Intensive Outpatient Programs for Drug & Alcohol Addiction

Several types of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment are available, with varying levels of support based on the intensity of a person’s needs.¹ Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are one form of SUD treatment and, for some people, can be an alternative to inpatient or residential services.² As its name indicates, IOPs are conducted in an outpatient treatment setting and are generally recommended for individuals who do not require medical detox or 24–hour supervision.² This page will help you learn more about IOPs, including how they work, who can benefit from them, what to expect when entering an IOP, and how to find an intensive outpatient treatment for yourself or a loved one.

What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

An intensive outpatient program is a structured treatment approach that provides comprehensive therapy and support to individuals struggling with addiction while allowing them to live at home or in a sober living facility and maintain their daily responsibilities at home, school, or work.²

IOPs may involve similar therapeutic approaches, but are relatively more time-intensive than traditional outpatient rehab, though less so than inpatient or residential drug treatment programs, where patients receive 24–hour support and services.² IOP programs generally include at least 9 hours of services spread over at least 3 days per week.³

IOPs can be cost-effective, which may allow people to stay at this level of care longer, helping them gain stability due to less substance misuse and greater social interaction.³ These programs help patients develop support systems, adopt a new lifestyle, address problems, and learn how to solve them as they navigate day-to-day situations.³

Intensive outpatient addiction treatment can take place in many settings, including hospitals, rehab campuses, community centers, and any other setting that is licensed by the state to provide these services.³ While some IOP settings facilitate access to a broader range of services than others, any intensive outpatient rehab program can be viewed as part of a spectrum of care levels, with individuals potentially benefiting from various services along their recovery journeys.

How Do IOPs Fit Into Recovery?

An IOP can be an important component of a comprehensive treatment plan for SUD. These programs can function as an entry point into the continuum of care, a step-up program if a patient needs a more intense level of care, and a step-down program when they meet their treatment goals and objectives in higher levels of care.³ In such circumstances, intensive outpatient drug rehab or intensive outpatient alcohol rehab can help the patient find a suitable residential facility and arrange for a smooth transition between these levels of care.³

Who Should Consider an IOP?

An IOP can serve a broad range of people since it may be relatively shorter in the duration of weekly services it provides, more cost-effective, and, as an outpatient program, offers more flexibility than inpatient or residential addiction treatment programs.³

An IOP can be very effective for individuals who are stepping down from a higher level of care or have relatively less severe substance use-related health issues or barriers to successful recovery but still need more support than the weekly sessions often provided in outpatient treatment.³

An IOP will not likely be a suitable level for those at risk of severe withdrawal or withdrawal complications, as well as those experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms, including suicidality (any immediate threat to the client’s safety might be an indication that the patient needs a higher level of care).³ Other factors, such as readiness to change or a lack of stability in the living situation, might also be contributing factors for a client to be placed in a higher level of care.³

Intensive outpatient rehab is a level of care most suited for people who can progress in their recovery outside of a controlled environment by relying on the support of the groups, counseling, and community provided through participation in an IOP.³

What to Expect in an IOP

Intensive outpatient therapeutic interventions are often very similar to the range of clinical services provided in other levels of care. They may include medication management, family therapy, group therapy, and individual therapy.³ Services involved in each person’s plan are determined through clinician assessment and delivered within the expected 9 hours of treatment each week. Treatment can be delivered more frequently based on the client’s needs.³

There are many types of groups in most IOP programs. Some are educational, and others are process-oriented, where patients can obtain the support they need from the group by processing through issues in their lives.³ Patients work to accomplish goals throughout their time in an IOP. This leads to more confidence in their ability to maintain recovery independent of treatment.³

How to Find an Intensive Outpatient Program

Determination of what level of care a patient can and should go into may include a discussion with a doctor, addiction specialist, therapist, or other licensed professional through the use of ASAM criteria and diagnosis using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5).¹ The decision to seek out any form of addiction treatment takes a significant amount of courage and humility. Many people are eager to help guide you in this process.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers IOP program options. You may also have questions about the cost of this kind of treatment and whether your health insurance covers it. Paying for this type of treatment may be more manageable than you might think. Find information about your insurance coverage instantly, or contact an admissions navigator at .

Frequently Asked Questions