Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
In this article
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are outpatient treatment programs for substance abuse.
In PHPs, people spend the day at a treatment facility and return home at night. People often dedicate a large portion of the week to receiving personalized, evidence-based care on-site at a rehab facility.
PHP participants receive many of the same therapies and treatments as they would in a residential program.
These may include:
Some PHPs provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to treat mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms. These medications can also help reduce drug cravings and prevent relapse.
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IOP stands for intensive outpatient program. An IOP is similar to a PHP in that people receive treatment during the day and return home at night. Here are some differences between the two:
Some treatment centers offer two IOP schedules for more flexibility. For example, one will occur in the morning, and one will occur in the evening.
Whether you choose an IOP or a PHP, you’ll receive individualized care that sets you on the path to recovery.
A PHP is the ideal next step for anyone who’s just left rehab or residential treatment but doesn’t yet feel stable in recovery.
People still have significant support from the treatment center but can access the outside world in PHPs.
A PHP can help people comfortably transition back to their everyday lives. Additionally, too much freedom too soon can harm a recovering addict.
Going straight from inpatient to outpatient treatment can place someone at a greater risk of falling into old habits.
The time commitment of PHPs provides structure, which is essential in reducing the likelihood of relapse.
They’ll connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor
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PHPs provide greater access to medical staff, which allows for better monitoring of your condition.2
A partial hospitalization program is suitable for those who:
A typical day in a PHP consists of:
A licensed mental health professional performs these services. If medication is necessary, you’ll meet a staff psychiatrist for medication management.
Family therapy sessions may also be a part of PHP treatment. Building a support system is essential for recovery, so many programs involve a person’s family in the treatment plan.
Lunch is usually served during the program. However, you’ll likely be responsible for your other meals.
Some treatment centers provide transport to and from the program.
Scheduling and programming depend on the treatment center, but most facilities use various therapeutic techniques.
Many treatment options are available in PHPs, including behavioral and holistic therapies.
If you’re considering a PHP for your child, missing school is likely a concern. Most treatment centers recognize this and provide schooling in the program to avoid falling behind.
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IOPs require fewer visits and shorter hours compared to PHPs. It consists of different recovery methods such as individual therapy, counseling, and group activities.
IOPs benefit those who want the freedom to work and spend time with their loved ones in recovery. It’s recommended for those who don’t need medical supervision around the clock.
However, people should be realistic about how much freedom they can handle. Often, with more space comes more triggers and cravings.
While someone may be eager to finish treatment, it’s essential to be sure they actually plan to follow through with their recovery.
IOP won’t be beneficial if you:
IOP patients typically attend treatment 3 to 4 days a week for 3 to 4 hours. Treatment sessions are based on the needs of each patient.
For example, someone who struggles with cravings may need more therapy sessions. But, as they improve, meetings will become less frequent.
IOP treatment may include:
The IOP program that’s right for you depends on many factors. Whether or not you’ve been in treatment before and if you have a solid support system at home are two examples.
Besides psychotherapy, group meetings in IOP help people new to recovery learn from those who have been there. Group therapy also helps people feel less lonely and isolated, and it initiates long-term bonds among participants.
There are other treatment options, which include:
Inpatient treatment is also known as residential rehab because participants live at the facility.
This rehab can benefit people with severe drug and/or alcohol problems. It can also help people who are coping with co-occurring mental health conditions.
Living at a rehab facility helps people avoid temptations and bad influences that trigger their substance use. Licensed inpatient centers offer 24-hour support and highly focused care.
They use three phases of recovery in their treatment plans:
Inpatient programs focus on helping people learn to adopt drug- and/or alcohol-free lifestyles following treatment.
Many programs involve a step-down approach to help people transition from inpatient care to individual or group counseling outside of the center.
Both short-term and long-term residential rehab programs exist. People typically stay at long-term residential centers from 6 months to a year. Short-term facilities usually require stays of around 3 to 6 weeks.
Sober living houses are also called halfway houses or recovery houses. They are group residences for people recovering from addiction.
Residents agree to stay sober while living in the house. They also agree to follow any drug-testing requests.
There are usually fairly strict rules of conduct, including:
Private owners typically own these homes. However, charities and businesses may also own them.
Most homes are in residential neighborhoods. If you live in a sober house, you may have your own room or share it with a roommate.
Usually, residents share communal spaces such as kitchens, living rooms, and backyards.
Sober living houses aren’t treatment centers. Staff members don’t provide any clinical or medical services. However, many residents attend outpatient treatment or participate in recovery-based groups.
Therapeutic communities are highly structured programs. People remain at a residence, typically for 6 to 12 months.
The whole community acts as key agents of change. They influence the person’s attitudes, understanding, and behaviors linked to their drug use. The community includes treatment staff and those in recovery.1
Choosing the right kind of addiction treatment program is important. Here are a few factors that may influence your decision:
Finances and treatment costs can influence your decision. Ask the facility whether they accept insurance. Make sure to understand how much money you have to pay out of pocket.
Your stage of recovery is another factor to consider. Outpatient programs can expose you to more triggers. You may want to consider an inpatient program if you’re in the beginning stages of recovery, don’t have a stable home life, and/or have a severe addiction.
Reviews from other people can also help your decision. It’s recommended to ask friends and family about their experience with different programs. Online reviews and visits to the treatment facility can also help.
PHP programs offer outpatient treatment for people with substance use disorder. However, there are other programs available such as IOPs and inpatient treatments. The right program for you will depend on different factors outlined in this article.
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