Addiction is a serious public health concern affecting millions of Americans annually. Anyone who uses drugs is at risk of addiction to some degree. Yet some populations are more at risk of developing an addiction. Gay men fall into this category as they exhibit rates of substance abuse disorders that outpace the general population.
La Fuente Hollywood combats this reality with a number of LGBTQ-inclusive treatment options. One of those includes an intensive outpatient program for gay men. LGBTQ intensive outpatient programs meet each individual where they are, develop an action plan for meeting recovery goals, and fully value their sexual orientation and identity.
Find out more about La Fuente Hollywood’s intensive outpatient program in California by calling 888.903.9898.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program for Gay Men?
Intensive outpatient programs, also called IOPs, are a non-residential type of addiction treatment. That means people may continue living at home, working, or going to school while they attend treatment. Most IOPs expect a commitment of around 10 hours per week spread across multiple days.
During treatment days, clients receive therapy, education, and access to services that help them maintain sobriety. Core elements of IOPs for gay men include:
- Aftercare planning
- Skill building
- 12-step programs
- Support groups
- Individual and group therapy
IOPs work best for people who benefit from independence and who have a stable home environment. They are often used as a step down from inpatient programming for people who still need support but are ready for more responsibility.
The Difference in Gay Men Intensive Outpatient Programs
A gay men intensive outpatient program is largely the same as any other IOP on paper. The differences are subtle. But they are there and matter significantly for ensuring positive treatment outcomes for gay men. One defining feature of LGBTQ intensive outpatient programs is that they are typically staffed by people who themselves identify as LGBTQ. Not every single staff member in an IOP has to be part of the LGBTQ community, but you can expect at least some representation. Moreover, all staff at an LGBTQ-inclusive treatment facility have been trained in anti-bias and inclusivity.
Those details may sound insignificant to some people. However, many gay men have nothing but traumatic experiences and pain in relation to past healthcare experiences. Attending treatment somewhere that understands them and where people like them are delivering care makes a huge difference. Seeking care at an IOP for gay men may be the first time many gay men feel respected and valued by their healthcare provider.
Benefits of an IOP for Gay Men
IOPs for gay men offer many benefits to gay males in recovery. The first factor is inclusivity, which was explored in the previous section. The benefits extend far beyond that. For example, another benefit of IOPs for gay men is that they focus on relevant topics. Programming and therapy are designed to address the root causes and experiences that define addiction for gay males.
Individual and group therapy will touch on bullying, peer victimization, mental health challenges, stigmatization, rejection by friends or family, guilt and shame, and more. By focusing on these topics, gay men in recovery are encouraged to be themselves and express themselves fully. For many gay men, therapy and support groups where true peers surround them may be the first time they’ve experienced a psychologically and physically safe space to be vulnerable.
Discover IOP for Gay Men at La Fuente Hollywood
La Fuente Hollywood is a leading provider of an LGBTQ intensive outpatient program. We specialize in treating addiction in gay men. If you think an IOP might be the right fit for this stage of your recovery, call La Fuente Hollywood at 888.903.9898.
