We know the journey through treatment is long; that’s why we won’t let you do it alone. Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) allows you to tackle your addiction head-on while you stay in the community.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
Patients in an intensive outpatient program devote a specific amount of time per week to their addiction treatment. They may live at home or in a sober living community and head to the facility regularly for therapy and medical care.
Research has found intensive outpatient programs can be just as effective as inpatient programs. They help patients stay longer in treatment, which often leads to better recovery outcomes. Attending treatment while living at home can also give patients the opportunity to practice learned skills as they go and retain their community support.
Many people in addiction treatment enter an intensive outpatient level of care after completing a medical detox and inpatient treatment. After completing an IOP, patients can transition to an outpatient program, which involves fewer hours per week so the person can return to their communities and daily responsibilities.
Types of Treatment in IOP
While in the intensive outpatient program, you can expect nine or more hours of treatment per week, with a personalized treatment plan designed to fit your needs and situation. The intensive outpatient program can include:
- Medication management
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Addiction support groups
- Relapse prevention
Individual and group therapy can include several different therapy methods, the most common being cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). The patient may also be connected to 12 step groups like AA or NA to continue their peer support outside the facility.
What To Expect in IOP
Compared to an inpatient program, IOPs provide more flexibility, greater autonomy and can be less costly. Fewer hours at the facility also mean patients can keep their commitments at school, at work, or with their families. However, this means the client also has more responsibility for their care and sobriety since they spend a lot of their time outside the facility.
If someone requires medical supervision, struggles with relapse, or does not have a supportive home environment, they may benefit from starting inpatient treatment instead of an IOP. Your clinical team can make recommendations based on your specific situation.
Who Is IOP Appropriate For?
An IOP is most appropriate for people who meet the following criteria:
- Has a less severe addiction
- Has completed medical detoxification if necessary
- Has basic coping skills
- Internally motivated
- Has support from family and loved ones
- Has a stable, drug-free home environment
- Does not require hospitalization for another acute mental health issue
IOP is best suited for patients who have already completed detox and inpatient care or those who have milder addictions and can be more accountable for their sobriety.
Intensive Outpatient Program at the Orlando Recovery Center (ORC)
The intensive outpatient program at Orlando Recovery Center offers IOP services as part of a full continuum of care. The program provides structure and treatment for those struggling to overcome addiction while allowing participants to stay in their community and access all their community support.
If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, Orlando Recovery Center can help. Contact our helpful representatives to learn more about our programs, discuss your unique situation and get started on the admissions process.

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McCarty, Dennis, et al. “Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Pro[…]essing the Evidence.” Psychiatric Services, June 2014. Accessed on December 6, 2021.
U.K. National Health Service. “Overview – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).” July 16, 2019. Accessed on December 6, 2021.
Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics, University of Washington. “Dialectical Behavior Therapy.” Accessed on December 6, 2021.
Jaspan, Jodi. “The Value of Structured Outpatient Treatment.” National Alliance on Mental Illness, April 20, 2020. Accessed December 6, 2021.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “How long does drug addiction treatment usually last?” June 3, 2020. Accessed December 6, 2021.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.