The Chestnut Ridge IOP began in 1990 as an intensive, structured program designed to provide therapy, education, and medical treatment to individuals with substance use disorders and their family members during early recovery. It is staffed by members of the West Virginia University School of Medicine Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry.
There is a correlation between the length of outpatient treatment and long-term sobriety. The largest percentage of individuals who relapse do so in the first 90 days. IOP is available to help during this critical period by presenting a forum for recovering individuals to learn and process new behavioral skills and to integrate them into daily living.
The program consists of group therapy, family therapy, and medical groups that meet three days each week. The groups provide participants an opportunity to talk about pertinent issues, obtain education on the recovery process, educate family and friends on the nature of addiction, and referral for necessary medical care. Participants are also seen by an individual therapist on a regular basis.
Length of participation in the IOP varies and usually lasts on an average of 12 weeks. Program staff will recommend follow-up treatment on an individualized basis.