When most people think of drug and alcohol rehab, they think of either an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. Did you know, though, that there is an in-between option that might be a better fit for you?
PHP (short for partial hospitalization program) drug treatment is a good alternative for those who are in search of effective addiction treatment.
Explained below is everything you need to know about PHP drug rehab, from the type of person who can benefit from it to what you can expect on a typical day in this kind of treatment.
What Is PHP Drug Rehab?
The concept of a PHP treatment program has been around for a long time (since the 1960s, in fact). PHP treatment facilities, initially, were designed to help those who were struggling with mental illnesses. They were also known as day hospitals and provided individuals with a higher level of psychiatric care while still allowing them to return to their homes and families once treatment was over.
These days, PHP is a popular option for those who are struggling with substance abuse issues (either on their own or alongside a mental health condition like depression or bipolar disorder). When they participate in this kind of treatment, an individual receives intensive addiction treatment during the day (this often includes a combination of medication and counseling) and then returns to their own home at the end of the day.
There are many different types of PHP treatment programs available these days. Some are very flexible, while others have a more rigid and intensive full-day approach. At their core, though, they share the same basic framework and can be very beneficial to folks struggling with addiction.
Benefits of PHP Drug Rehab
There are lots of benefits that come with choosing PHP drug rehab over another type of treatment program. The following are some of the most significant advantages that these kinds of programs have to offer:
Combination of Services
PHP treatment facilities provide you with a combination of medical services, as well as outpatient therapy services. When you participate in this type of program, you have access to a wide range of physical and mental health services. This includes medical doctors, nurses, counselors, and social workers.
You’ll be able to receive a personalized treatment plan that takes your specific needs into account. You’ll also have access to both individual and group counseling to help you get to the root of your addiction and learn strategies to cope with temptations and triggers.
Effective Transition Step
If you or a loved one has already spent time in an inpatient treatment facility, a PHP treatment program could be a good transition step. It still provides plenty of daytime structure, but it also allows the participant to try the skills they’re learning in the real world when they go home in the evening and on the weekend.
Maintain a Sense of Normalcy
Some people are resistant to the idea of inpatient treatment because they want to maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives.
PHP treatment provides more normalcy than an inpatient facility. However, it still allows for structure and access to resources that can help an individual overcome their addiction and begin or continue on their sobriety journey. It gives participants a chance to spend time with their families still and relax in a familiar environment at the end of the day.
Access to Support
PHP drug treatment allows you to surround yourself with people who are going through the same thing as you. This access to a strong support network helps you to remember that you’re not alone and that others can empathize with your situation. As a result, you may feel more motivated to continue with your treatment and keep working toward recovery.
Signs Someone Needs PHP Drug Treatment
It’s not always easy to tell if someone will benefit more from PHP drug treatment or another type of addiction treatment program. If you’re not sure if PHP is the right fit for you or someone you love, here are some factors that can indicate it’s a good option:
- You (or a loved one) struggle with substance abuse but also have a supportive community or home environment
- You do not experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms (e.g., delirium tremens)
- You need some flexibility and can’t commit to a full-time inpatient treatment facility
- You are ambulatory and able to transport yourself to and from treatment
- You are willing and able to work intensively in both group therapy and individual therapy sessions
- You can self-regulate prescription medications if necessary
If these signs apply to you, PHP can likely be a good fit for you. Some people are not ideal participants, though.
The following people might be better off in a more structured program:
- Those who need constant monitoring
- Those who do not have access to housing and/or transportation
- Those who have access to drugs or alcohol in their homes
- Those who are victims of domestic abuse or other types of violence
- Those who experience severe withdrawal symptoms and need 24-7 monitoring
- Those who cannot benefit from intense therapy (such as those with learning disabilities or cognitive issues)
- Those who do not have familial, social, and/or community support
If any of the above apply to you or a loved one who’s struggling with addiction, it might be better to consider a different type of treatment approach, such as an inpatient facility.
What to Expect from PHP Drug Treatment
When you take part in a partial hospitalization program, you can expect to experience a significant amount of structure throughout the day.
You will have a specific schedule to follow each day, and you’ll need to make sure you abide by that schedule. For example, you will have times scheduled when you’re supposed to take medicine or attend group and individual therapy sessions. All of your time will be accounted for to help you maximize the treatment you receive and stay on track during the day.
After spending your time in a PHP treatment facility, you’ll be able to put the skills you’re learning to the test in the evenings and during the weekends.
How to Choose the Right Program
If you’re thinking about participating in a partial hospitalization program, don’t just do a quick search for “Drug Rehab Near Me” and expect to find a good fit. There are some specific questions you ought to ask before deciding on a program, including the following:
Consider Resources
When you’re looking into different PHP treatment facilities, take note of the specific resources that are available to you. For example, what kind of healthcare professionals do they have working at the facility regularly? What kind of credentials do the mental health counselors have? Do they offer any unique resources, such as help finding a job?
Make a list so you can easily compare the different resources each facility provides. This will make it easier for you to compare and contrast and ensure you’re choosing the right option for your needs.
Ask About Payment
Don’t forget to ask about payment options. Does the facility accept insurance? Will you need to pay a certain amount out of pocket?
If they don’t accept insurance, be sure to ask about alternative payment options. Most facilities offer some flexibility and will be willing to set up a payment plan or point you in the direction of an organization that might be able to provide financial aid.
Read Reviews
It’s always a good idea to read reviews, whether you’re looking for a program for yourself or a loved one. Find out what past participants and their families have to say about the program and the treatments provided. This will give you more insight into what it has to offer and can make it easier for you to make a decision.
Take a Tour
Finally, ask to take a tour either in-person or virtually. At the very least, look at photos of the facility before you decide whether or not you want to participate in their program.
A tour will help you get a feel for the place and figure out if it’s a good fit for you. It’ll give you a chance to see what specific treatments (such as group therapy sessions) are like, too.
Is PHP Right for You?
Now that you know more about what a partial hospitalization program entails and the benefits it has to offer, do you think you could benefit from participating in one? Keep the information outlined above in mind so you can choose a program that’s a good fit for you and meets your specific needs (or the needs of your loved one).
Feel free to reach out to us today if you want to learn more about our program and our approach to drug and alcohol rehab. We’re happy to provide more information or help you begin the enrollment process if you’re ready to get started.
