Achingforchange

I have struggled. I continue to cause more pain in my life and for my family. I know that I need to surrender and I finally realize that I am going to need some real help from others to get this done. My therapist has recommended IOP. I had an assessment done at the facility and they agreed that it would be a good fit for my situation. Question for those of you that have gone down this road - does IOP make the difference? Or do you feel you would have received the same help/treatment by going to AA daily and seeing a therapist?

Thank you for your thoughts. I made a promise to myself to surrender to the wisdom and experience of those who have gone before me. Please trust that I will take action based on what you tell me. I am ready for action. I am just not 100% sure if outpatient is the best action to take.

Thank you.

tomsteve

I think you know part of the answer already-
No matter which, action is required.
IOP may not be the best action to take but y have to start somewhere.
Why not go to AA meetings,too?
Have you read the big book of alcoholics anonymous to get an understanding of what the program is about?

Soberwolf

When i got sober i done group therapy (im uk not sure what outpatient involves)

I attended aa

I seen a specialist alcoholic street team

Whatever you choose to do if it keeps you happy & sober i wish you luck friend

suki44883

Outpatient only lasts a few weeks. You need something for when that ends. An addictions therapist is a good idea, but sometimes expensive. AA meetings are always available and are free. Drop a buck or two in the basket when it passes by.

Carlotta

A lot of IOP also make attendance to 12 steps meetings mandatory and have their patients bring a sheet to be signed up at the meeting.

Soberpotamus

IOP helped me, so did a therapist, and continuing care. I didn't like AA meetings, but I liked parts of the Big Book and have done step work.

For me it was my commitment to sobriety and to be a non-drinker permanently that made all the difference.

I have read probably around forty recovery books and have also attended Smart and WFS.

AVRT and the AV concept are deeply entrenched in my recovery as well.

SR is my #1 group support.

Anna

My belief is that your motivation is the most important part of the equation. I have used SR for many years as my lifeline. I think you should do whatever you can to make this work. And, please know that we are here for you.

Anna

My belief is that your motivation is the most important part of the equation. I have used SR for many years as my lifeline. I think you should do whatever you can to make this work. And, please know that we are here for you.

Achingforchange

Yes, this outpatient program I am looking at is 8 weeks of 3x/week for 3 hours each day and then 6 months of weekly follow up. The program requires AA attendance.

Wastinglife

I see a therapist once a week to work through the issues around why I needed to numb my emotions with alcohol. Confronting the demons instead of running away from them has been very helpful in keeping me sober.

2muchpain

There are different kinds of IOP programs. Is your therapist suggesting to go to an IOP program that is affiliated to a treatment center or a different kind?

I attended an IOP program that was not connected to a treatment center. It usually lasted around 10 weeks. It did not focus completely on addiction, but dealt with other issues that might cause people to drink. I really miss that program

Along with IOP, I also attended AA meetings which pretty much took up the day. IMO, what you get out of this type of program and AA meetings is not the same, but complements each other. It was a great combination for me. John

EndGameNYC

I did all three. Did I need them? No way of knowing, and I didn't care since knowing what I needed while I was drinking was not exactly a strong point for me.

Never missed a session, and went to meetings every day for at least the first six months. I surrendered to the conviction that I would only get sober with all the help I could get.

oak

I recently tried IOP, but could not continue because of insurance problems. I liked the support of IOP.

I also go to meetings every day and see a therapist. I would do all three if I could afford to.

anattaboy

Whatever you think it's worth to you--give just a little more and you will get change. Today I've used "I don't drink" (AVRT), HALT (AA), I called another sober alcoholic (my brother) and even prayed for humanity and I'm Atheist (I live 50 min. from Ferguson). The toolbox can never be too full-My life depends on it. Best wishes on finding your path

LBrain

Take whatever you can get.
As others have said, you don't know how much you need unless it's not enough.
and as annata says, you can always keep the change.

Achingforchange

This is so helpful to me. Thank you. I never thought about it like this before. Fill my toolbox with as much as I possibly can. Now is the time to overdetermine success. Part of me was thinking IOP is a bit of overkill for where I am at, but is there really ever "overkill" when it comes to getting this situation under control? The answer is no. Come at this with everything at my disposal is the answer. Thank you for helping me think this through.

Achingforchange

Really helpful. I think you all have forever changed the way I look at how I think about my recovery!

GratefulChris

First post and I hope I haven't come too late to the party. I am in the process of doing all three IOP, AA, and a therapist along with medication prescribed by psychiatrist at the IOP center. The IOP you described sounds a lot like the one I am currently atteding. The IOP gives me a deeper understanding of addiction and recovery and does help me with staying sober. The counselor I currently see wants us to attend AA, NA, CA, GA, whatever_Anonymous meetings. Furthermore, in his office he has the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and Promises hanging on the walls where we do group therapy. Going back to your quote he likes to ask "What have you done for your recovery?" Basically he wants to know if we are doing everything we can for our recovery it really is a matter of life and death therefore put every tool in your box that you can, use every opportunity that you have at your disposable.

LadyinBC

What really made the difference for me was that I was willing to do whatever I had to stay sober. Even doing things I didn't really want to do or that I thought wouldn't work. I did them anyways. Because I was that desperate to stay sober.

I saw an alcohol counsellor, I still went to AA and I went to daytox. You don't have to pick just one, you can do them all. That is what I did. Keep your mind open and be willing to try what is asked of you.

LBrain

Welcome GratefulChris, It sounds like you are doing the thing. It's also good to have a counselor who really cares about this.