Addiction is a disease that can affect anyone, including healthcare professionals like nurses, doctors, psychiatrists, and clinicians. More and more addiction treatment centers have begun offering programs designed just for healthcare professionals. One of the most promising programs is IOP for professionals or an intensive outpatient program. IOP for healthcare professionals is a unique form of outpatient care that meets the treatment needs of professionals while allowing them to continue working in most cases. Call BoardPrep Recovery Center® at 866.796.4720 to learn more about our intensive outpatient treatment program for professionals.
Benefits of IOP for Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals face unique challenges in recovery. Addiction can involve consequences for anyone, but healthcare professionals may feel the stakes are even higher for them. That may especially be true for people who themselves work in the addiction field. IOPs for professionals take the following into account during treatment:
- Addiction’s impact on a patient’s professional reputation
- The goal of career restoration alongside recovery
- Solving for any licensure or disciplinary issues arising from the addiction
- Aftercare monitoring and future care
There are three primary benefits of finding an IOP for professionals.
1. Paperwork and Insurance Filing Support
The expertise and knowledge of healthcare professionals often mean they feel like they should be able to handle medical paperwork and insurance filing. Alternatively, it makes them reluctant to accept support in this area. But just like for anyone else in recovery, professionals should fully focus on healing. IOP for professionals removes this burden and takes care of things like filing for family and medical leave to ensure professionals receive time off and don’t endanger their employment.
2. Flexibility
Outpatient treatment is a much more flexible programmatic structure than inpatient. This makes it especially attractive to many healthcare professionals who desire to continue working while receiving treatment. Individuals in recovery can continue to be productive and continue serving through their professional roles even as they seek recovery.
3. Judgment-Free Treatment
Seeking addiction treatment for someone with a healthcare background often involves a lot of shame. Of all people, healthcare professionals often consider themselves least likely to develop an addiction. They know the dangers and risks and may even treat addiction for a living. But the truth is they are just as susceptible as anyone else. IOP designed with them in mind provides a judgment-free, respectful environment that can put them at ease.
Features of an IOP for Professionals
The foundation of any successful IOP is evidence-based therapy. Healthcare professionals attending an IOP can expect customized therapies within a comprehensive treatment plan. Therapy is available both in individual or group settings. Oftentimes, group therapy plays a key role in outpatient treatment. The reasons for this are many, including:
- Clients can practice communication skills and develop beneficial relationships
- Clients can receive feedback and advice from peers who share their backgrounds and experiences
- Group therapy offers a safe, supportive environment to relearn skills and coping strategies
- Group therapy is a setting where healthcare professionals can witness positive behaviors and receive mentorship
Groups can be structured in myriad different ways that range from skills-development groups to refusal training groups. The latter is a type of therapy focused on role-playing how to navigate triggering situations or interactions that put people at risk for using substances.
People attending an IOP can also expect regular drug testing as part of their journey to sobriety. With the flexibility and freedom of outpatient care, regular testing provides accountability for staying sober.
Overcome Addiction at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
BoardPrep Recovery Center® understands the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals in recovery. You aren’t alone in your addiction. Become part of a recovery movement when you call us at 866.796.4720.
