Summertime is a particularly tough time of year for people to commit to an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for a substance abuse concern, especially when you live in Maine and get to enjoy this beautiful weather.
Committing to 3 hours a day of group therapy at 5 days per week can seem daunting at best. Plus, many people, particularly men, have a hard time believing that they really need something as intensive as an IOP.
Men seem to believe that they just need a little more willpower, and they will be fine. (Or, so we hear.)
Bryce Libby, LCSW, LADC and Chuck Schneider, LCSW, C-CATODSW, who run Crossroads’ IOP for men, suggest those men that may be on the fence start asking themselves a few questions.
If you are wondering whether or not IOP may be appropriate for you, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- What is important to you?
- What do you value?
- Is what you’re doing now helping you reach your goals?
- Have you been more successful in past?
- Do you need more structure in your life?
- What are you willing to do differently to help you to not be stuck?
Answer honestly. If you’re feeling stuck, you might consider IOP. Or, you might just want to talk with Bryce or Chuck a bit to find out what your options are. It’s never easy to go into treatment. But sometimes it’s helpful to try something different when things aren’t going the way you’d like.
If you’d like to join or get more info on Crossroads’ IOP for men in Scarborough (Maine), please call 207.773.9931.
2 comments
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Tucson Therapist says:
January 9, 2013 at 11:20 pm (UTC -4)
This is a good, simple article on questions that people need to ask themselves in order to decide whether or not they should participate in an IOP. This is a difficult decision for many to make, but is easier if people look inward and accept that they are ready for this step.
Crossroads says:
January 10, 2013 at 2:53 pm (UTC -4)
Very true. There is a lot to consider, and clients need to be ready and willing to participate.
Crossroads is now offering an IOP in Kennebunk (Maine) | Crossroads Blog says:
November 9, 2012 at 1:17 pm (UTC -4)
[...] on IOP treatment at Crossroads: Questions to Ask When Deciding if IOP is Right for You Frequently Asked Questions About Our Intensive Outpatient Program [...]