SAIOPs, or Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Programs, can be a powerful tool in a substance abuse counselor’s toolkit. Unfortunately, though, some misconceptions frequently held by potential clients about outpatient options can make the process of deciding on a program difficult. Beyond that, there are also big differences between intensive and non-intensive options. The decision-making process can be demystified by reviewing the factors that differentiate these programs and clarifying who they best serve.
Outpatient vs. Inpatient: The Real Differences
The most obvious difference between out and inpatient programs is where the patient sleeps, but that’s hardly the last. While both include addiction counseling and lifestyle management techniques, the setting impacts what form these therapies take.
For an outpatient, counseling frequently includes family counseling as well as group and individual. Additionally, the crisis management techniques are not as theoretical as they are for the inpatient. Because the patient is in their own home, they must be able to weather difficult life events during their program.
While some medication administration is available in certain outpatient programs, inpatient programs are still the best choice for patients who need 100% monitoring of all their medication intake. Your counselor will work with you to define the best program option for you by taking all of these things into account.
What Sets SAIOP Apart
The “Intensive” part of a Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program is really what makes it different from any other therapeutic approach. The first difference that you’ll notice is the sheer time investment. An SAIOP takes a minimum of 90 hours to complete. These hours must be completed in no more than 10 weeks, meaning that the patient will be committing at least 9 hours per week to their care.
The care itself is designed specifically to address the issues of addiction across all aspects of a patient’s life. To this end, the program isn’t over until the patient is personally ready for it to end. Counselors make sure that the patient is either making significant progress toward a stable, healthy life or, if the program isn’t effective for the individual, a new approach is designed and implemented.
The Whole-Life Approach
To truly design a program that addresses all of the issues of addiction, a whole-life approach needs to be taken. These programs don’t just tackle the addiction itself; they focus on helping the patient to build strategies for managing their addiction and balancing their lifestyle. Family counseling is crucial to this process. A support group and crisis management skills are key to overcoming difficult periods that could otherwise trigger a relapse. Disease management and coordination with other social services give the patient opportunities to integrate their addiction care into their overall health care. This more involved, more integrated care means a greater likelihood of long-term compliance.
Deciding if an SAIOP is the right option for you is an involved decision, but it shouldn’t be a difficult one. If you’re looking for a combination of the focused care an inpatient program provides but still want to live at home and possibly even work during the process; intensive outpatient programs might be the perfect fit.