Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Flexible treatment that works around your life—get support while keeping your job, school, or family commitments.

What is IOP?

IOP stands for Intensive Outpatient Program. It is a type of addiction treatment that gives people strong support while letting them live at home or in sober living/halfway house. IOP helps those who don’t need 24/7 care but still need regular therapy to stay on track. These programs include group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and skills to prevent relapse. Most people attend several sessions a week, making it easier to balance work, school, or family. IOP is a great option for those who want structured treatment without staying in a rehab center full-time.

IOP is for anyone who needs addiction treatment but doesn’t need 24/7 care. It’s a great option for people who are finishing inpatient rehab and still need support, as well as those who want treatment while continuing their daily lives. IOP is especially helpful for working professionals, students, and parents since sessions often start at 5 PM or later, making it easy to attend after work or school. It’s designed for people who need structured therapy, group support, and relapse prevention while balancing responsibilities at home and in their careers.

IOP works by giving people strong support while they live at home. Most programs have several therapy sessions each week, including group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and addiction education. These sessions help people learn coping skills, prevent relapse, and build a support system. IOP programs are flexible, so people can still go to work, school, or take care of their families while getting treatment. It’s a structured way to stay on track with recovery without staying in a rehab center full-time.

IOP is the easiest addiction treatment program to attend because it gives you the structure and support you need without disrupting your daily life. Unlike inpatient rehab, you don’t have to stay overnight—you can live at home, go to work, and take care of your responsibilities while getting treatment. IOP sessions are scheduled at flexible times, making it easier to fit into your routine. It’s a great option for people who need more than just occasional therapy but don’t need full-time care. With group support, one-on-one counseling, and relapse prevention tools, IOP makes recovery more accessible and manageable.

Benefits of Our IOP

Keep Your Job – Maintain full-time work while receiving treatment.
Take Care of Family – Balance responsibilities like parenting or caregiving.
Stay in School – Attend classes without disrupting education.
More Privacy – Avoid explaining absences from work or daily life.
Evening Support – Get help during high-risk relapse hours.
Medication Assisted Treatment – Can Remain on Sublocade
Less Stress – No need to juggle treatment with work or school.
Social Connection – Build a sober support system while maintaining daily relationships.
Better Work-Life Balance – Structure your day while prioritizing recovery.
Time for Self-Care – Use daytime hours for therapy, exercise, or personal growth.
Same Quality Care – Receive the same clinical support as daytime programs.

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Stay Employed

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Stay Employed

Sessions starting at 5pm allow you to attend after your work day

Prevent Relapse

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Relapse Prevention

We teach coping strategies & relapse prevention skills.

Peer Support

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Peer Support

Connect with others on the same journey to recovery.

Only Evening IOP in Asheville

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Only Evening IOP in Asheville

We are the only IOP in Asheville that holds sessions in the evenings to assist people who cannot attend during the day.

Sessions starting at 5pm allow you to attend after your work day

We teach coping strategies & relapse prevention skills.

Connect with others on the same journey to recovery.

We are the only IOP in Asheville that holds sessions in the evenings to assist people who cannot attend during the day.

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What to Expect During Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

Program Duration and Schedule

The length and schedule of our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) are tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. Typically, the program lasts 6-8 weeks, with sessions held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. However, the exact duration and frequency of sessions may vary depending on how well the client progresses and whether additional support is needed. If more intensive care is required, clients may stay in the program for a longer period to ensure they receive the right level of support for their recovery.

Group Therapy

Our group therapy secessions provide a fresh resource for socialization and offers people the chance to enhance their communication abilities. Because prior socialization with drug or alcohol users is common in addiction, this is especially crucial. Individuals with comparable issues meet to offer peer support, compassion, and honest feedback in group therapy. Furthermore, group therapy can encourage healthy behaviors and provide a secure environment that is central to recovery efforts. Group members who have progressed further in their recovery frequently offer valuable assistance and empathy to those who are early in their recovery. Group therapy tends to be the backbone of most IOPs. Some research indicates that group participation is as effective as individual therapy in battling addiction.

Individual Therapy

Substance abuse has a profound impact on clients’ lives and may cause serious problems. Individual therapy is beneficial because clients may spend more time addressing individual concerns in individual therapy sessions. Many people feel more comfortable talking about private issues in individual therapy than in a group setting. Individual therapy is provided as part of most IOPs, and it is typically scheduled at least weekly if not more frequently, especially in the early stages of treatment. Therapy sessions are led by therapists who establish close, trustworthy relationships based on mutual trust and commitment to recovery.

Medication Management

At an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), it is expected that your medications should already be stable and well-established. If you are still in the process of adjusting or finding the right medication for your recovery, our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) may be a better fit. PHP offers more intensive support to help stabilize and fine-tune your medications before transitioning to the more flexible IOP level of care. Our team of physicians, healthcare professionals, and nursing staff will closely monitor and manage your medications to ensure your symptoms are effectively alleviated or stabilized as part of your overall treatment plan.

Family Therapy

Having family therapy during an outpatient rehab can give family members the strength they need to begin their recovery. It also demonstrates to family members how much drugs and alcohol negatively impacted their life. Finally, family members see how dedicated and committed their loved ones are to becoming substance-free. We also offer a Family Support Group for any family members needing some additional support during this time.

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📍 Milestone 1: Getting Started (Week 1-2)

🎯 Goal: Adjustment & Commitment
✔ Understand how IOP works & what to expect
✔ Build trust with therapists & group members
✔ Identify personal struggles & motivations for change
✔ Set recovery goals & develop an initial plan
💡 What Clients Might Feel: Overwhelmed but hopeful, uncertain about how things will change

📍 Milestone 2: Gaining Stability (Week 2-3)

🎯 Goal: Learning New Coping Skills
✔ Start recognizing triggers & cravings
✔ Learn healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, & emotions
✔ Develop a basic relapse prevention plan
✔ Begin forming connections with peers in the group
💡 What Clients Might Feel: More aware of emotions & behaviors, small wins but still facing challenges

📍 Milestone 3: Building Confidence (Week 3-4)

🎯 Goal: Applying What You’ve Learned
✔ Recognize early warning signs of relapse
✔ Improve communication & boundary-setting skills
✔ Feel more comfortable opening up in group therapy
✔ Start seeing progress in personal relationships
💡 What Clients Might Feel: A sense of growth, more engaged in recovery, gaining confidence in handling daily stress

📍 Milestone 4: Strengthening Independence (Week 4-5)

🎯 Goal: Making Real-World Progress
✔ Successfully practice coping skills outside of sessions
✔ Gain confidence in handling difficult situations without substances
✔ Strengthen accountability with peers & therapists
✔ Feel more prepared for long-term recovery
💡 What Clients Might Feel: Empowered, capable, but still needing structure & support

📍 Milestone 5: Transition & Future Planning (Week 5-6)

🎯 Goal: Preparing for Life After IOP
✔ Finalize a personal relapse prevention plan
✔ Identify long-term support (AA, therapy, community groups)
✔ Develop a plan for continued emotional & mental wellness
✔ Gain a sense of confidence in maintaining sobriety
💡 What Clients Might Feel: Ready to move forward, but possibly nervous about maintaining progress independently

Why Choose IOP at Asheville Recovery Center?

Choosing the right Intensive Outpatient Program is critical to your success in recovery. At Asheville Recovery Center, we offer a unique, individualized approach that sets us apart from other treatment programs.

Our Difference

Licensed & Experienced Staff – Our team includes addiction specialists, licensed therapists, and recovery coaches.
Flexible Evening Schedule – We understand that life doesn’t stop for treatment, which is why we offer sessions at convenient times.
Personalized Recovery Plans – Every client’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs.
Evidence-Based Therapy – We use clinically proven methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Informed Therapy.
Holistic Recovery Approach – We focus on mind, body, and emotional wellness to create lasting sobriety.
Supportive Community – Clients build strong connections with peers and staff, fostering accountability and motivation.
Relapse Prevention Focus – We teach real-world strategies to help you stay sober after treatment.