What is an Intensive Outpatient Program?

by | Jan 31, 2023

As our clients near the end of their recovery journey, the Intensive Outpatient Program is one of the final stages in the Zia Recovery Center process. 

By this point, clients have successfully passed through the withdrawal process and beginning stages of recovery. They continue to be involved in regular programming, case management, and therapy and have developed individualized recovery plans and goals. Now, they are ready to put what they have learned and experienced into action. 

Read on to learn more about this stage of the program and what you can expect.

What to Expect in the Intensive Outpatient Program

Known as the IOP, the Intensive Outpatient Program at our Las Cruces recovery center follows directly after the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) stage and marks the beginning of our patients reintegrating into society and regaining independence. 

Clients continue their involvement in therapy and treatment sessions, where there is a stronger focus on community building and the importance of accountability. Our staff continues to be a constant resource for clients and is available on-site, 24/7. 

Additionally, clients continue to learn new skills in nutrition, life skills, self-discovery, relationships, and relapse prevention. Each phase builds upon the other, and clients begin to feel a greater sense of autonomy and responsibility to carry into life outside of Zia. 

Intensive Outpatient Program & Transitioning Back to Daily Life

Clients live in apartment-style environments with peers in the program. Here, they participate in many activities together including grocery shopping and meal preparation. It is important that these “normal” activities continue to cultivate a sense of community, support, and accountability – these are the connections that clients often lean on after leaving our care.

Outside of the home, clients are encouraged to begin obtaining regular employment and become reintroduced into society. Our team supports this transition by helping to prepare a very detailed aftercare plan that is suited to their needs and goals that they would like to accomplish. This is one of the final key components needed for sustained recovery and for our clients to successfully reintegrate into their communities. 

The Final Stage: Outpatient Program

Our Outpatient Program is the final phase of treatment here at Zia Recovery Center. In this stage, our clients are able to begin living on their own again. They have successfully completed the goals they had set for themselves for their time in our program and will leave with a clear roadmap for continuing along in their recovery journey.

Clients continue to attend group therapy about three days a week. They also receive individual psychotherapy and case management, if necessary. At this point, a detailed aftercare plan is completed and the final goals that each client wants to complete are established. A discharge date is set and clients are fully prepared to live their life anew – clean and free of substance abuse

Although the initial, difficult steps toward recovery are now in the past, sustained recovery requires commitment and support. Our network of alumni continues to shine a bright light on the work we do, and we are proud of the commitment each has made to their next phase of life. We continue to be a resource to anyone that needs it and know that this network of support is valuable beyond measure. 

We know that this program can be challenging, but we have an excellent track record and are here to help you with whatever you need to complete this process with success. We believe in you and are here to aid in your recovery the best we can. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you or a loved one through this journey. 

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