According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), 10% of adults living in the US have a drug use disorder at some point in their lives. Furthermore, 75% of that number live with this disorder without any form of treatment.
When it comes to treatment centers like the Harm Reduction Center (HARC) in Palm Beach, Florida there are many different treatment options depending on your needs and lifestyle. At facilities like HARC, we offer extremely individualized treatment plans for every client that walks through our door. Some of the services offered include:
- Integrated Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- General Outpatient (OP)
- Aftercare Programs
In this article, we will be taking a deeper look into what exactly outpatient treatment programs are. As well as why we offer them at the Harm Reduction Center.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
The three forms of outpatient treatment programs offered at HARC are; Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and General Outpatient Program (OP). Although some are more restrictive than others, these programs allow for the client to live either at home or at a recovery residence and remain in the “real world” when they aren’t receiving treatment. However, what exactly do these programs entail and how are they different?
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP is the most restrictive program out of the three and requires an individual to attend treatment 5-7 days a week depending on the person. At the beginning of PHP, an individual is expected to attend each session for up to eight hours a day, however, with improvement and significant progress, this time will decrease. During PHP individual therapy sessions play a big role in the treatment process, as well as group therapy sessions.
Group therapy allows for the individual to participate and interact with other people who are struggling with similar issues. This not only helps each individual open up and speak freely but builds a support system when leaving treatment. During PHP, as well as IOP and OP, there are several rules that must be followed before progressing through treatment. These rules include:
- Absolutely zero tolerance for substance use
- Agree to random drug testing
- Show up for all appointments on time
- Continue showing good progress
Once your therapist notices significant improvement you are able to transition into an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP is an outpatient treatment program that requires patients to attend treatment 3-5 days a week for a few hours. IOP allows for the individual to live at home, however, continue to attend treatment to help them stay on track. Outpatient programs like IOP allow an individual to attend treatment with the freedom and flexibility to maintain a job or attend classes if they choose to further their education.
Intensive outpatient programs last about eight weeks and include treatment services like counseling, therapy, life skills training, and other resources to help with maintaining daily sobriety. This program helps transition someone who finished detox and inpatient treatment back into living on their own while maintaining their goals. IOP treatment schedules can include:
- Personalized treatment plan
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Family Therapy
- Random drug and alcohol testing
- Education/ assistance with life skills (finding a job or managing finances)
- Help finding community resources or legal help
Compared to other outpatient programs, IOP is slightly more intense and requires attendance to more treatment services throughout the week. However, IOP gives individuals more freedom compared to partial hospitalization programs and inpatient programs.
General Outpatient Program (OP)
A general outpatient program is the least restrictive treatment program out of the three. Once an individual demonstrates that his or her addiction is moderate and manageable they are able to transition into the general outpatient program. During OP clients are only required to attend treatment a couple of days a week. When in OP a person has a lot of freedom and needs to really practice self-control and hold themselves accountable to succeed in such a minimally restrictive environment.
Get Help Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction contact the Harm Reduction Center today. HARC is a private healthcare facility that provides highly individualized services for each of our clients. We are state licensed through both the DCF as well as the AHCA with allows for the treatment of substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and co-occurring disorders.
Today is the day you can break free of your addiction, with the assistance of the Harm Reduction Center!
