How IOP Helped Me Rebuild My Life
At Waterside Recovery, we occasionally invite alumni to share their stories through anonymous guest blog posts. These personal accounts offer a real and honest look into what it is like to go through treatment – especially our IOP in Plymouth, Massachusetts (Intensive Outpatient Program). While names and details may be changed to protect privacy, the experiences shared are genuine. We are grateful to those who choose to open up, as their stories can bring hope, connection, and clarity to others who may be considering the same path.
If you or someone that you love are struggling, please reach out. Recovery is possible. We are proud to offer the most comprehensive addiction treatment in Massachusetts.
Balancing Sobriety and a High-Pressure Career with IOP in Plymouth, Massachusetts at Waterside Recovery
At first, I didn’t think I had the time, or the need, for IOP. I was a fairly high-performing professional, used to juggling deadlines, being a father and a husband, managing a team, and showing up every day no matter what. But underneath the surface, I was struggling. My alcohol addiction had gotten to the point where I knew something had to change. My family came to that realization before me, but I had finally come around. I just did not think that I could step away from work long enough to actually get help.
What My Time in IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) Looked Like
That’s when I found the IOP in Plymouth, MA. I live just two towns away, so the location seemed perfect. From the very fist call, I knew they understood the unique pressures people like me face. I could not takes months off from work, but I could give two weeks. They built a IOP schedule that would fit my needs. During that time, I committed fully to the program.
I blended morning and afternoon IOP sessions. One day I would do the morning session, another I may do the afternoon – I was pleasantly surprised with the flexibility. Being completely detached from work during this time was difficult, but I took a suggestion from my therapist that I could use some of this extra time that I had to spend more time with my kids – something I had mentioned being important to me. The support, structure, and clinical care I received during those two weeks laid the groundwork for everything that came next. I was able to take a deep breath, reset, begin to repair relationships, and finally face the truth about my relationship with alcohol.
When it was time to return to work, I was a mix of excited and nervous. I enjoy work and I enjoy what I do. However, I was not ready to go at it alone – and thankfully, I did not have to. I transitioned into Waterside’s virtual IOP nighttime program. This was perfect. At that time, I was attending three times each week. I got to select which days, which made any unexpected events with my family or with work easier to manage. It gave me the flexibility to stay committed to my recovery while jumping back into work. I could log in from home, process the stress of the day, and stay connected to a community of people who actually got it.
What IOP Did for Me
Enrolling in IOP helped me build the tools I needed. Tools not only to get sober, but to stay sober while returning to the chaos that is my life (I have three kids under 10, so the fellow parents out there can relate to the chaos). I was able to re-enter my job with a clearer mind, a stronger foundation, and real strategies for managing stress and triggers. Also, who would have thought, I have found my work to be much less stressful since putting the bottle down. Without IOP, I honestly don’t know how I would’ve made that transition.
If you are someone like me – driven, busy, always “on” – but quietly battling something you cant manage alone, IOP might be the lifeline you did not know existed. The IOP in Plymouth, Massachusetts met me where I was and helped me become who I needed to be. I am happy to be part of this community. I attended the alumni event in the beginning of June and it was a blast. Seeing the staff and catching up was a ton of fun. I’m grateful every day that I made that call.
