If you’re seeking professional treatment for addiction issues, knowing what type of treatment will work best for you will depend on your needs. An outpatient treatment might be best for you if you want to resume or maintain your daily life while still undergoing treatment. It may also be a very beneficial option if you want to step down from an in-patient treatment option.
If you’re thinking about opting for intensive outpatient treatment, you might be asking yourself, “why does addiction intensive outpatient treatment take so long?” Here’s why.
How Does Intensive Outpatient Addiction Treatment Work?
Before answering why the treatment process takes long (or if it does), it is important to know how it works. An intensive outpatient program is a type of addiction treatment program in which a patient only visits the treatment center based on a scheduled number of days each week for a specific number of hours. While it sounds a bit similar to a traditional outpatient treatment program, an intensive outpatient treatment option is usually more intensive in terms of treatment time. However, as the name suggests, it does not require the patient to live in a rehab or treatment facility.
An intensive outpatient treatment program also uses a multi-faceted and integrated approach through various programs. Some of the programs include:
- Telemedicine sessions: It is possible to live your daily life without worrying about missing out on any of the treatment sessions, thanks to the telemedicine solution. It makes it easy to fit your treatment into your everyday life and stay on the path to recovery.
- Multiple pathways: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, as patients can benefit from multiple pathways to addiction recovery through both traditional and evidence-based programs.
- Outpatient program: An outpatient program is available as a step-down or less restrictive level of care compared to the intensive outpatient option.
- Intensive outpatient program: The intensive outpatient program is specially put together to help people addicted to alcohol and drugs find a more sustainable path to recovery long-term. The program offers a more long-term and continued treatment process that is more intensive than the traditional outpatient program.
How long does addictive intensive outpatient treatment take?
An intensive outpatient program does not have a singular, defined treatment time frame for every patient. Because each treatment program is multi-faceted and designed to suit each patient’s needs, the treatment period varies. That said, you can rest assured that your treatment provider will work with you throughout the process of determining what treatment option and duration will be best for you.
How do you seek treatment?
You can always reach out to an outpatient rehab to set you on the path to recovery. Your treatment provider will conduct a free assessment to determine if the intensive outpatient treatment program is ideal for you or your loved one’s unique situation.
After the assessment, your initial intake appointment will be scheduled, and you’ll work together with your treatment provider to develop a personalized treatment plan. You can start your treatment program within 24 hours after completing your intake appointment.