Sober living facilities are group homes for individuals who have recently completed a substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment program that wish to move into transitional housing prior to returning home. Sober livings offer an in-between option that is a step down from traditional substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs. Instead of immediately returning home, sober living facilities offer a greater level of support in a community environment, while residents continue integrating the newly learned tools and skills related to becoming self-reliant while maintaining sobriety. There is a plethora of sober living facilities available to those in need, each with distinct characteristics, located in different geographical areas, offering a variety of wide-ranging amenities, and many specialize in accommodating individual’s nuanced needs. The purpose of a sober living to is to enable its residents take the necessary preparatory steps to fully reintegrate into society and further strengthen a foundation of recovery to enable prolonged and sustained sobriety.
Intensive Outpatient Program
IOP is an acronym that stands for “intensive outpatient program.” Some people may choose to enroll in IOP instead of enrolling in a residential program. While neither level of care is better as studies show both are effective, IOP may be a more appropriate treatment option based on a variety of contributing factors. IOPs do not offer residence to their participants, as they are outpatient programs. Each intensive outpatient program will differ. The individualized care offered, duration of program, and participant expectations will all depend on each specific facility. Most IOPs will require a participant to attend between ten to twelve hours of group therapy sessions as well as an individual psychotherapy session each week. While the exact attendance requirements will be dependent on the IOP, to be qualified as an IOP by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) the program must require between nine to twenty hours of participation per week.
The required group sessions in an IOP could include a range of different types of therapy groups (e.g., psycho-educational groups, refusal training, skills-development groups, family groups, relapse prevention groups, etc.). The purpose of group sessions is to provide an individual with an array of emotional coping mechanisms, stress-reducing strategies, and developing effective interpersonal skills to assist in his or her continued recovery. Most groups are made up of between eight and fifteen participants. Individual psychotherapy sessions offer individuals one-on-one support to further process information brought up during group sessions as well as provide a private setting to discuss issues that the individual may feel uncomfortable discussing in the group setting. One-on-one therapy is also an additional check-in point for an individual in treatment to uncover any areas that may be interfering with his or her recovery process. IOPs re-enforce relapse prevention, accountability, and essential life skills that are necessary to maintain a lifestyle of sobriety. Individuals who are enrolled in both IOP and a sober living program experience many benefits from dual enrollment.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction, we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-318-3777. You are also welcomed to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
