Why Is Relapse Prevention Key to Your IOP Recovery?

Dallas sober living residents hanging out by the fireplace.

When comparing different IOP recovery programs within the Dallas area, an area of focus should be on the continuum of care after program graduation. Within the rehab and substance abuse community, there is no standardized way to measure IOP or the drug rehab center’s success. You might see some facilities boasting a shockingly high success rate; they might simply be measuring the percent of Clients who complete a certain number of weeks of recovery. Other centers might base it on what percent of meetings or sessions their Clients attend. Others might look at sober statistics after program graduation. It can be confusing trying to assess what Intensive Outpatient Programs recovery stats mean. Instead, look at the program as a whole and see how they aid the long-term journey of their Clients.

At Lighthouse Recovery in Dallas, we focus on the continuum of care and make relapse prevention a key part of our program. We do not want to just break the symptoms of addiction during our IOP, but we want each of our Clients to achieve long-term recovery and success free from relapse.

IOP Program Benefits

Integrative

We employ staff specializing in a wide range of modalities, allowing us to provide a more comprehensive approach. These modalities include, but are not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT), and Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Compassionate

Our highly trained staff work intensively with clients to address core issues. Every IOP session is aimed at reducing negative behaviors by addressing the emotions and thoughts that are often behind them. We work diligently and compassionately to make clients feel safe and understood.

Convenient

Our flexible programming allows clients to continue to live at home, go to work or attend school, and still get the therapeutic support they need. The average intensive outpatient program lasts eight to twelve weeks and combines three group therapy sessions and one individual therapy session per week. We offer night groups and telehealth options for those with busier schedules.

Cost-effective

Depending on the severity of the client’s case, programmatic therapy can be dramatically more cost-effective than a standard Inpatient Treatment program. We work with most private insurance providers to offset the majority of programming costs.

Insurances We Accept

Lighthouse accepts 100+ private insurance policies and offers cost-effective private-pay plans.

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Here are a few ways we work to achieve prevent relapse:

Personalized approach

No single approach to IOP recovery fits every individual. The reasons behind substance abuse, underlying conditions, co-occurring diseases muddle the one-size-fits-all approach some IOP take.

To further this point, TIME writer, David Sheff, who’s been researching drug rehab success, “points to outdated philosophies and one-size-fits-all programs as reasons for the ineffectiveness of so many [rehab] programs.”

One way Lighthouse takes a tailored approach is through our pairings with specific therapists and recovery coaches, which we’ll discuss more below. Another way to ensure each Client receives the attention they deserve is through our small group therapy sizes, capped at 10. Some alcohol and drug rehab centers in Dallas allow as many as 40 individuals per group! While we absolutely see the community benefit of group therapy, the positives wane once the individual experience disappears in such a large group.

No one treatment is right for everyone, and our team works relentlessly to find the right IOP recovery treatment for you.

Science-based therapy practices

At Lighthouse Recovery in Dallas, our therapists utilize a wide range of science-based therapy practices. Depending on the individual and the underlying causes of addiction, we might utilize one or more of the following therapies: Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Experiential Therapies, Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT)

Using the appropriate therapy(ies) helps get to the root of addiction, and works to prevent relapse.

Experienced therapists

All of the therapists at Lighthouse Recovery are licensed, Masters-level clinicians with experience treating substance abuse and addiction. Each Client is consulted with prior to enrolling in our IOP and then matched with the appropriate clinician based on their experience. This personalized approach helps ensure the most productive therapy sessions, ideally preventing relapse.

Recovery coaching

A recovery coach is a professional in the area of substance abuse and addiction who is hand-selected to walk alongside our Client during their IOP recovery journey. Our Clients meet with their recovery coach once a week throughout the IOP, usually setting short and long-term goals and going through actionable steps to achieve them. Recovery coaches are available to support Clients in between therapy sessions, or if accountability or support is needed at an inconvenient time. They are here for you. That support, and availability, is key to relapse prevention. (To learn more about why you need a recovery coach, read this ).

Free, randomized alcohol and drug testing

Random testing, along with the watchful eyes of our therapy team, help quickly identify any relapse. Unfortunately, relapse can be part of the IOP recovery process for some individuals; however, it can be turned into fuel to dive deeper into their recovery.

Family involvement

For those interested, we involve the families. We offer family therapy sessions, providing helpful tips for family members to aid the recovery journey and prevent relapse.

Our Supportive Outpatient Program (SOP)

While our IOP typically lasts 12 weeks, after completion we include 8 weeks of a Supportive Outpatient Program. The SOP has fewer meetings than our IOP, with 1 group session and counseling per week. This allows us to keep an eye on our Clients, and give us time to recognize any subtle behavioral or physical changes that may lead to relapse as well as give the Client more time to really understand the underlying causes of their addiction and strengthen their coping mechanisms. The SOP is key to preventing relapse. We want each of our clients to know we are here for them, every step of the way.

When assessing various IOP recovery options in Dallas, we urge you to consider how important relapse prevention is to their program. At Lighthouse Recovery, we want to support you as you heal and thrive; relapse prevention is crucial to your long-term recovery journey. Give us a call today for a free, confidential assessment to decide if the IOP is right for you.

Why Choose our Dallas IOP?

Category	Lighthouse IOP	Standard IOP
Program Philosophy and Structure	Individualized, custom-built, and holistic curriculum Maximum of 8 persons per group Each client is matched with a Recovery Coach who can provide support outside of clinical programming by setting goals, building engagement in outside recovery groups, and creating accountability All Lighthouse Therapists are Masters-level clinicans with a wide range of experiences so we can best match client to Therapist Both in-person and Teleheath attendance options available Both day and night groups available 24/7 access to support plus 12 months of extended support	Standardized programming (usually an "off-the-shelf" curriculum) Up to 30 persons per group No Recovery Coaching i.e. program is limited to only hours spent in group and individual therapy leaving significant "gaps" in coverage Experience of Therapist varies from company to company as does the ability to "match" a client with the most applicable Theraupetic experience Attendance options vary from company to company Group options vary from company to company Extended support varies from company to company
Additional Program Features	Lighthouse is in-network with the most common insurance policies and accepts 100+ policies on an Out of Network basis Preferred Access to our Recovery Coaching Program Robust Network i.e. psychiatrists, neurofeeback specialists, etc. Beautifully designed, private office building centrally located in Dallas, TX	In Network benefits vary from company to company No access to in-house Recovery Coaching offered Referral Network for Auxiliary Services varies from company to company Condition and privacy of office varies from company to company

IOP Frequently Asked Questions

What is IOP?

Intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a lower level of care on the spectrum of treatment. It usually consists of three 3-hour group sessions a week with a licensed therapist and at least one 1-hour individual therapy session. IOP is perfect for those stepping down from a Residential or Inpatient Treatment Center, or those that are unable to commit to going away for a minimum of 30 days. IOP is often a good alternative for those with families or careers that they are unable to take too much time away from.

Is IOP right for me?

An intensive outpatient program is suitable for most people at some point in their recovery journey. Although we like to be able to help as many individuals as possible at Lighthouse, some clients require a higher level of care initially due to the severity of their addiction and are later suitable for the IOP level of care. We offer a free assessment for everyone who calls needing help with no obligation to enroll in our programs. Let one of our trained professionals help you make the determination.

How long does IOP last?

Typically, an IOP lasts 8 to 12 weeks. There are a number of factors that help determine the intensive outpatient program length, such as insurance benefits, medical necessity, and engagement.

How much does IOP cost?

Treatment can be expensive, but IOP is often on the lower end cost-wise when comparing it to Residential or Inpatient care. We’re able to work with most private insurances to help offset the cost of your treatment with us. If for some reason your insurance doesn’t cover our program or you don’t have insurance, we can always discuss our Scholarship Self-Pay rates. Our finance team may be able to help you set up a payment plan, if you are unable to come up with the full cost upfront.

What happens if I relapse in an IOP?

As unfortunate as it may appear to be at the time, every experience can be turned into a positive lesson, if you are honest and seek immediate help. For some people, relapse is part of the process and it only has to be a negative if you don’t work to get back on track. It’s hard for some people to come to terms with being addicted to alcohol or drugs, so a relapse could be the motivation to focus harder on their recovery. If one does occur, call your support system and your program contact immediately. One mistake does not have to derail your journey to lasting recovery and happiness.

Where can I find more IOP resources?

Check out our IOP resources: