What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program? A Week Inside an IOP

Small group therapy session in an intensive outpatient program, adults seated in a circle with a group leader

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is structured treatment, typically about 9 to 15 hours a week across three to five days. It lets you live at home and often keep working while getting real clinical care. If someone just told you that you need IOP, or you’re weighing it against residential care, the letters can feel like a lot. Here’s what IOP is and what a week inside one actually looks like.

What IOP Means and How It Works

An intensive outpatient program is a level of substance use treatment that sits between weekly therapy and full-time care. You attend scheduled sessions several days a week, then go home. That’s the short answer: more support than weekly therapy, with less disruption than living at a facility. “Intensive” describes the time and structure.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes IOP as a prearranged schedule of core services for a minimum of 9 hours a week for adults. Those core services typically include individual counseling, group therapy, family education, and case management.

Many programs also address co-occurring mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. Standard outpatient care is much lighter, often an hour or two a week. IOP gives you more structure without asking you to step away from home and work.

Where IOP Sits Between Residential and Outpatient

Treatment works as a continuum, and most people move up or down as their needs change. Here’s how the levels compare.

Level of careTypical timeWhere you liveBest fit
DetoxSeveral daysOn siteNeeds clinically managed detox with 24-hour on-call medical support
ResidentialAround the clockOn siteNeeds round-the-clock structure and support
Partial hospitalization (PHP)Most of the day, most daysAt home or in supportive housingNeeds daily clinical care without overnight stays
IOPAbout 9 to 15 hours a weekAt homeNeeds real structure and has a stable home
Standard outpatientAn hour or two a weekAt homeNeeds lighter support or is stepping down

Read the table as a guide, not a rule. A clinician places you after an assessment, based on your needs and your schedule.

IOP vs. Outpatient: What’s the Difference?

The difference comes down to intensity. Standard outpatient works well for people with steady support and lower risk. IOP adds several days of group and individual care each week, which suits people who need more structure but can safely stay home.

Many people also use IOP as a step-down after residential care or PHP. Neither level is better in general. The right one is the one that matches your needs right now.

A Week Inside an IOP

Every program is a little different, so treat this as an example, not a fixed schedule.

Man adding notes to a weekly planner board, mapping out the week the way an IOP schedule is planned

What Happens in IOP

Before your first group, you’ll usually meet with a clinician for an assessment so the plan fits your goals and your schedule. After that, a typical week of roughly 12 hours might look like this:

  • Monday, group therapy. You check in about the weekend and set a goal for the week.
  • Tuesday, skills group. You practice tools for handling cravings and stress.
  • Wednesday, individual session. You spend one-on-one time with your therapist on what’s personal to you.
  • Thursday, family session. Loved ones learn how addiction works and how to support you.
  • Friday, relapse prevention group. You build a plan for the weekend, when routines change.

Sessions usually run a few hours. A clinician leads each group, and you decide how much to share at first. Most programs also include regular drug screening, which helps your care team see how treatment is going.

Therapies you may see in IOP

IOP programs often draw on established therapy approaches, and your care team chooses what fits you. They can include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): helps you see how your thoughts and behaviors connect so you can change patterns that aren’t working
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): builds skills for managing emotions and relating to others
  • Reality therapy: focuses on problem-solving and making better choices to reach your goals
  • Psychodynamic therapy: explores how early life experiences shape your behavior and emotions

Many programs also teach mindfulness and breathing exercises to practice at home.

What about virtual IOP?

Virtual treatment delivers a structured program over video, so you join group and individual sessions from home several days a week. You’ll need a device with a camera and a reliable internet connection, and it helps to have a private space to talk openly.

Person joining a virtual IOP group session from home on a laptop

It can be a good fit if distance or a packed schedule makes in-person sessions hard. Some people do better in the room with a group, and that’s a fair choice too. We offer a virtual IOP program, and our comparison of virtual IOP vs. in-person care explores the differences in depth.

Can you work while in IOP?

Yes, many people keep working during IOP, because sessions run a few days a week and many programs offer evening or daytime tracks. Some jobs and schedules still make attendance hard, so tell your care team early. They can help you find a track that fits, and they can adjust the plan as your work or life changes. Being open about your schedule helps.

Who Is IOP Right For?

IOP works best when it matches your situation, and it isn’t right for everyone. A clinician can help you sort this out after an assessment.

IOP tends to fit if you:

  • Have stable housing and a safe, supportive place to come home to
  • Don’t need clinically managed detox with 24-hour on-call medical support
  • Can get to sessions several days a week
  • Feel ready to take part, even if you’re nervous

You may need more support than IOP if you:

  • Live somewhere that use is ongoing or where you don’t feel safe
  • Need detox first, or have withdrawal that isn’t safe to manage at home
  • Have a serious medical or mental health condition that needs closer monitoring
  • Have tried outpatient care and found you need more structure

Needing more support at first is common, and moving between levels is a normal part of care. If you can’t tell which list sounds like you, that’s normal. An assessment is designed to help sort it out, and asking questions first is always fine.

What IOP Costs and How Insurance Works

IOP generally costs less than residential care, because it doesn’t include round-the-clock housing and staffing. Exact costs depend on the program and your plan, so we don’t list figures here. Coverage rules also differ between commercial plans and Medi-Cal.

Under federal parity law, plans that cover substance use treatment generally can’t apply tougher limits to it than to medical or surgical care. Many PPO plans and Medi-Cal generally include coverage for IOP, but what applies to you depends on your benefits and on whether the level of care is medically necessary. We can’t guarantee coverage, so it helps to verify your benefits with admissions first.

Does IOP Actually Work?

For many people, yes. A systematic review of studies comparing IOP with inpatient or residential care found comparable outcomes, and SAMHSA reports similar results for people at low risk of acute withdrawal or serious health and psychological needs. That’s why matching matters.

Results also vary by program and by person, and no level of care can promise an outcome. The research isn’t perfect, either. Programs differ a lot in what they include and how results are measured, which is why researchers call for more standardization.

Why attendance matters

Showing up is one of the biggest things you control. The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s research-based principles say that staying in treatment long enough is critical, and that most people need at least three months to significantly reduce or stop drug use.

In IOP, that means attending consistently, even on days you don’t feel like it. Life gets in the way sometimes, so if you miss a session, tell your care team instead of skipping the next one.

About Inneractions

Inneractions offers intensive outpatient and outpatient care in Encino, California, with individual therapy and group sessions. If you’re weighing IOP vs. outpatient, our admissions team can talk through your situation. To see how IOP works across our network, visit our intensive outpatient program page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IOP stand for?

IOP stands for intensive outpatient program. It’s treatment that involves several hours of care a few days a week while you live at home. The word “intensive” separates it from standard outpatient care, which is usually an hour or two a week.

How many hours is IOP each week?

Most intensive outpatient programs run about 9 to 15 hours a week, spread across three to five days. SAMHSA describes 9 hours a week as the minimum for adults. Sessions are usually a few hours each, and many programs offer daytime or evening options.

Can you work while in IOP?

Yes, many people keep working during IOP, because sessions run a few days a week and many programs offer evening or daytime tracks. Tell your care team early if your schedule makes attendance hard, so they can help you find a track that fits.

How long does IOP last?

There’s no single length, because it depends on your needs and progress. Many programs run for several weeks to a few months, and many people then step down to standard outpatient care.

Is IOP as effective as inpatient rehab?

For many people, yes. A systematic review of studies comparing IOP with inpatient or residential care found comparable outcomes, and SAMHSA reports similar results for people at low risk of acute withdrawal or serious health and psychological needs. Results vary by program and by person, and no level of care can promise an outcome.

Virtual IOP vs In-Person Treatment: Which Is Right for You?

Virtual IOP therapy session on a laptop at home — comparing virtual and in-person treatment.

By Stacey Pino | Reviewed by Dr. Siri Sat Khalsa, MD, Medical Director, AM Health Care · Updated June 30, 2026

If you’re weighing virtual IOP against in-person treatment, you’re already past the hardest part — deciding to get help. The next decision is about fit: which format works with your life, your schedule, and what you actually need clinically.

In this article, we break down what virtual and in-person IOP actually look like, what the research says about outcomes, and how to figure out which option makes sense for where you are right now.

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In this article:

What Is Virtual IOP?

It’s not always possible to step away from work, family, or daily obligations to attend outpatient addiction treatment in person. Virtual intensive outpatient treatment was developed to remove these barriers, without reducing the clinical quality of care.

A virtual intensive outpatient program is a structured, clinician-led program delivered using secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth accessed from home or wherever you have a private space and a reliable internet connection. Accessibility, convenience, and flexibility are among the key benefits of virtual IOP.

How many hours a week is virtual IOP?

Virtual IOP typically runs nine to fifteen hours per week, spread across three to five days. A standard schedule might include a two- to three-hour morning or evening session. This structure is designed to accommodate work, family, and other daily responsibilities.

The clinical content mirrors what you would receive in an in-person program: therapy groups, individual sessions, and a curriculum focused on the skills and insight that support lasting recovery.

The telehealth platform is critical to success. A well-run virtual IOP is not a series of passive video calls. It is an active clinical environment with real group dynamics, scheduled check-ins, and clinical oversight. It requires the same accountability framework as in-person treatment, just delivered differently.

Woman attending a virtual IOP group session from home in California

What Is In-Person IOP?

In-person IOP follows the same general structure: nine to fifteen hours of programming per week, although you physically attend at a treatment facility. Sessions happen in a dedicated clinical space with your treatment team and peer group present in the room.

Some people find that the physical environment is part of what makes in-person treatment work. Commuting to a facility creates a clear separation between treatment time and everyday life. Sitting in a room with other people in recovery builds a kind of connection that some find harder to replicate on a screen.

What is the difference between IOP and PHP?

IOP typically involves nine to fifteen hours of programming per week and allows you to live at home throughout treatment. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) runs five to six hours per day, five days a week, and is generally recommended for people who need more support than IOP provides but do not require residential care.

The biggest difference between PHP and IOP is clinical intensity, and the right choice comes down to where you are in recovery. PHP provides more intensive daily support, while IOP is built for people who are more stable and ready for a lighter structure.

Virtual IOP vs In-Person: Key Differences

Neither format is better. The right fit depends on your circumstances, your clinical needs, and what kind of environment helps you do your best work in treatment.

Virtual IOP vs In-Person IOP: Side-by-Side Comparison

  Virtual IOP In-Person IOP
Schedule Flexibility Morning, afternoon, and evening options fit around work, family, and daily obligations. Session times may be more limited, depending on the facility’s schedule.
Commute & Geography No commute required: accessible from anywhere in California or Oklahoma with an internet connection. Requires travel to a treatment facility; may be a barrier for those in rural areas or without transportation.
Peer Connection Real-time group sessions with a peer cohort; connection is genuine, though screen-based. Face-to-face peer interaction in a shared physical space; some find this more grounding in early recovery.
Home Environment Requires a private, stable home setting for sessions. Not recommended if the home environment is chaotic or unsupportive. Provides a clear separation from home; attending a facility creates structure and accountability outside the home.
Technology Requirements Device with camera, reliable internet, and a private space required. May be a barrier for some. No technology required beyond a phone to confirm attendance. Accessibility depends on location and transportation.
Insurance Coverage Most PPO plans and Medi-Cal cover virtual IOP. Coverage has expanded significantly since 2020. Verify with admissions. Most PPO plans and Medi-Cal cover in-person IOP. Coverage varies by plan. Verify directly with admissions.

Coverage and program details vary. Contact the Inneractions admissions team to verify insurance benefits before starting.

In-person IOP group therapy session at an intensive outpatient treatment facility

Is Virtual IOP Effective Compared to In-Person Treatment?

If effectiveness is your main concern, the research is reassuring — with one important qualifier. For appropriate candidates, virtual IOP produces outcomes comparable to in-person treatment.

A 2022 study followed 3,642 patients across in-person, hybrid, and virtual IOP programs and found no significant differences in abstinence rates, quality of life, or psychological well-being by delivery format.

A review published in the NIH’s National Library of Medicine found strong evidence supporting the feasibility and effectiveness of technology-based treatment for substance use disorders, particularly when it preserves the core components of evidence-based care: structured sessions, clinician oversight, and consistent peer engagement.

SAMHSA’s evidence-based resource guide on telehealth for substance use disorders reinforces this, noting that telehealth services can potentially improve health outcomes and reduce the hurdles that keep people from accessing care in the first place.

However, research does not confirm that virtual IOP is appropriate for everyone. The key phrase is appropriate candidates. People in acute crisis, those with significant co-occurring psychiatric conditions requiring close monitoring, or those without a safe and private home environment, are likely better served by in-person or higher-level care.

Who Is Virtual IOP Right For?

Virtual IOP for substance abuse tends to work best for people who are in a stable place in their lives, not necessarily recovered, but not in acute crisis either.

It’s a strong fit for those who have completed a higher level of care, like residential treatment or PHP, and are ready to step down while maintaining structure. It also works well for people entering treatment for the first time whose clinical needs don’t require round-the-clock supervision.

If you’re managing work, caregiving responsibilities, or live in a rural area where commuting to a facility isn’t practical, virtual IOP was built with you in mind.

Working parent joining a virtual intensive outpatient program session around daily responsibilities

What are the requirements for virtual IOP?

The practical requirements for virtual IOP are:

  • a private space
  • a stable internet connection
  • a device with audio and video capability

An admissions assessment helps determine whether virtual IOP is the right fit or whether a different level of care would better serve your recovery.

Can I work while doing virtual IOP?

Yes. Flexible scheduling is one of the primary reasons people choose virtual IOP. Morning and evening session options make it possible to maintain employment while completing a full nine-to-fifteen-hour weekly program.

Many people find that being able to stay in their job, maintain their routine, and apply what they are learning in treatment to their daily life in real time actually strengthens the treatment experience. It also removes one of the most common reasons people delay getting help: the belief that treatment requires stepping away from everything.

Virtual IOP is also a strong option for parents with caregiving responsibilities, people in remote communities, and anyone for whom commuting to a facility creates a meaningful barrier to getting started.

Who Should Choose In-Person IOP?

In-person IOP is often the better fit for people who benefit from external structure, where the act of showing up somewhere, physically and on schedule, creates a layer of accountability that is hard to replicate from home.

It is also more appropriate for people whose home environment is not conducive to treatment, whether because of instability, lack of privacy, or the presence of people or situations that make staying focused on recovery difficult.

If the environment that contributed to problematic patterns is also the environment where you would be attending virtual sessions, in-person treatment offers an important and often necessary separation.

People who strongly value face-to-face connection, who find video-based group dynamics harder to engage with, or who are earlier in recovery and benefit from a higher level of accountability often do better with in-person programming.

If you or someone you love is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness, support is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours a day.

Virtual IOP at Inneractions — California and Oklahoma

Inneractions, with locations in California and Oklahoma, delivers virtual and in-person intensive outpatient treatment. The virtual IOP program runs on a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform with morning and evening scheduling options designed to accommodate work and family commitments.

The program treats both substance use disorders and co-occurring anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, a combination known as dual diagnosis. Inneractions’ integrated model addresses both within the same treatment plan, rather than treating one and leaving the other unaddressed.

For those in the Los Angeles area who prefer in-person treatment, Inneractions also offers programming at its Encino location. Most major PPO insurance plans are accepted for both virtual and in-person formats. Our admissions team can verify your specific benefits before you commit to anything.

Inneractions clinician leading a HIPAA-compliant virtual IOP session for clients in California and Oklahoma

Wondering whether your insurance covers virtual IOP? Let the Inneractions admissions team verify your benefits — confidential, free, and with no obligation to move forward.

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Getting Started

Starting is more straightforward than you might expect. An initial admissions call takes about twenty to thirty minutes — it’s a conversation, not a commitment. From there, we handle insurance verification, clinical assessment, and scheduling.

Does insurance cover virtual IOP in California?

Most major PPO insurance plans cover online IOP in California, and Medi-Cal covers telehealth-delivered substance use disorder treatment for eligible members.

Coverage for virtual IOP has expanded significantly since 2020, and many plans now cover telehealth at the same level as in-person treatment. The most reliable way to confirm your benefits is to contact the Inneractions admissions team. Insurance verification is part of the intake process and costs nothing.

Is virtual IOP covered by Medicare?

Medicare covers virtual IOP for mental health and substance use disorder services for eligible beneficiaries. Coverage terms and prior authorization requirements vary by plan, so verifying your specific virtual IOP Medicare benefits with the admissions team before starting is the right step.

Ready to take the next step toward virtual or in-person IOP in California or Oklahoma? Our admissions team is here to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you find the right fit.

Call 866-818-4684

Sources

Ready to take the next step? Explore Inneractions’ Virtual IOP program—or contact us to find the right level of care for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is virtual IOP worth it?

For the right person, yes. Research comparing virtual and in-person IOP has found comparable outcomes in abstinence, quality of life, and psychological well-being, so you are not sacrificing clinical quality by choosing the online format. Virtual IOP is worth it when you have a private, stable space for sessions and a schedule that benefits from the flexibility. If your home environment is chaotic or you need more external accountability, in-person treatment may serve you better.

What is the success rate of IOP?

There is no single success rate, because outcomes depend on the person, the program, and how well the level of care matches clinical needs. Peer-reviewed research has found that more than two-thirds of IOP patients report continuous abstinence at follow-up, with virtual and in-person formats performing comparably. Outcomes tend to improve when treatment is completed in full, when co-occurring mental health conditions are addressed, and when aftercare continues beyond discharge.

What are the downsides of virtual therapy?

The main downsides of virtual therapy are the need for a private space and reliable technology, the potential for distraction at home, and the loss of physical separation between treatment and everyday life. Some people also find screen-based group dynamics harder to engage with. For people in acute crisis or without a safe home environment, virtual care is not appropriate, and an in-person or higher level of care is the safer choice.

What does IOP stand for in substance abuse?

IOP stands for intensive outpatient program. In substance abuse treatment, an IOP provides structured, clinician-led care — typically nine to fifteen hours per week of group therapy, individual sessions, and skills work — while you continue living at home. It sits between standard outpatient care and a partial hospitalization program in intensity, and it can be delivered in person at a facility or virtually through secure telehealth.

How can you quit drugs without going to rehab?

Quitting without residential rehab is possible for some people, but quitting without professional support is risky — withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids can be dangerous and sometimes requires medical supervision. Outpatient options like IOP provide evidence-based treatment while you continue living at home, which is often what people mean when they say they want to avoid “rehab.” A clinical assessment can determine whether outpatient care is a safe and realistic starting point for you.

IOP vs PHP: How to Choose the Right Level of Care

Checklist: 5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an IOP or PHP Program – Inneractions IOP

By the Inneractions clinical team · Reviewed by Dr. Siri Sat Khalsa, MD, Medical Director, AM Health Care · Updated August 25, 2026

PHP and IOP are the two levels of structured treatment between residential care and weekly therapy — and choosing between them comes down to one honest question: how much support does this season of your life actually require? A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the more intensive option: typically 5–6 hours a day, five days a week. An intensive outpatient program (IOP) runs around 3 hours a day, three to five days a week, leaving room for work, school, or family.

Both are real treatment — individual therapy, group work, psychiatric support — and both let you sleep at home. Here’s how to tell which one fits, what a week in each actually looks like, and the questions that separate a good program from a schedule with a brochure.

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PHP vs IOP: The Short Answer

PHP is the higher level of care: more hours, more clinical contact, more structure — designed for people whose symptoms or early recovery need most of the day held. IOP is the step down: substantial support that coexists with a job and a family. Neither is “better.” The right one is the one matched to your acuity right now — and that’s a clinical assessment, not a guess.

What a Week in PHP Looks Like

Expect treatment to function like a job: roughly 25–30 hours a week of individual therapy, multiple daily groups, psychiatric care and medication management, and skill-building — then home in the evening to practice all of it in real life. PHP fits people stepping down from residential or detox, those whose symptoms are too loud for a few hours a week to touch, and anyone whose home life is stable enough to sleep in but whose days need structure to stay safe and sober.

What a Week in IOP Looks Like

IOP typically runs 9–15 hours a week — morning or evening blocks of group therapy, weekly individual sessions, and psychiatric support as needed — engineered so treatment fits around work, school, or parenting rather than replacing them. It fits people stepping down from PHP, high-functioning people whose lives haven’t collapsed but whose drinking, use, or mental health is heading the wrong direction, and anyone leaving residential care who needs a bridge back to full-speed life. Virtual IOP extends the same structure to people who can’t reach an office — our virtual vs. in-person IOP guide covers that choice in depth.

Which Comes First? How Levels of Care Flow

Treatment levels work like a staircase: detox (if needed) → residential → PHP → IOP → outpatient therapy and alumni support. PHP comes before IOP when both are used — but nobody is required to take every stair. Plenty of people enter directly at PHP or IOP based on where a clinical assessment places them, and the step-down design is the point: support decreases as stability increases, so the exit ramp back to normal life is gradual instead of a cliff.

How to Choose: Five Honest Questions

  • Can I currently get through an unstructured day without using or unraveling? If no — PHP. If mostly yes — IOP may hold.
  • Did I just leave detox or residential? Stepping down too fast is the classic relapse setup; PHP is the safer landing.
  • Is work/family presence non-negotiable right now? IOP was built for exactly this — and a job can anchor recovery when the support around it is real.
  • Are my mental health symptoms treated, or just enduring? Active depression, anxiety, or trauma alongside substance use points to more hours, not fewer, and true dual-diagnosis care.
  • What does an honest clinician say? A real program assesses you into the right level — including telling you their level isn’t the right one.

Cost and Insurance

PHP costs more than IOP per week (more clinical hours) — but the comparison that matters is coverage. Most major PPO plans cover both levels when clinically indicated, because parity law requires substance-use and mental-health benefits comparable to medical care. Verification takes minutes and settles the question with numbers instead of dread: our admissions team checks benefits free, before any commitment.

Choosing a Program: Green Flags and Red Flags

Green flags: a real clinical assessment before placement, licensed clinicians and a medical director you can name, individualized treatment plans, dual-diagnosis capability, family involvement, and a defined step-down path. Red flags: guaranteed outcomes, identical schedules for every client, vague answers about who provides care, pressure to commit today, and programs that never mention what happens after discharge. The difference is visible within one phone call — a good program interviews you as carefully as you interview them.

PHP-Level Support and IOP at Inneractions

Inneractions provides IOP and structured outpatient care in Encino, CA and Edmond, OK — plus virtual IOP across both states — with individual therapy, group work, dual-diagnosis treatment, and psychiatric support under Medical Director Dr. Siri Khalsa. If assessment says you need PHP-level care first, our network places you there and brings you back to us for the step down. One conversation sorts the level, the schedule, and the insurance.

Not sure whether PHP or IOP fits your life right now? That question is exactly what our admissions assessment answers — honestly, confidentially, with a free insurance check.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What comes first, PHP or IOP?

PHP comes first when both are used — it’s the higher level of care, typically 5–6 hours daily versus IOP’s ~3. The standard flow steps down: residential → PHP → IOP → outpatient. But entry point is set by clinical assessment, and many people appropriately start directly at either level.

Is IOP cheaper than PHP?

Per week, yes — IOP involves fewer clinical hours, so its cost runs meaningfully lower. But out-of-pocket reality depends on insurance: most major PPO plans cover both levels when clinically indicated under parity law, so a free benefits check usually matters more than the sticker difference.

Is PHP higher than IOP?

Yes. PHP (partial hospitalization) is the more intensive level — near-daily, most-of-the-day treatment — sitting between residential care and IOP on the continuum. IOP provides substantial structure (9–15 hours weekly) while leaving room for work and family.

Does insurance cover PHP and IOP?

Most commercial plans cover both when medically necessary — federal parity law requires substance-use and mental-health benefits comparable to medical coverage. Specifics (networks, session counts, prior authorization) vary by plan; verifying benefits directly with a program’s admissions team is free and takes minutes.

Benefits of Virtual Treatment Programs

A woman relaxing at home with her feet up, having a virtual therapy session on her laptop, highlighting the benefits of virtual treatment programs.

Virtual treatment programs are revolutionizing mental health care by offering unmatched convenience, privacy, and accessibility. Learn how these programs are making therapy more accessible and effective for everyone.

Continue reading

How to Quit Fentanyl Safely: fentanyl withdrawal procedures and expectations

Fentanyl is a potent prescription drug that is part of the opioid family. Fentanyl is used to treat chronic pain, and comes in a patch form that is absorbed through the patient’s skin. Fentanyl binds to opioid receptors in the brain and creates a euphoric feeling, which masks pain symptoms for the duration of the patch. Fentanyl is incredibly addictive, and many patients find themselves trying to overcome their tolerance. If you are struggling with an addiction to Fentanyl, it is important to seek professional help. In this blog post, we will discuss Fentanyl detox and withdrawal procedures and expectations.

Fentanyl Detox: What to expect

Most Fentanyl detox programs will last for a period of five to seven days. During this time, patients will be monitored closely by medical staff and will gradually have the drug tapered off. The first few days of Fentanyl withdrawal can be difficult, as patients may experience flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches. Patients may also experience anxiety, depression, and irritability. It is important to remember that these symptoms are temporary and will eventually subside.

After the initial withdrawal period, patients will begin to feel better and will have more energy. They may still experience some mood swings and cravings for Fentanyl, but these should gradually lessen over time. Most Fentanyl detox programs will provide counseling and support during this time to help patients through the process.

How To Quit Using Fentanyl Without Withdrawals

Need help quitting Fentanyl? Our professional and compassionate staff can help you through Fentanyl detox and withdrawal. We offer a variety of services to help you on your road to recovery, including counseling and support. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get through Fentanyl detox and withdrawal. We’re here for you every step of the way. Call us now at (866) 818-4684

(Please note: our phone number is confidential and only for use by people seeking addiction treatment.)

Tips on Getting a Job After Rehab

Tips on Getting a Job After Rehab

Part of the rehabilitation process after undergoing recovery is transitioning back into your everyday life. Rehab programs typically last for a couple of months. Once you are reaching the end of your stay, you should start preparing to re-enter the real world, and thus begin preparing to re-enter the workforce. Getting a job is an essential next step following rehab, and there are plenty of aftercare programs that help with the process.

Why It’s Important To Get a Job After Rehab

Before entering rehab, it is typically a time where you are struggling with an addiction that prevents you from earning a living or carrying out tasks that are essential to work. Whether or not you had a job before rehab is not important. What is important is that following rehab, it is important to occupy your time with things that allow you to make positive contributions to society.

One of the best ways to keep yourself occupied, out of trouble, and away from temptation is by going to work. Some of the main reasons why it is important to find a job after rehab are as follows.

Sense of Purpose

Most people, whether struggling from addiction or not, seek purpose and meaning out of life. Having a job allows you to feel like you have a sense of purpose and feel like you are making an impact and accomplishing tasks. Work can be difficult, but it can also be extremely fulfilling.

Routine

Along with keeping you busy, jobs also offer you a daily routine. Whether it be getting up at a certain time in the morning, taking a mode of transportation, or getting lunch at a certain time, having a schedule and a routine can provide you with a healthy sense of structure for you day-to-day life.

Connect with People

Although your coworkers may not be your best friends, interacting with people everyday is an added layer of support that you might need throughout your day. 

Financial Benefits

There is a sense of responsibility that comes with a job, and that responsibility comes with an income. Making your own money can allow for you to live your life more freely and not have to rely on anyone else for you to be able to buy groceries or enjoy yourself. Having a set of finances that are your own is an incredibly freeing feeling.

Tips on Getting a Job After Rehab

Many people who exit rehab have the same task of going out and finding work. Diving into the job market can feel intimidating at first, however there are many tips and programs that help with advising people on getting work post-rehab. 

Getting a job after rehab requires having clear and reasonable expectations, along with patience and drive. There are millions of Americans who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction, attend rehab, and go into the workforce. So many people have gone on to lead successful lives and prosperous careers after rehab. It is important to not let recovery get in the way of your professional goals and aspirations in life.

Another tip would be to turn to resources. This can be anything to self-help books, YouTube videos, reading articles, reaching out to your peers to seek advice for someone in your position, and working with recruiters to help you find jobs that you are interested in. 

Chances are, recruiters or people you know either know of resources to share with you that might help, or have been in a similar position and can offer their guidance as you start on your job search.

Another helpful tip is to not get scared off by rejection. Rejection is extremely common when applying to jobs, and it is important to not take it personally if you don’t get the job you wanted. If you don’t get the job, simply pick your head up, and try again elsewhere. Always ask for feedback as to why you weren’t chosen for the position, and use that feedback for your next interview. 

How Inneractions Helps You Get a Job After Rehab

Inneractions is an intensive outpatient rehab facility located in Woodland Hills, CA. As one of our aftercare programs, we offer our patients career counseling as they prepare to re-enter their everyday lives. We find that work is an essential element of living your life more freely and purposefully, and we therefore place a heavy emphasis on getting our patients back into the workforce. Please visit Inneractions today for more information on our amazing career counseling program. 

The Benefits of Going to a 90 Day Rehab

The Benefits of Going to a 90 Day Rehab

The first step to overcoming a drug addiction is admitting that you have a problem, and from there, rehab is available for you. Although all forms and durations of drug abuse treatment have been proven to be highly beneficial, 90-day rehab is the recommended minimum duration from which to attend rehab to achieve a meaningful, long-lasting recovery. 

What Is 90-Day Rehab?

A 90-day drug rehab is a substance abuse rehabilitation program that lasts for the duration of 90 days, or three months. Substance use disorder is a disease characterized by the consumption of harmful substances, despite the negative implications it has on your health, and it causes a chemical alteration in the composition of your brain. Addiction to harmful substances will cause you to have no control over your actions, making recovery difficult, but possible. 

During a 90-day treatment program, it is likely that you may need to undergo a medically assisted detox that requires you to stop taking the drug that you are addicted to under the watchful eye of a medical professional. After you no longer have a physical dependence to the drug, there are many different therapies and programs that you can undergo to help change your mindset, and offer you insight into the ‘why’ behind your addiction. 

Some of the therapies offered at 90-day rehabilitation programs offer education, insight, compassion, and everyday tools to help you process your disorder, and establish healthy, sober lifestyles free from the destruction of addictive behavior. 

What Are the Benefits of Going to a 90-Day Rehab?

The idea that 90 days should be the minimum required duration of time for one seeking recovery from an addiction is due to the time both your body and brain need to heal, and to run a lesser risk of relapse. They say that it takes at least 30 days to form a habit, and that goes for habits that do not have life-threatening implications on the functionality of your brain. 

With 90-day rehab, drug centers are able to take the time to personalize your treatment so that it is effective for you. Undergoing evaluations and seeing a therapist will allow the 90-day center to have insight into your condition and how you heal. Addiction recovery should be individualized based on each client’s specific needs because no two addiction experiences are the same, therefore no two rehabilitation programs should be the same. 

90-day outpatient rehab programs will allow for you to live at home, or in sober living, while you attend treatment during the day. This offers clients more flexibility and an easier transition back into normal life upon the completion of rehab.

Who Should Go to a 90-Day Rehab?

In choosing to attend a 90-day rehabilitation program, you are choosing to help yourself recover from substance use disorder, mental health disorders, or both. If you are someone who is struggling from a serious addiction or mental disorder that is interfering with you going out and living your life, it is encouraged that you look into a 90-day rehab to reset your mind and change the way you live your life. 

Some of the signs that you are experiencing an addiction or mental health problem include not being able to cut down on drinking or using drugs, continuing to drink or do drugs even though it is causing health problems, skipping out on your favorite activities to engage in drinking or drugs, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using, not attending work or school, then you should consider attending a 90-day rehab. 

Reach Out to the Team at Inneractions Today

90-day rehabs offer you the ability to focus solely on your recovery without much distraction from the outside world. The 90 days will also offer you the time you require to master some of the skills of recovery that you can take with you for the remainder of your life. A 90-day rehab program also offers you the chance to recognize and change poor habits. Inneractions is a 90-day intensive outpatient rehab for those suffering from addiction and their families to recover in a discreet and professional setting. Come visit our facility in Woodland Hills, CA to recover today.

What Is Heroin Rehab In Los Angeles?

Heroin addiction

Heroin is an incredibly powerful and devastating drug that falls into the opioid class of drugs.

The word opioid alone most likely conjures thoughts of the enduring epidemic the United States is still struggling with.

“From 1999–2019, nearly 500,000 people died from an overdose involving any opioid, including prescription and illicit opioids”, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Of course, that’s not all related to heroin but as an opioid, it does play a role and in that same stretch, 1999 to 2019, 130,00 people died from overdoses related to heroin. The amount of those deaths was 7 times higher in 2019 than in 2019.

It’s important to note here that heroin is illegal, an illicit opioid as it’s commonly phrased. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) labels it a Schedule I drug it has “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse”.

As we’ve all collectively come to find out in the last couple of decades, that abuse has come to pass and the devastation that heroin and other opioids have left in their wake have been catastrophic.

What Is Heroin?

What exactly is this drug that in 2019 was involved in nearly 20% of all drug overdose deaths?

As defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the various opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin.”

It can be taken in a variety of ways; smoked, injected, sniffed or snorted.

You may naturally be wondering if there is some sort of link between prescription opioids and heroin given that they function in essentially the same way.

Research shows that to some extent that does look to be the case.

Data from 2002 to 2012 showed that the “incidence of heroin initiation was 19 times higher among those who reported prior nonmedical pain reliever use than among those who did not”. Additionally, and more to the previous point, “data from 2011 showed that an estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids switch to heroin and about 80 percent of people who used heroin first misused prescription opioids.”.

Some contributing factors that drive the transition to heroin and its use in general are the extremely high availability and the low price compared to prescription opioids.

As NIDA notes, “a number of studies have suggested that people transitioning from abuse of prescription opioids to heroin cite that heroin is cheaper, more available, and provides a better high”.

Does a Heroin Addiction Require Rehab? 

Given what we’ve come to learn as a society about the ravages of opioids and heroin, it has become increasingly clear that rehab goes a long way in helping people beat their addiction.

Heroin is a powerful, powerful drug that sinks its teeth deeply into people and doesn’t let up without a lot of fight.

Dedicated treatment gives you the support system and guidance you need to create a solid foundation upon which to build the rest of your life on. Heroin rehab in Los Angeles at Inneractions is honed and shaped by over 30 years of impassioned experience in helping people get through their darkest and lowest times.

Treatment is designed to help you discover the root causes of your addiction to heroin and learn new, healthy ways to deal with those issues as well as the triggers that will continue to arise going forward. In both individual and group sessions – utilizing evidence-based modalities and complementary therapies – you’ll work with our addiction specialists to break the cycle.

Reach out to us today to learn more about our program for heroin addiction.

Benefits of Long Term Treatment for Drug Addiction

Benefits of Long Term Treatment for Drug Addiction

Drug use isn’t static and it doesn’t affect everyone the same. For some, that use turns to abuse and eventually into an addiction. The way addiction grabs a hold of people is also dynamic and while some people can find their way out of it, for others it becomes a vise grip from which they can’t escape under their own volition or efforts.

The longer a person struggles with substance abuse and the further they fall into that black hole, the more likely it is that long term treatment for drug addiction is going to be the solution that truly helps them get their life back.

Drug Addiction Defined

Fortunately, the opinions on addiction have shifted society-wide since more research into the subject has yielded a more evolved scientific view on substance abuse.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that “addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain disorder and a mental illness. Addiction is the most severe form of a full spectrum of substance use disorders, and is a medical illness caused by repeated misuse of a substance or substances”.

What Is the Best Way To Treat Drug Addiction?

As mentioned at the top, addiction doesn’t afflict everyone in the same way and therefore isn’t a one size fits all solution for how to see your way out of that place.

Among the best ways to treat a substance abuse disorder is through dedicated and immersive rehab where you can truly focus on overcoming the illness.

At this point there is a whole world of options available that utilize varying methods, be they evidence-based or alternative/complementary or some combination of both. As well, there are rehab facilities that cater to specific types of addiction for even more specialized care.

All of that said, there is no “best”, finding what the best treatment for you is, is what matters.

Benefits of Long Term Treatment for Drug Addiction

Treatment isn’t achieved overnight and longer-term care is even more important if your addiction has lasted a long time and/or was on the more severe side.

NIDA points out that it’s critical to remain in treatment for an adequate period of time, adding, “the appropriate duration for an individual depends on the type and degree of the patient’s problems and needs. Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least 3 months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment”.

Time to Recover

Recovery is a process and it takes time for it to stick. Giving yourself that time is crucial.

A longer time horizon means you can dive deeper into the underlying causes of addiction on top of being able to really solidify and internalize the new coping mechanisms, thought patterns and way of life you’re cultivating.

Structure and Supervision

Structure is mission-critical. A regimented and formal program with a clear plan is a core component of long term treatment. Not only that but being supervised, particularly in those early days of treatment, helps tremendously with the elevated risk of relapse and getting through the cravings throughout

Continuous Support and Sober Peers

Being in a supportive environment works wonders for your mental state. The longer you’re in an environment like that, the better chance that your new mindset will stick and translate into a lasting recovery. Add to that the companionship and new friendships you’ll make with sober-minded people that are also in treatment means you’ll likely leave with a strong support network.

Reach Out To Inneractions Today for Help With an Addiction

Ultimately, what matters most is finding what works best for you. At Inneractions in Los Angeles, our intensive outpatient treatment is meant to fit into, and work around, your life. If you have questions or concerns about whether long-term care is right for you, reach out to us anytime. 

What Is A Rehab Program?

What Is A Rehab Program?

As our societal opinions and medical views on addiction have evolved – bringing acceptance to what was once a much more heavily stigmatized issue – so too has how we now go about solving the problem and helping people take back control of their lives. Naturally, there is still a long way to go but with substance abuse disorders now being classed as mental health issues, there’s been a sea change in how addiction is treated.

Among the most well-known methods is a rehab program.

Rehab Programs Explained

So, what is a rehab program?

Rehab, or rehabilitation, programs are simply a systematic means by which addiction to drugs or alcohol are treated. They can range widely in the methods and modalities they pull from as well as how long they last in duration.

The end goal of any rehab program though is to ensure you finish on solid footing and on a strong foundation upon which you can carry on leading a sober life.

Different Types of Rehab Programs

Before delving into the types of rehab out there, it’s worth noting that before you start rehab, which is meant to tackle the mental side of addiction, you’d go through a process of detoxification. Detox being the process by which you rid your body of the substance and begin to break the physical addiction.

The core types of rehab can be broken down as follows:

Inpatient Programs

Also referred to as inpatient care or residential inpatient care, these programs are chiefly characterized by the fact that you live in the treatment facility. Inpatient programs are often recommended for those with the most severe and long-lasting addictions, people who are at high risk for relapse. Not only do they offer constant, 24-hour support and supervision but the highly structured nature of inpatient treatment means a person is, by design, going to be preoccupied with the work of recovery.

In residential inpatient care, you’re removed from your regular environment, no work, no school, no friends or family from back home. You’re immersed in recovery. Generally, there is a heavy weighting on psychotherapy (like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, reality therapy and psychodynamic therapy) and work with psychiatrists, licensed therapists and addiction specialists in individual and group settings as well as other complementary elements.

The idea is to examine what led you to drugs or alcohol in the first place and adopt new thought patterns and coping mechanisms so you can move forward and react to future triggers differently.

Outpatient Programs

In outpatient rehab, you’ll experience the same type of treatment as you did during your stay in an inpatient facility, the difference being that you don’t live in. For some, they will transfer from inpatient to outpatient as a way to slowly reintegrate back into day-to-day life. Others, with less intense addictions, can start with outpatient care if that’s what’s recommended.

Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient care both fall under this category as well.

Aftercare Programs

After successful completion of either an inpatient or outpatient program, continuing care is often available. Aftercare programs encompass things like sober living homes, 12-step programs and other support groups as well as continuing to go to counseling. Additionally, some rehabs have an in-house alumni program that helps you stay connected and supported with the people who helped you through treatment.

In general, part of the idea of aftercare is to stay in touch with people who understand exactly what you’re going through because not only is it nice to have like minded companionship but also it’s extremely helpful to have someone to talk to when you feel triggered or in danger of relapse.

Let Inneractions Be the Rehab for You

At Inneractions, our staff of over 25 experts is focused on delivering the most helpful intensive outpatient program we can. Our decades of combined experience mean you’re in the care of those who’ve truly seen it all and understand how to get you through it.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.