If you’re seeking addiction treatment individuals can choose between inpatient treatment or outpatient care. If you’re considering outpatient, there are two common options available: PHP (partial hospitalization program) and IOP (intensive outpatient program). Both types of care can help those with substance abuse disorder or mental health issues get back on the road to recovery. But which one is right for your individual needs?
What are the Similarities Between PHP and IOP?
Let’s start by taking a look at what PHP and IOP have in common.
- You’ll attend frequent therapy sessions, including individual counseling, and group therapy.
- They both include educational classes and activities like 12-step meetings and drug addiction education classes.
- Programs typically last between 6-12 weeks depending on the person’s progress in recovery.
- Individuals that have recently completed a residential treatment plan can be recommended for these forms of care.
- Each program is an outpatient form of care which means you’ll sleep in your own bed in the evenings.
- Medication-assisted treatment may be included in each program if the person qualifies.
- Both programs also focus on helping patients learn coping skills and develop healthy behaviors to avoid relapse or cope with stress or cravings once they have completed the program.
Essentially both programs seem very much the same. However, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs do have some key differences that can make a big difference in choosing what works best for you.
The Key Differences Between PHP and IOP Treatment.
PHP is a type of outpatient treatment that is designed to mimic a residential treatment program. Residential programs provide 24/7 care as people live in these facilities. Therefore, PHP is designed more for those with severe substance abuse or mental health issues. Individuals in PHP will typically require more intensive therapy and structured support. PHP is still considered outpatient care, but individuals enrolled in these programs often dedicate much of their day to treatment making it very difficult to maintain a job or school work while enrolled in the program.
In contrast, IOP offers less intensive therapy than PHP in the same outpatient setting. IOP participants typically attend 3-4 therapy sessions each week for several hours at a time, but they will still have time to continue with their normal daily activities like school or work. This could be a good option for those who may need some support but are able to maintain a relatively stable home life.
Key Questions to Ask When Deciding Between PHP vs IOP
Some things to consider when determining which program will be best:
- Can the individual refrain from drug abuse in the evenings when away from treatment?
- Does the person need support for a co-occurring mental health disorder?
- Does the person have a job or school schedule (or perhaps other family responsibilities) that would make it difficult to spend time in treatment?
- Does the person have a supportive home life of people that will help in their recovery?
- Could the individual benefit from more intensive therapy and treatment sessions?
PHP offers a more comprehensive and consistent treatment option with daily therapy sessions, while IOP is typically best for those who have milder conditions or need to maintain their work or family obligations during treatment.
No matter which treatment program you choose, the most important thing is that you are committed to making positive changes in your life and staying sober. All PHP and IOP treatment programs are designed to provide a supportive environment for individuals in recovery, with the goal of helping you stay on track and achieve a successful recovery.
Do I Really Need Treatment if I Go Through Detox?
Detox alone is not sufficient for achieving long-term recovery from substance abuse. After completing detox, individuals often need continued support and guidance in order to remain sober and achieve lasting results. Both PHP and IOP treatments provide additional therapeutic services such as counseling, group therapy, relapse prevention skills building, and even life skills training if needed.
Getting Treatment After Detox: Could an IOP or PHP Work for You?
If you’re seeking addiction treatment services it’s important to consider your individual needs before deciding which type of program is best for you. A treatment provider can help you determine which program is most beneficial based on the severity of your disorder, the circumstances of your life, and other criteria. After detox, the facility will work with you to make a recommendation for treatment for your specific needs.
No matter which type of treatment you opt for, detox alone isn’t enough to ensure long-term recovery. It’s important to supplement your detox with additional therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care to address underlying issues that may have caused or contributed to addiction. These therapies can help build relapse prevention skills and emotional regulation techniques that are essential for long-term recovery.
Ultimately, PHP and IOP programs offer different levels of intensity so it’s up to each individual person to decide which type of treatment is best for their recovery. PHP (partial hospitalization programs) and IOP (intensive outpatient programs) are two common post-detox options that provide structure and support for individuals in early addiction recovery.
Find the Treatment Type That’s Best for You or Your Loved One
Both types of treatment have their own unique benefits when it comes to addressing substance use issues, so it’s important to consider which program would be best for you or your loved one before committing to a particular option. It’s also important to remember that there are a variety of support services available in addition to detox and treatment programs such as 12-step meetings, peer mentorships, relapse prevention classes, and more.
To learn more about a particular treatment program you should reach out to the treatment facility of your choice to better understand their specific protocol. Casco Bay in Portland, Maine offers both partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment options. Feel free to contact our facility to learn more.
Written by Tiarsha Harrison, Content Specialist
Tiarsha Harrison attended Lynn University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Journalism. She is a published freelance/content writer and writes about a variety of different topics. Tiarsha has been writing about addiction and mental health for nearly 2 years.
