Medically Reviewed
Medically reviewed by Erika Dalton, LMSW
Written by Tampa Bay Recovery staff
Updated on August 13, 2023
Contents
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Everyone knows that virtual care has become commonplace in many situations. Someone needing a quick medication refill or a consultation with a doctor can receive it online. What many donât know is some addiction treatment facilities pulled ahead of the curve and now offer virtual IOP programs. IOP (intensive outpatient programs) help people overcome addiction to alcohol and drugs. The same targeted care they receive in person can take place while remaining in the comfort of their own home.
What is a Virtual IOP Program?
IOP is a type of treatment for those suffering from alcohol or drug addiction. It can also be used to help people who deal with dual diagnosis, which is having both addiction and at least one mental health disorder. A person attending IOP in person receives multiple types of therapy, including individual and group counseling. They also may use programs like holistic treatment, family therapy, and more.
Someone who attends virtual IOP receives the same sort of focused care from compassionate experts who understand addiction. These treatment pros help translate the exact sessions that take place in person to the virtual experience. Both the clinicians providing treatment and the people receiving it use cameras and microphones on their smart devices. This allows everyone to feel the level of comfort that comes with being in the same place.
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Is A Virtual IOP Program Right for Me?
A virtual IOP program can work for many people. Some people attend a detox program and then are able to return home for the next step in treatment rather than going to a residential program. Still, others may have completed a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and can benefit from stepping down into virtual IOP. Other people may have completed treatment but experienced a relapse or be at risk of using alcohol or drugs again. For them, virtual IOP can provide the right level of treatment for their situation.
Anyone considering virtual IOP should consult a treatment professional to find out more about this option. An assessment can be made of their situation and specific needs to determine which program will work best for them. Even if they initially need a more time-intensive or residential program at first, virtual IOP may fit the bill for the next step in getting sober.
How Does Virtual IOP Work?
At Tampa Bay Recovery Center, our virtual IOP programs are simple to do because a limited amount of equipment is needed. In fact, most people already have all they need to attend virtual IOP. Needs include a reliable internet connection and a device such as a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone that includes a camera and microphone. Additionally, they need a quiet place they can sit during sessions without distractions around them. Everything else is provided for them by the doctors and therapists conducting treatment from the facility.
Virtual IOP Program Schedule
Monday
9:30 AM â 12:30 PM
or
5:30 PM â 8:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM â 12:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM â 12:30 PM
or
5:30 PM â 8:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM â 12:30 PM
orÂ
5:30 PM â 8:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM â 12:30 PM
Ready to Escape Addiction? Let's get Started
Tampa Bay Recovery Center is a premier leader in the provision of addiction treatment services. If you or someone you love is in need of professional care to address a substance use disorder, reach out to us right now at (813) 733-8774 to speak with an admissions specialist who can get you started on the road to recovery.
Is Virtual IOP Effective?
While some may question if virtual IOP can be effective, studies have shown that it proves quite helpful for those who qualify to use it. A 2019 National  Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shows that IOP programs offer some advantages over residential treatment and regular outpatient programs. These include flexibility such as what time of day or evening the sessions occur. This flexibility extends when a person does not have to leave their home due to using virtual IOP.
IOP also proves effective because it allows the person to continue their treatment after more restrictive programs like detox and residential plans. Many people require some sort of step-down program after those plans, and IOP can provide an optimal way to stay focused on recovery.
With virtual IOP, a person is not restricted to programs in their local area. This opens them up to receiving care from not just a place nearby but other parts of their state or around the country. This convenience is cited as a major benefit by many who enjoy virtual IOP care.
Benefits of Online Addiction Treatment
It might be tempting to think that a virtual IOP program may not offer a lot of benefits. However, many effective results can come from this modern form of addiction treatment. Benefits of this type of treatment include:
Intensive Addiction Treatment:Â Virtual IOP provides many of the same therapies and other approaches used during residential care. They typically also offer most of the treatments available during in-person IOP.
Convenient Care:Â Anyone who has used virtual medical care before knows just how easy the process proves to be. Virtual IOP means no need for fighting traffic, parking problems and rearranging a huge block of time in their day. Once a person completes their daily session, they can switch back to the concerns of their daily lives, including work, school, and family.
No In-Person Contact: Even with COVID-19 on the decline, many people still need to take extra precautions to protect their health or that of their loved ones. Attending treatment from home removes the risk of transmitting any type of illness that may come with in-person contact.
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What Makes Tampa Bay Recovery Center Different
One thing that makes Tampa Recovery Center different is the fact that it offers virtual IOP for substance abuse. We can provide many of the same effective, evidence-based treatments that happen in our facility to you while you remain in the comfort of your home. This includes individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic therapy.
Along with that, we offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This vital type of treatment combines behavioral therapy with FDA-approved medications that help treat withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. This helps people avoid unnecessary discomfort and pain while they learn to embrace their newfound sobriety.
Get Started with A Virtual IOP Program Today!
No one starts out experimenting with drugs or alcohol expecting it to grow out of control. For millions, use turns to abuse and then full-blown addiction. If you or someone you love doesnât know where to turn for help, we have the answer. Tampa Recovery Center provides virtual IOP that changes lives. You can receive valuable, effective care and guidance in overcoming your substance use disorder without leaving your home. Visit our admissions page now and see how easy it is to get started.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29389/2019_NSSATS/2019-NSSATS-R.pdf December 24, 2019. Accessed April 23, 2022.
Our Philosophy
We believe that getting help for substance use disorders is about much more than just trying to get through another day of not drinking or using drugs. Our mission is to help people reclaim their lives by teaching them how to effectively deal with the stress, trauma, and anxiety that contribute to their addictions.Â
Meet Our Team
Our staff has over 60 years of combined experience in treating behavioral health disorders. Our compassionate and empathetic approach has helped hundreds.