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Inpatient vs. IOP Addiction Treatment: How to Know Which One is Right for Me

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inpatient vs iop addiction treatment
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While making the decision to go to rehab is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make, it is only the first decision to be made in your recovery journey. Shortly after deciding to get help, you must begin making decisions about the care you will receive. You’ll have to decide where to go to rehab, how to pay for it, and, most importantly, which treatment program is right for you.

Two popular addiction treatment options in the Boston, MA area are inpatient and intensive outpatient (IOP).

What is Inpatient Drug Rehab Like in Massachusetts?

Inpatient programs are the highest level of care offered in addiction treatment. Also known as residential treatment, these programs require you to live at the treatment facility or at supervised housing for the duration of your care. You have access to on-site medical care, support from behavioral health technicians, and around-the-clock supervision.

Inpatient programs in Massachusetts last anywhere from 30-90 days. A typical day during inpatient rehab may look like the following:

  • Wake up, eat breakfast, and take your medications (if applicable)
  • Morning group therapy session led by your substance abuse counselor
  • Individual counseling
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon group therapy session (afternoon groups often involve targeted sessions, such as trauma therapy, family systems therapy, or gender-specific therapy)
  • Downtime/free time
  • Dinner
  • Evening activity or 12-Step meeting
  • Lights out

Because residential treatment programs in the Boston area are so highly structured that transitioning out of this level of care can be difficult, many patients participate in IOP or OP after finishing inpatient.

What is IOP Addiction Treatment Like in the Boston Area?

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) typically exist to guide patients through a safe and smooth transition from residential rehab or acute care. By stepping down to a lower level of care, people can take the next step towards independence in recovery.

Unlike inpatient rehab, you are not required to live at the treatment facility during IOP. Instead, you attend your scheduled therapy sessions which run Monday through Friday from 9 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and return home in the afternoon.

IOP sessions last three and a half hours and are usually divided into two parts:

  1. A therapy group that addresses current issues of concern
  2. A skills group that focuses on teaching patients recovery and relapse prevention skills

ot everyone who attends IOP has completed a higher level of care. IOP may also be suitable for those who require flexible treatment that works with their schedule.

Who Should Go to Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient rehab programs are intended for anyone who suffers from drug or alcohol addiction but they are particularly tailored towards individuals whose addictions are considered severe. If you relate with any of the following, you should consider choosing inpatient rehab rather than IOP.

Inpatient drug rehab programs in the Boston area are ideal for those who:

  • Have a severe drug or alcohol use disorder – Substance use disorder (SUD) is diagnosed on a scale of mild, moderate, and severe. If your doctor or admissions coordinator considers your SUD as severe, you should consider residential treatment.
  • Need medical detox services – Most IOPs do not offer on-site medical care. If you are in need of detox services or medical care, a residential program is the better option for you.
  • Suffer from co-occurring health conditions – Dual diagnosis conditions such as depression and addiction or anxiety and addiction are complex and best treated on a residential basis.
  • Have a history of drug relapse – If you have a history of relapse and/or IOP hasn’t been successful for you in the past, you may benefit from a higher level of care that implements 24/7 care and support.

Who Should Go to IOP?

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are best for those who have already completed a higher level of care, such as inpatient rehab or day treatment. However, they are also suited for people who prefer not to go to residential treatment for any of the following reasons.

IOP is ideal for those who:

  • Have a mild SUD, a supportive home environment, and no need for detox services
  • Cannot take time away from their kids to attend a higher level of care
  • Are unable to take time off work or take FMLA to go to inpatient rehab or day treatment
  • Are enrolled in school and cannot reasonably stop going to classes for a higher level of care
inpatient and iop

Get The Care You Need and Deserve

Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.

(781) 622-9190

Speak With a Counselor To Learn Whether Inpatient or IOP Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts is Right For You

The best way to choose which treatment program is right for you is to consult with an addiction treatment specialist. A thorough evaluation conducted by a professional can provide you with guidance regarding which rehab program is right for you. Here at Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment, our admissions coordinators are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer all of your treatment and recovery-related questions. For a free, confidential, and risk-free assessment, contact us today–we can help.

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Medically Reviewed By

Inessa Maloney, MS, LMHC Clinical Director
Learn about Inessa Maloney

Inessa Maloney, MS, LMHC has been dedicated to the mental health and substance abuse field for a decade, providing her expertise to guarantee quality and accuracy.

  • Specializes in outpatient services with a focus on substance abuse
  • Expertise in reality-based therapy, CBT/DBT, and motivational interviewing
  • Holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling
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