IOT. Some programs may start off intensely and then gradually be reduced to a few hours a day as the patient moves toward self-motivation and goals they have set.

With less anxiety about work and family, the patient is able to feel better about taking the time to find drug rehab treatment.