• Intensive outpatient treatment (also known as IOP for “intensive outpatient program”) is a primary treatment program recommended by a clinical assessment. IOP may be recommended for those who do not need medically-supervised detox. IOP can also enable people in recovery to continue their recovery therapies following successful detox, on a part-time yet intensive schedule, designed to accommodate work and family life.

    Start rebuilding your personal life and mending your important family ties right away, when you live at home and participate in intensive outpatient treatment. With the River’s intensive outpatient treatment program, you are able to establish a foundation for long-term recovery support in your local community right from the start of your treatment, instead of waiting until you return from living away in a rehab center.

  • In the intensive outpatient program, you receive services primarily through group therapy but are also assigned an individual therapist you will meet with on a weekly basis while in treatment. Groups are small and generally do not exceed 10 people, allowing for a safe environment.

    Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS

    Relapse Prevention Skills

    How to Manage Urges and Cravings

    Understanding the Brain Chemistry of Addiction

    The Mind-Body connection introducing Yoga therapy and mindfulness training.

    Progression of the Disease of Addiction

    Introduction to the Twelve Steps

    Spirituality

    Stages of change in recovery

    Focus on Co-Occurring Disorders and the Effects of Addiction and Recovery

    Individual work on using guided imagery and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)

    Family Education Program

    Depending on your needs, you may be referred to additional comprehensive mental health treatment or training to increase healthy life skills.

  • When you first start our IOP you will have daily “work” with us so we can help you through the shakiest times of your recovery. As you become stronger and don’t need such intense professional support, you will have shorter sessions, less often. This is sometimes called a “step down” system since you are effectively “stepping away” from our support as you become more independent. Of course, our professional staff remains available and ready to assist you at any time in your treatment.

  • Your important initial clinical assessment will determine your suitability for the IOP treatment program. In some situations, detox may be required. If medically-supervised detox is required, you will learn the specifics of that requirement for your custom treatment plan, and you will be referred to available professional detox services that are a fit for your situation, prior to starting the IOP program. You will also receive important, helpful counseling about your needs and treatment options as part of your assessment.

  • At an inpatient treatment facility, you live in a residence area, usually a shared dorm room, under the rules and governance of the operators of the center. Each treatment center is unique with its own set of requirements, but you generally give up control of your day to day life while in treatment. Travel is sometimes required for inpatient treatment, and sometimes travel is desired. For example, some people choose to go to California, or Florida for inpatient rehab, and live in a treatment facility for the duration of their rehab. For the typical rehab experience lasting 30 to 90 days, this can mean significant time away from work, family, and personal obligations.

    With an outpatient program like the IOP offered by The River, you continue to live at your own home. You remain in control of your own life. You can still go to work or get a job, and begin rebuilding your personal life, with the help and support you receive from the program. In the Intensive Outpatient Program, you continue your life with support from the local clinical, emotional, and peer support systems provided by the IOP.

  • The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed for people who are struggling with problems associated with addictions, substance use and abuse, or the co-occurring disorders associated with substance use.

    Eligibility for the IOP is determined by a mandatory clinical/medical assessment, which is conducted at the River as part of the admissions process. The intensive outpatient treatment program is customized for each person, guided by the initial assessment and follow-up.

    If you would like to consider Intensive Outpatient Treatment for yourself or someone you know, call us at 440-281-8437 to schedule an appointment, or fill out the contact form at the top right of this page so we can contact you with important information about the IOP.

  • The River is not connected to any religious denomination. We do not preach any specific set philosophical teachings, although we believe your religion and spirituality can be important components of your recovery. We believe in hope, hard work, community support, and the potential of the human spirit to overcome the problems stemming from substance use.

    The 12 Step approach to counseling is very effective and forms the basis of peer support that has proven to be essential for successful recovery in many cases. Most of our individualized client treatment plans include participation in 12-step meetings.

  • Our IOP usually runs for a period of 8 (eight) weeks but every patient is different. Every patient’s treatment program is designed just for them, so may run more or less than eight weeks if needed.

  • Research has shown the individuals whose families are involved in treatment have a much better prognosis and a higher success rate.

    A family education group will be held regularly. The purpose of this program is to provide family members with education, information and support to aide their family member in their recovery process. The family program will have three parts: Didactic/Education Lecture, Process Group (family members only) and Question and Answer Session.

  • Yes, an assessment is required for admission to the intensive outpatient program. An IOP treatment is tailored to the individual by a Master’s level professional clinician who uses information gained in the introductory interview and assessment.

  • The treatment plan for you will be determined through a clinical and medical assessment that may include interviews, questionnaires, medical histories, psycho-social evaluations, urine analysis, and more. The more detailed our knowledge is of your total state of being, the better your treatment plan will be.

FAQs