Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are a form of addiction treatment that is non-residential and utilizes both evidence-based and holistic approaches. Often, clients in an IOP have recently completed an inpatient program or have more manageable symptoms that allow them to succeed while living at home. At Rockland Recovery, we offer both day and evening IOPs to cater to the diverse schedules of our clients. For our clients who work nine-to-five jobs, the evening IOP allows them to advance their careers while continually receiving treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and are interested in an evening intensive outpatient program in Massachusetts, reach out to our care team today at 855.732.4842.
Evening IOP Preparation
Before the first day of an IOP, we recommend that clients complete a short list of tasks to ensure they can put as much time and energy into recovery as possible. With both a day and an evening IOP, we recommend clients prepare by scheduling their sessions, planning around obligations, and learning about the program. However, there are additional areas to consider when preparing for an evening IOP, as there are different responsibilities people may have at night compared to the daytime.
Taking these small steps before an evening IOP at Rockland Recovery in Massachusetts can make the recovery process less daunting and create a path of least resistance.
Planning School or Work
One of the most beneficial aspects of an evening outpatient intensive program is the ability for clients to continue working or attending school during the day while still receiving addiction treatment in the evenings. It is important to remember that when attending an IOP, recovery is your priority, and you should expect to spend less time at school or work to focus on your health and recovery. Therefore, we strongly recommend communicating your new schedule with your employers or school. The Family and Medical Leave Act was created to protect your employment for up to 12 weeks of leave, which can be reassuring when approaching this conversation.
Family Obligations
During your evening IOP preparation, it is essential to keep in mind what family obligations you may have during the evening. Before your first day of treatment, you should communicate on your new schedule with any person you live with, family, or other close friends. This will also set expectations for your availability and ensure that your evening obligations are covered. Many people have children they need to pick up from school or sports, pets to feed, or elderly family members they are caretaking. Discussing with your family and friends what obligations you will need help with reduces stress for our clients and allows them to be fully present during sessions. Additionally, it holds our clients accountable for coming to sessions as they have family members who are aware of their treatment.
Planning Transportation
An aspect of evening IOP preparation that many people overlook is transportation to and from the facility. Many cities’ public transit or traffic congestion is different in the evening than during the day. It is important to plan your transportation to ensure you are not stranded after the last train or stuck in hours of traffic and miss a session. Most IOPs are very strict and have a low tolerance for delay or missing class. If you need assistance planning your transportation, Rockland Recovery has resources and is committed to making the process as easy as possible.
Meal Planning
Although in many IOPs, as well as at Rockland Recovery, cooking meals is a team bonding activity, this is not a nightly event, and you should plan to eat before attending a session. It is easy to forget dinner if you have a longer commute or arrive directly from work. We always recommend that our clients eat dinner before a session so they have a clear head and stable blood sugar. Sessions can be emotionally draining, and nutrition is a key factor in recovery, so planning how you will eat dinner each week is highly beneficial.
Rockland Recovery’s Evening IOP in Massachusetts
Rockland Recovery’s team is committed to offering top-of-the-line addiction treatment in formats that work for all clients. This is why we offer a wide range of programs, including our evening IOP in Massachusetts. This program allows our clients to reintegrate into their daily lives and work on their careers while still receiving treatment and support.
If you or a loved one is looking to enter an evening IOP, Rockland Recovery is here to help. Reach out to us today at 855.732.4842 to learn more, ask questions, and receive guidance on evening IOP preparation.
