Searching for a rehab program that works for you can be a difficult and frustrating task. One of the most daunting aspects of the process can be trying to fit the program into your schedule or not being able to commit to a residential program. One option for somebody who may need the intensity and support of a residential program is a partial hospitalization program (PHP). PHPs are similar to outpatient programs because they offer flexibility but are not the same. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out to Northpoint Seattle today to ask about our partial hospitalization programs by calling 888.483.6031.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A partial hospitalization program is a treatment program that runs for several hours each day, three to five days a week. Patients can participate in their scheduled treatment sessions, whatever that may mean for them, and return home at night to put their new skills to work. This program is one step down from inpatient treatment, which requires a patient to live onsite under constant surveillance. PHPs can also prevent the need for residential treatment in some cases.
PHP vs. Outpatient Treatment
At first, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) might seem incredibly similar. And in some ways, they are. When considering a PHP vs. IOP, you’ll notice that neither requires patients to stay onsite at a facility.
Technically speaking, what makes PHPs different from IOPs is the amount of time one commits to their treatment. However, the difference in time also translates to the amount of support, accountability, and potential relapses.
PHPs require more visits and sessions per week than an IOP. A PHP contains the intensity of residential treatment while allowing patients to return home afterward.
What to Expect from a PHP
You should expect a level of intensity between a residential program and an outpatient program. Typically, a PHP will require an average of five visits per week. Depending on the patient’s needs, these visits can vary from four to eight hours.
People can use partial hospitalization programs in conjunction with other activities, including medical and psychiatric attention, to find various treatment options. This variety will better guarantee that the PHP will be successful. Patients in recovery are often vulnerable, so every opportunity that could help improve mental and physical health should be considered in a PHP.
What Are the Benefits of a PHP?
Rushing through addiction treatment will increase the chances of relapse and unsuccessful recovery. Rather than recovering sooner, patients will reduce their treatment’s effectiveness by only focusing on completion rather than healing. Because of the time PHPs spend on their patients’ treatment, it is much more likely that patients will leave with a full recovery.
A PHP can offer the perfect amount of freedom for somebody recovering from addiction. If patients go directly from inpatient to outpatient treatment without PHP, their chances of relapsing might increase significantly. PHPs can help patients transition back into everyday life with less chance of relapsing.
For Whom Is PHP Best?
PHP gives patients greater access to medical staff, allowing for better patient condition monitoring. A partial hospitalization program works best for those who:
- Have completed inpatient treatment but still have a high chance of relapsing.
- Have severe addictions or have overdosed
- Have difficulty managing cravings
- Are still undergoing withdrawal symptoms and require detoxification services
PHP may be the best choice if you or a loved one are struggling with these symptoms.
PHP at Northpoint Seattle
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and trying to find a balance between inpatient and outpatient treatment, PHP might be right for you. Reach out to our addiction specialists at Northpoint Seattle today to discuss your treatment options via 888.483.6031.