For some people, practicality has no part to play in the decision of whether or not to go to rehab. They’re struggling to get through the day and have either lost their job or place in school, or are on the verge of it.
But what if you’re barely making it through the work or school day but can’t take a month (or longer) off without derailing everything? Do you simply keep going until you can no longer manage?
Fortunately, there are alternatives to residential rehab. One is the typical outpatient program, which people with mild to moderate addictions can choose. Another is the intensive outpatient program (IOP), which offers the option to get the help you need without disconnecting from your normal life.
Many people who attend IOPs spend their entire day at the rehab center. The program is intensive, after all, and requires focus. However, there is an option for those who need to continue working full time: evening IOPs.
What exactly is an IOP and how does an evening IOP work? Is it as effective as inpatient rehab?
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are IOPs?
IOPs are structured treatment programs that offer comprehensive care for individuals battling addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. These programs typically include multiple therapy sessions each week, providing a blend of individual counseling, group therapy, and educational workshops. The primary goal of an IOP is to help participants develop coping strategies, improve their mental health, and support their journey toward sobriety and stability.
How IOPs Differ from Inpatient and Outpatient Programs
How does an IOP differ from other types of treatment programs? Let’s take a look at the main types of rehab:
- Inpatient Programs: In inpatient or residential treatment, individuals live at the facility for the duration of their program, which can range from 28 days to several months. Inpatient care provides round-the-clock supervision and support, making it ideal for those with severe addictions or co-occurring disorders that require constant monitoring.
- Outpatient Programs: A typical outpatient program is less intensive than an IOP, involving fewer hours of therapy per week. Outpatient programs are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate addiction who have strong support systems and can manage their recovery while continuing with daily life activities.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs): IOPs offer a middle ground, providing a higher level of care than standard outpatient programs but with more flexibility than inpatient treatment.
How Does an IOP Work?
An IOP combines various kinds of therapies to help patients recover from addiction. A typical IOP may include:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist to address personal issues, set recovery goals, and develop individualized treatment plans.
- Group Therapy: Facilitated by trained counselors, group therapy sessions allow participants to share experiences, gain support from peers, and develop social skills crucial for recovery.
- Educational Workshops: These sessions provide valuable information on addiction, mental health, coping strategies, and relapse prevention techniques.
- Family Therapy: Involving family members in the treatment process helps repair relationships, improve communication, and create a supportive home environment for recovery.
- Holistic Therapies: Many IOPs incorporate holistic approaches such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and art therapy to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery.
As you can see, an IOP is a versatile and effective option for individuals seeking to overcome addiction while staying at home. However, this does not mean that it is part time. Is it really possible to commit to an IOP without taking time off work or school?
Let’s Talk about Seasons Malibu’s Evening IOP
How do Evening IOPs Work?
Evening IOPs are, in essence, the same as daytime IOPs. However, there are differences that are necessary to accommodate for the reality that participants have already spent much of their day working.
An evening IOP starts in the late afternoon or early evening. Considering that each day’s program takes three to four hours, the earlier the start, the better.
In order to accommodate for the transition from a workday to the treatment program, evening IOPs may begin with holistic therapies such as mindfulness and meditation. This gives the person a chance to leave the stress of work behind them before individual or group therapy sessions which can be tough.
For most people, working more than eight hours a day is draining. As such, evening IOPs need to be approached strategically. Just because you can do an evening IOP without changing your schedule at all doesn’t mean you should.
Here are some strategies that may benefit those looking for a sustainable balance during their recovery.
Strategies for Balancing Evening IOPs with Full-Time Work
Assess Your Schedule and Responsibilities
- Evaluate Work Hours: Theoretically, you can leave work at the usual time and go straight to your evening IOP. However, you do need to factor in travel time and the difficulty you may have if you don’t take a bit of a break. See if you can lower your work hours. Look for ways to take some extra time out during the day so as not to drain your battery before the evening.
- Make Space for Recovery: You’ll be attending the IOP in the evening, but that is not where all the work happens. You’ll also need to do ‘homework’, taking time to internalize the process and put new skills into practice. It might help to take ten minutes out of every other hour to do this rather than trying to find an extended period of time which may not be available.
Communicate with Your Employer
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Discuss the possibility of flexible work hours or remote work options with your employer. Some employers may be willing to adjust your schedule to support your treatment. Emphasize the fact that it will help ensure that you are more effective and productive while you recover – and that your recovery will lead to long-term benefits.
- Use Leave Wisely: If necessary, plan to use vacation days or personal leave for particularly demanding periods or to give yourself a break when necessary.
Prioritize Self-Care
- Rest and Recovery: Ensure you get adequate sleep and rest. It can be tiring to balance work and IOP sessions. Without enough rest, you are at risk of burnout.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise when possible, and engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress.
Turn to Your Support Systems
- Family and Friends: Seek support from family and friends who can help with household responsibilities or provide emotional support during your treatment.
- Mentors and Work Confidantes: If you have mentors or colleagues who you trust, they can be a great outlet and support while you’re going through the working day.
Time Off Work May Become Necessary
In an ideal world, you’ll find the perfect balance between work and your evening IOP. However, you’ll need to assess how you are managing as the process continues, and at some point it might become worthwhile to take time off work.
You can do so strategically, dedicating your time off to certain critical periods. Here’s when you might consider taking time off:
- Initial Adjustment Period: During the first few weeks of the IOP, you may need time to adjust to the new routine and the demands of intensive therapy.
- High-Stress Periods: If your work becomes particularly stressful or demanding, a short break can help you focus on your treatment and recovery.
- Physical and Mental Health: Listen to your body and mind. If you start feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, taking time off work can help you recover and maintain your well-being.
How to Decide if You Should Choose an Evening IOP
Each type of recovery program works… but effectiveness can depend on your personal circumstances. As such, while an evening IOP may work for one person, it may not be sustainable for another.
Here are some considerations for how to decide to choose an evening IOP.
Work Intensity
Evening IOPs can work for people with high-stress jobs. However, if your workday tends to be particularly intense, it may leave you without the energy to commit to an evening IOP.
Consider how you feel when you leave work and what you do when you get home. If you struggle to find the motivation to do anything after a typical workday, you may have to consider taking time off for a daytime IOP or residential program.
Motivation
Motivation is another important consideration. Chances are that you are choosing treatment because you are motivated to get better. But how motivated are you to put in the work?
In a residential or daytime program, you have the emotional resources to work towards finding the necessary motivation. However, if you’re starting an evening IOP and are coming straight from work, you may struggle to commit to the program once your resources are already drained.
We Can Help You With Evening IOPs. Contact Now!
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for addiction. Different people have different circumstances and needs, which is why you have a variety of rehab options to choose from. Make sure that you find the treatment that is most likely to work for you.
Sources
- SAMHSA: Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: A Review of the Clinical Evidence and Guidance for Selection. Accessed January 18 2024.
- Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment: Outcomes of Intensive Outpatient Programs for Patients with Substance Use Disorders: A Review. Accessed January 18 2024.
- Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research. Comparing Outcomes of Day and Evening Intensive Outpatient Programs for Substance Use Disorders. Accessed January 18 2024.
