An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a level of care that is typically attended after detox or residential treatment. At Serenity Light Recovery, our admissions team and clinicians complete an assessment of each client prior to admission, allowing us to determine which level of care is optimal for each individual.

After an assessment, clients receive a treatment plan that is truly unique to them. A multidisciplinary team, including both their therapist and recovery coach, implements the plan for each client. The client will have full access to a recovery coach for a full year after they successfully complete our IOP program. 

A recovery coach is someone the client builds a rapport with bridging the gap between therapist and sponsor. They are meant to help individuals identify and create plans to maintain their sobriety. Often, recovery coaches recommend resources to clients. Connecting with a coach also a way to stay focused, keep motivation up, and address any barriers to recovery. Designed to grant flexibility, recovery coaches can work with clients virtually.

Learn more about our IOP program and recovery coaches by connecting with Serenity Light Recovery at 855.658.6109 today.

Serenity Light Recovery’s IOP is an eight-week program. This phase of treatment meets virtually four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 9:00AM -11:30AM. Clients receive weekly individual therapy sessions and family members also have the option of participating in the residential intensive family program if desired.

In IOP we focus on chemical dependency education, introduction to the 12 steps, coping skills and relapse prevention. We create individualized treatment plans for each client to help them achieve sustainable long-term sobriety. By offering this level of continual support, we bridge the gap between treatment and home life. This helps clients integrate back into their daily lives with assistance.

dream balloons at Serenity Light Recovery and our intensive outpatient program

What to Expect in Our Houston Intensive Outpatient Program

As with any substance abuse treatment program, IOP helps clients not only recover but preventintensive outpatient program relapse. Often, this involves addressing underlying issues, building up structure and encouraging self-discipline, making a support network of individuals to aid in lasting recovery, and implementing major lifestyle and behavioral changes. Perhaps the best way to accomplish these goals within intensive outpatient treatment is by joining therapy groups. 

In our intensive outpatient program, clients will encounter a variety of groups to help them address their issues. Some of the topics covered in IOP include:

  • Shame and guilt
  • Relapse prevention
  • Scheduling and self-care
  • Co-occurring disorders
  • Forgiveness and the family
  • Yoga and mindfulness
  • Expressing oneself through art

Often when individuals find themselves struggling with addiction, they discover their abuse or addiction is a symptom of another larger issue. When this happens, the individual is said to have a co-occurring disorder. There is no single combination shared by all clients. Some may find a past trauma is informing their substance use. Others may discover they are suffering from poor mental health and attempting to self-medicate. Regardless, IOP gives each individual’s situation appropriate and unique attention. 

Often, this treatment entails learning alongside others what the root cause of one’s substance use disorder is. When you see how others deal with their issues through group therapy, you’re better positioned to address your own issues. Also, you know there are others committed to your well-being. This is how a supportive community gives everyone the tools they need to go back to their daily lives and continue their sobriety.

What Is Involved in Group Therapy?

While there will certainly be individual counseling and treatment, group therapy is a vital part of our IOP. Our program helps clients reacclimate to living in the everyday world. Thus, working in a variety of small groups eases an individual back into their normal life. Usually, at least six participants but rarely more than eight make up a therapy group. Often, groups use the rule of thirds to set up sessions. This involves members talking about their current issues, discussing a particular issue, and finally summing up the meeting and perhaps assigning an exercise.

Recovery groups or, as they are sometimes called, support groups, give individuals a chance to practice specific behavioral techniques for living in sobriety. Stress management, relapse prevention, refusal training for drugs and alcohol, and assertiveness training all happen within IOP treatment. Doing so gives clients the confidence needed to navigate the world after treatment.

For example, clients in IOP treatment groups learn the following:

  • How to change negative thinking as well as behaviors and emotions
  • New ways of interacting and communicating with others
  • Conflict resolution and alternatives to violence, self-harm, or substance use

Because recovery means having the skills necessary not just to identify triggers but avoid them, group work is an excellent environment in which to learn. Intensive outpatient treatment means that while clients participate in group work, they’ll be able to put the skills they learn to use in the real world. Thus, when they return to the program, they can voice their issues, concerns, areas needing improvement, and, of course, successes. The support provided by counselors, therapists, and, most especially, one’s peers is indispensable. Without it, recovering from drug or alcohol abuse or addiction can take significantly longer.

Serenity Light Recovery

There is no reason why recovery should be a lonely process. In fact, attempting to recover on your own will invariably lead to relapse if not outright failure. Not only do you need professional guidance to overcome substance abuse and addiction, but also a community of friends. Individuals who know what you are going through and are committed to helping you succeed makes you a part of something wider and more meaningful.

If you are ready for our intensive outpatient program, it’s time to learn more. Serenity Light Recovery’s outpatient rehab in Houston has the resources you need to make your recovery a lasting one. So call our team today at 855.658.6109. 

Contact Serenity Light Recovery to learn about our addiction treatment programs that will help you find lasting recovery.

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