How Long is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Types of Therapies Used in Outpatient Treatment 

Offering addiction treatment in New Brunswick, Guardian IOP provides many of the same intensive treatments and therapies that are typically part of residential/inpatient care. However, with an IOP, patients live at home or in a sober living environment, and they attend treatment in person or online. An IOP is a step up from traditional outpatient care and a step down from inpatient treatment. 

Our IOP provides comprehensive, integrated treatment that includes a wide range of therapeutic services.

Individual & Group Therapy

Individual therapy is a fundamental aspect of treatment at Guardian IOP — New Brunswick, offering a personalized and in-depth approach to addiction recovery. Clients work with skilled therapists in a confidential setting, exploring the root causes of their addiction. This individualized approach leads to effective coping strategies and lasting change. Benefits include enhanced self-awareness, resilience, and healthier relationships, all contributing to sustained sobriety and well-being. 

Group therapy is also vital in our IOP, providing a supportive space where clients share their experiences under the guidance of a therapist. This setting promotes belonging and understanding, allowing clients to realize they are not alone in their struggles and generating a sense of community among participants.

Family Therapy

Addiction affects not just the individual but also their loved ones. Family therapy involves those who care about you in the recovery process, enhancing communication, resolving relationship issues, and providing education about addiction. Family therapy strengthens relationships and creates a supportive home environment essential for long-term recovery.

Therapeutic Methods

We offer a variety of therapeutic methods to aid your recovery. You can choose the following therapies at our New Brunswick rehab center:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Trauma Therapy
• Holistic Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Case Management

Our case managers provide personalized support and help to coordinate your treatment plan. They schedule your therapy sessions, refer you to additional resources, and ensure you receive follow-up care. Case managers work to provide continuous support, address challenges during treatment, and ensure a structured, well-coordinated path to wellness.

Dual Diagnosis

Mental health and substance use disorders can be tightly connected. If you are facing the complexities of co-occurring disorders, we coordinate an integrated treatment for both conditions to ensure a more comprehensive and effective path to recovery.

12-Step Education

The 12-step recovery model has proven highly effective for countless individuals. Our program integrates 12-step meetings and principles into the treatment process, offering a structured approach to recovery that emphasizes peer support, community building, and a framework for long-term sobriety.

Life Skills Training

Getting your life back on track can be complicated. We help you develop the skills needed to successfully integrate into a new normal filled with challenges and opportunities. Training covers financial management, job search techniques, time management, and self-care practices, all of which prepare you for independent living and managing life outside the treatment setting.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse is commonly seen as a natural part of the recovery journey, but you can develop skills to increase your ability to sustain long-term recovery. Learning how to identify triggers and employ coping strategies helps you maintain your sobriety. We also teach you to recognize early warning signs of relapse and manage high-risk situations, thus decreasing the likelihood of relapse.

Fitness Programs

Regular physical activity and exercise enhances the recovery process. Our fitness programs are tailored to your abilities and interests, recognizing the vital role of physical health in improving mood, reducing stress, and enhancing overall emotional well-being.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT is often used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders as well as withdrawal symptoms associated with these substances. The MAT we offer at our New Brunswick drug rehab center combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies.

Educational Placement

Creating a bridge to educational opportunity supports both your recovery process and your personal and professional development goals. We assist you in continuing your education, whether completing a GED, enrolling in college, or pursuing vocational training.  

Demographic-Specific Care

Each life experience comes with unique challenges, especially for those who are part of diverse populations. Guardian IOP offers tailored treatment approaches for specific groups such as veterans, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and executive professionals.

Is Longer Term Outpatient Treatment Better?

Every experience of substance misuse is different. While treatment generally ranges from several weeks to a few months, it can take longer for you to achieve your recovery goals. Factors that determine the length of treatment can include the substance used, the severity of your disorder, the presence of a dual diagnosis, and a host of other personal factors. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

The experienced staff at our New Brunswick drug detox and recovery program work with you to tailor a program to suit your personal needs and goals.

Benefits of Outpatient Treatment

Like the entire recovery process, outpatient substance use disorder treatment is a journey, but one that offers more flexibility and independence than inpatient care. While taking part in Guardian IOP, you receive the care you need to continue your recovery while engaging in your daily routines. 

This flexibility can help you integrate into family life and the larger community while also providing the vital support you need to cope with challenges and connect with peers who understand your experience. Maintaining a strong connection to the recovery community can reduce feelings of isolation and “otherness” that may cause a sense of detachment from your life.

How to Find an Outpatient Treatment Program

The Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a search engine that can help you find a treatment program near you. Once you find a program that you think might suit your needs, here are a few questions you can ask yourself—and treatment center staff—when considering a NJ alcohol or drug detox program or NJ drug rehab center. 

• What is the treatment environment like?
• Does the facility have the amenities you need?
• What is the patient-to-staff ratio?
• Do staff members hold degrees or certifications in psychology, counseling, or social work, with specialties in addiction treatment? 
• How does the program approach addiction treatment?
• Does the rehab offer group therapy, individual counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and alternative therapies?
• What is the treatment philosophy?
• What levels of care do they provide?
• Are family members involved and supported as part of the program?
• Do they offer aftercare and relapse prevention support?
• Is there an alumni program for long-term recovery?