Outpatient treatment provides people who have been struggling with drug or alcohol addiction with an effective yet flexible level of care. Outpatient treatment groups meet for between 3 and 4 days a week for between one and three months. At Guardian IOP, we understand how difficult choosing an outpatient treatment program can be. We know that finding the best treatment option for you or your loved one might seem daunting, especially when you don’t know what to look for or what to expect. At Guardian IOP we are available to answer common questions about the outpatient treatment process in hopes of better preparing you or your loved one for the road ahead. We have also compiled a list of 10 common outpatient treatment myths and facts, ensuring you are well-informed before making any major decisions. Contact us today to learn more about outpatient treatment or to get started with our simple admissions process.

Myth #1: Outpatient Treatment Doesn’t Work.

Fact: It Does.

IOP provides flexible treatment and allows for more personal freedom than inpatient rehab, but this doesn’t mean efficacy is compromised. Outpatient treatment can either be utilized as a standalone treatment option or as a step-down level of care for someone who has already completed inpatient rehab. If utilized as a standalone treatment option, IOP is generally the most effective if the client has a mild or moderate substance use disorder and no underlying issues. If you are curious as to whether or not outpatient treatment is the best option for you, contact us today and we will help you figure it out.

Myth #2: Outpatient Treatment is Expensive.

Fact: Insurance Often Covers IOP.

Many major national and regional health insurance providers cover some or all of the services provided by outpatient treatment centers, either partially or in full. Outpatient treatment is also a much more cost-effective level of care when compared to traditional inpatient rehab. Clients have access to the same daily curriculum, it is just delivered over a shorter period of time. At Guardian IOP we offer free, no obligation insurance benefit checks to help you determine how much of your treatment experience will be covered. We also offer self-pay and private pay options for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

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Myth #3: Outpatient Treatment is Boring.

Fact: Outpatient Treatment Teaches Clients How to Have Fun in Recovery.

One of the main points of addiction treatment is to show people how to enjoy their newfound sober lives. If sobriety wasn’t enjoyable, what motivation would people have to stay sober? At Guardian IOP we encourage our clients to participate in as many sober events as they can. We offer life skills training services, showing clients how to meet their full potential and obtain their personal goals (both in treatment and in their personal lives). Because our New Brunswick location has been open for the longest period of time, we have a solid alumni network, and program alumni regularly schedule sober events, outings and get-togethers where they can share their experiences in recovery and further bond with one another.

Myth #4: Outpatient Treatment is 30 Days.

Fact: The Length of Treatment is Based on Individual Need.

The length of outpatient treatment varies on a person-to-person basis, and depends on several factors including the severity of the addiction, the type of substance being misused and the presence of any underlying mental health concerns. At Guardian IOP our program lasts for a total of 30 days from start to finish. However, a client might choose to stay for a shorter or longer period of time depending on their needs.

Myth #5: Most IOPs are Religious Programs.

Fact: Some IOPs Have Spiritual Components.

Some outpatient treatment programs that have optional spiritual components, but most rehabs are not rooted in religion. There is a major distinction between spirituality and religion. Spirituality is an individual practice, and it focuses more on holistic health and developing a sense of inner peace and purpose. Religion, on the other hand, corners a pre-existing set of organized beliefs. Religion is much more stringent. Why is spirituality important to recovery? Most people who have struggled with addiction have broken spirits — they come to treatment as hollow shells of their former selves. Rebuilding the spirit helps clients stay sober and rediscover joy in simply living.

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Myth #6: Outpatient Treatment is for Weak People.

Fact: Committing to Recovery is Extremely Courageous.

Asking for help is never easy. Many of us grew up in households where self-sufficiency was encouraged; we were taught to handle our problems ourselves. When it comes to addiction it is impossible to heal thoroughly without the help of licensed and experienced professionals. Taking the initiative to better yourself — no matter what it takes — is extremely admirable.

Myths and facts about outpatient treatment and addiction recovery

Myth #7: I’ll Lose My Job if I Attend Outpatient Treatment.

Fact: There Are Laws in Place to Prevent Job Loss.

Many people fail to seek treatment simply because they are concerned about potentially losing their careers, or facing scrutiny from their superiors or co-workers. There are laws in place to protect your job while you seek addiction treatment, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). To learn more about using FMLA for outpatient treatment, contact us today.

Myth #8: Outpatient Treatment is a Step-Down Level of Care.

Fact: IOP Can Be a Standalone Treatment Option.

While IOP is often utilized as a step-down level of care, following the completion of medical detox and inpatient rehab, it can serve as an effective standalone treatment option. IOP might be effective treatment if:

  • You have a mild substance use problem and no underlying concerns.
  • You have been in treatment before and recently experienced a short-lived relapse.
  • You are looking for additional support as you navigate early sobriety.
  • You are concerned about your substance use but have not yet experienced any major consequences.
  • You require a flexible level of care because you have personal obligations you cannot entirely step away from.
  • You are uninsured and cannot afford to cover the cost of inpatient rehab.

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Myth #9: IOP is Basically Group Therapy.

Fact: Outpatient Treatment Combines Effective Treatment Methods.

Yes, group therapy is a part of outpatient treatment. But so is individual therapy, family therapy, fitness programs, relapse prevention, life skills training, holistic workshops… the list goes on and on! At Guardian IOP we are dedicated to providing our clients with the most integrated care available, promoting a restoration of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. We offer medication assisted treatment options in addition to individualized therapeutic care.

Myth #10: Outpatient Treatment is a Good Choice for Everyone.

Fact: The Level of Care You Require Depends on Your Personal Needs.

If you have been battling a life-threatening heroin addiction, IOP might not be the best option. If you have struggled with an alcohol addiction for years and you simultaneously suffer from a severe depressive disorder, you will likely benefit more from a dual diagnosis rehab. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out on your own. As soon as you reach out to us, one of our Treatment Advisors will help you determine whether or not outpatient treatment is the best fit for you.

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Contact Us Today to Learn More

If you would like to learn more about outpatient treatment or if you are interested in additional details on our IOP program in New Jersey or Southern Florida, contact us today. Our Treatment Advisors are always available to answer questions and to help you or your loved one get started with our simple and straightforward admissions process. As soon as you make the decision to reach out for help, we will be there. During our initial phone call we conduct a brief pre-assessment which helps our clinical team determine which combination of treatment methods are going to be the most beneficial for each unique case. We also offer a free, no obligation insurance benefit check for those who are looking into potential coverage options. If you or your loved one is not currently covered by a major national provider or regional provider in New Jersey or Florida, we offer additional options including self-pay and private pay. Once the finer details are sorted out we help arrange local travel to one of our facilities, which are located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Hoboken, New Jersey and Delray Beach, Florida. All you have to do is make the initial phone call and we will take care of the rest. Contact us today to begin.

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Anna-Barrett

Reviewed for accuracy by:

Anna earned her Masters of Social Work at Barry University in Miami, FL in 2017 and completed her internship in co-occurring disorders. Anna has a Bachelors of Art in Religious Studies from Naropa University and is a certified yoga and meditation instructor. Anna has received specialized training in somatic counseling with an emphasis on body-centered psychotherapy.