Americans are one of the most overworked industrial nations. On average, 70% of American households with children have both parents working full-time. Women work an average of 8.33 hours daily, while men average over 9 hours.
If you have a full-time work or school schedule, you may wonder how union workers can still receive the benefits of enrolling in a substance use disorder program. An evening IOP offers more intensive therapy than an outpatient program while providing flexibility.
You can still keep up with your full-time job and responsibilities while taking care of your health and wellness. Are you interested in learning more? At Northstar Recovery Center, we have compiled a complete guide on why union workers can benefit from evening IOPs and how they differ from other treatment programs, so keep reading on!
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program?
An intensive outpatient program or IOP is a type of substance use disorder treatment. It is less time-intensive than a partial hospitalization (PHP) or residential program.
Yet, it still requires more time commitment than your standard outpatient programs. These programs also average a longer duration than traditional outpatient therapies. With more time spent on the recovery process, you have a reduced risk of relapse.
At the end of the day, you can still return home. On average, IOPs require five hours daily for three to five days per week. The exact timeframes and intensity of the sessions can be customized to your situation and need.
Who Benefits From an IOP?
Addiction treatment in MA has several types of programs, stemming from detox centers to outpatient centers. Substance use disorders also vary in intensity.
A mild substance use disorder case may only require a PHP or IOP to start. More severe cases could transition from a detox center or residential center to a PHP or IOP.
Ultimately, IOPs are ideal for patients who need the flexibility of keeping up with responsibilities at home while continuing the rehab process. It also costs less than traditional or inpatient rehab facilities.
Suppose you have transitioned from a higher level of care. In that case, IOPs are more useful than traditional outpatient programs since they require more accountability while still allowing you to practice life skills at home. Lastly, IOPs have greater flexibility than PHPs, making them ideal for those holding part-time or full-time jobs.
Evening IOPs
Evening IOPs help union workers in Massachusetts hold a job and continue their rehab journey. In 2021, Massachusetts employed around 402,000 union members.
Being a union member and a worker has several benefits, including advocating for workplace and health safety. Part of that includes seeking help for your substance use disorder.
Treating substance addictions requires flexibility with your work schedule. For many who work traditional hours (e.g., 9-5 or 8-5), an evening program is ideal.
At Northstar Recovery Center, we offer flexible IOPs, including virtual and evening sessions. Evening IOP is ideal for workers with strict schedules and individuals in school.
It entails all the same benefits as a traditional IOP. This includes working with highly skilled professionals.
If you have mild to moderate substance use disorder symptoms with a busy work schedule, this could be the best option for you. In conjunction with group and individual therapy, therapists may also use other evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Benefits of Evening IOPs
IOPs are equally as effective as inpatient programs, based on recent studies. Here are some of the benefits of participating in an IOP:
- Reducing the risk of requiring 24/7 care
- Reducing the risk of mental health disorders
- Smoother transition to a lower level of care
- Manage early-stage relapse risks
- Develop coping strategies
It can also help individuals who deal with emotional or psychological distress. IOPs can be combined with family therapy to bridge relationships and facilitate a healthy home environment. Patients who excel at an evening or traditional IOP are those who are self-motivated and do not need acute detox services.
Is Evening IOP Different From Virtual IOP?
Virtual IOP has primarily arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent studies show that Medicare telehealth visits soared from 840,000 in 2019 to 52.7 million by 2020. One of the states with the highest use of telehealth visits was Massachusetts.
Virtual IOP is exactly as the name sounds. It offers telehealth addiction treatment options. It combines the benefits of evening IOPs with the flexibility of remaining at home.
You will still have more time requirements than other outpatient programs. Some of the treatments involved in a virtual IOP are:
- Daily meetings (individual and group)
- Counseling
- Evidence-based practices (e.g., CBT and dialectical-behavioral therapy)
Despite being offered online, you can still learn crucial skills and strategies. These can help you combat substance use disorder symptoms and other co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety. You also benefit from working in a group and hearing others’ stories.
Who can benefit from a virtual IOP? It is useful for those who cannot make it into the clinic but still have mild to moderate substance use disorder symptoms.
Find an Evening IOP Near You
An evening IOP is ideal for union workers and those with more rigorous work or school schedules. It provides all the benefits of an IOP, including access to professional counselors, therapists, and group therapy sessions.
However, it is all performed in the evening, requiring no overnight stays. This allows you to receive much-needed assistance for your substance use disorder around your work schedule.
Northstar Recovery Center has several rehab options that fit your unique symptoms and situation. Contact us today and find out more information on how you can get enrolled!
Day Treatment Program in MA
The Day Treatment in Massachusetts, also referred to as PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) or IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), is the highest level of care offered at Northstar Recovery Center. This addiction treatment option encompasses comprehensive clinical care and behavioral therapies. In the initial stages of recovery from addiction, it's crucial to have robust support to navigate both physical and emotional challenges. Our dedicated team at Northstar Recovery Center, located in Southborough, MA, and West Springfield, MA, is committed to assisting you in establishing a solid foundation for a lifelong recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Clients typically visit our addiction treatment center in Massachusetts each weekday for several hours, engaging in counseling sessions and other necessary interventions. This approach ensures a balanced and effective recovery process, tailored to individual needs within the framework of Day Treatment.
Individual, Group, and Family Counseling in Massachusetts
Addiction thrives in isolation, which is why group counseling sessions are a foundational part of our addiction treatment plans. In group sessions, you’ll gain perspective on your struggles with substance abuse and can connect with others who understand your experiences. Family counseling can help your loved ones understand the disease of addiction, navigate conflict and build healthier relationships. In individual counseling sessions, you’ll be able to work through personal issues like past trauma with the help of an experienced therapist.