Free Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Information in Massachusetts 

IOP Treatment Options in Massachusetts

 

 

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) provides care for a minimum of three days a week and three hours per day. Clients experience greater access to the community. 

 

IOP consists of Core Services that can include group and individual sessions. The types of group sessions can vary. Group counseling sessions often are scheduled for 90 minutes, although shorter and longer timeframes also are used. Psychoeducational group sessions often are only half that long (e.g., a 30-minute lecture followed by 15 minutes for questions) because they focus on instruction instead of interaction. The goals of IOP include but aren't limited to:

 

• Providing opportunities for clients to develop communication skills and participate in socialization experiences; this is particularly useful for individuals whose socializing has revolved around using drugs or alcohol

• Establishing an environment in which clients help, support, and, when necessary, confront one another

• Introducing structure and discipline into the often chaotic lives of clients

• Providing norms that reinforce healthful ways of interacting and a safe and supportive therapeutic milieu that is crucial for recovery

• Advancing individual recovery; group members who are further along in recovery can help other members

• Providing a venue for group leaders to transmit new information, teach new skills, and guide clients as they practice new behaviors