What to Expect in IOP
Intensive outpatient programs, also known as IOP, are recommended for people in the early stages of treatment, or those transitioning from residential treatment settings to life at home. This type of outpatient treatment is suitable for patients who don’t need full-time supervision. The goal of this type of focused recovery solution is to help people build on the skills that allow them to successfully face triggers in everyday life without losing sight of sobriety.
What to Expect During Intensive Outpatient Treatment
During IOP, treatments usually include day programs, evening programs, or weekend programs. These programs include assessments, behavioral treatments, self-help groups, access supportive services, and more.
Some components of IOP are:
- Learning coping skills
- Maintaining sobriety
- Improving problem-solving skills
- Developing better self-awareness
- Recognizing unhealthy behaviors
- Practicing asking for and receiving support
- Living at home
Benefits of IOP
When going through substance abuse treatment in an outpatient program, you’re able to keep your privacy. One of the roadblocks in recovering from addiction is the thought of embarrassment and shame associated with admitting to having a problem. With IOP, you’ll feel less embarrassed and shameful knowing you’re able to go through recovery at your own pace while being able to live at home and continue going to work.
Additional benefits and what to expect in IOP include:
- Ability to maintain daily activities
- Access to support from your treatment facility
- Being able to continue caring for your family
- Having the ability to continue education during treatment
IOP Program Requirements
The most important requirement of IOP treatment is your suitability for the program. Each treatment center is unique and has its own set of requirements; however, the biggest difference between inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment is that you’ll get to live at your own home instead of in a treatment facility. At Cypress West Intensive Outpatient, we believe that hope, hard work, and support from your community are required.
Recovery Solutions
If you or a loved one are in need of substance abuse treatment, contact Cypress West Intensive Outpatient for dynamic and innovative treatment services like IOP. Get the help you need today.

Casey is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Addictions Professional (CAP). Casey has completed focused course work on the physiological aspects of drug addiction and human psychology, as well as received extensive training on the treatment of co-occurring disorders.