Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are an effective way of continuing addiction treatment after an intensive program is completed. It can also be a wonderful option for those not able to commit fully to inpatient rehab. One of our specialists can help you determine if a PHP program is right for you. We are here to guide you through the entire process. 

For now, it’s very beneficial for you to be as informed as possible. Understanding the ins and outs of PHP can help you make a knowledgeable decision when it comes to treatment. Keep reading if you’d like to know if a partial hospitalization program is something that could fit into your recovery process. 

What is a PHP Program?

A Partial Hospitilization program (PHP) offers individuals the resources and skills they need in order to break free from addiction and overcome its effects on their lives.

Millions of people in the U.S. are suffering from substance use disorders. Many of them struggle with drug addictions while others deal with the effects of alcohol dependence. In some cases, people suffer from both alcohol and drug addiction problems. As a result of their struggles, individuals often enter a state of hopelessness, feeling as if there’s no way out of addiction. 

Thankfully, however, there is hope for those who are dealing with the bondage of alcoholism or drug addiction. Those who struggle with substance abuse can find help in professional treatment approaches.  And, here at 1st Step Behavioral Health, we offer this kind of program to those who come to us for help!

How Can a PHP Program Help Me?

This treatment program is meant for individuals who benefit from structured programming, but do not require 24-hour supervision. When it comes to substance abuse rehab, there are several different approaches and numerous types of treatment programs. 

Each one is designed for a specific purpose and provides unique benefits to those who are recovering from addiction. But, sometimes, it can be difficult for people to find which program suits them best. This is why it’s so important to learn more about various types of treatment and discover how they can help.

Perhaps you’ve heard about different treatment programs and have wondered if they can help you or your addicted loved one. PHP stands for “partial hospitalization program”. This level of care provides partial hospitalization or day treatment services. Treatment for substance abuse disorders, and other co-occurring mental health issues, is delivered at varying levels of care. 

No single treatment strategy will be appropriate for everyone.

Treatment plans at our center are designed through both client and counselor feedback. They are also assessed throughout the recovery process and tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual in treatment. Our partial hospitalization program is for individuals who can still safely manage in a home living environment. 

This setting gives clients the opportunity to participate in treatment throughout the day while living independently.

1st Step’s Partial Hospitalization Program

Here at 1st Step, those who participate in our partial hospitalization program generally live in our community housing. This is a beautiful apartment style, semi-private residence. Typically, clients who have been in an inpatient or residential program step down to this level of care. It still continues to provide a high amount of structure and support while allowing more community interaction. 

Access to medical management, nurse practitioners, doctors, and psychiatrists is still available to clients throughout the program. Individuals also participate in therapy groups, structured activities, and aftercare planning while in our partial hospitalization program.

Interaction with family, peers, and other members of the patient’s community is highly encouraged through the recovery process. So, we facilitate various activities and provides transportation to meetings and events. This can then help those in treatment to successfully recover from substance abuse. 

Renewing the ability to sustain meaningful relationships with loved ones, and creating relationships with others who are in recovery are crucial components.

Friendships that are made through fellowship, in therapy, or in 12-step groups can provide an invaluable support network for our individuals in care. 

PHP Treatment and Addiction Recovery Therapy

Our program is structured with highly effective, evidence-based therapy for addiction recovery. Clients in our PHP level of care receive personalized therapeutic approaches at the individual and group levels. Our dedicated and caring professional staff provides various clinical approaches to ego-modifying therapy, rational emotive therapy, experiential therapy, role-playing, and PTSD therapy. 

Family and loved ones are encouraged to participate throughout the treatment process, by being a part of therapy and groups. Through their integration into the recovery process, it becomes possible for family members to better support their loved one. But, this also provides the opportunity for families to begin the healing process for themselves as well.

The integration of family and positive relationships makes a huge difference. This is a team-like approach to long-term sobriety and healthy living. 

Often, when a person begins the journey toward recovery, they find that the most significant relationship they have nurtured is the one with a substance. But, by uncovering the underlying issues behind addictive behavior, a transformation occurs.

Individuals in treatment can experience restoration in his or her ability to nurture important relationships and aspirations. As a result, those in treatment can find that it’s possible to see a significant change take place.

Mental Health Concerns

Those who are struggling with substance use problems often experience feelings of desperation, hopelessness, helplessness, and loneliness. It can be difficult for individuals to fully understand what is going on in their lives.

In addition, it’s also tough for their support system to understand what’s going on. Unfortunately, confusion and frustration are commonly seen in cases of addiction. 

Many people struggle to find the help and support they need when they are attempting to end substance abuse in their lives. This can be discouraging and it often hinders people from overcoming addiction. But, the professional treatment services provided at facilities like ours can help individuals to end alcohol or drug use for good.

Healing begins with understanding. Addiction and mental health go hand in hand. There are typically underlying roots to addiction, as well as an ongoing internal battle.

Let us help you conquer this battle. 

Benefits of Partial Hospitalization Programs

Right in between inpatient hospitalization and outpatient treatment, PHP lies. The benefits of a partial hospitalization program includes components of both forms of treatment, such as:

  • Structured, intensive therapy
  • Expanded access to medical care
  • Consistent mental health care
  • Routine meetings

A deeper dive into the benefits of PHPs include:

  • Program timing: The hours of partial hospitalization resemble a day at the office. This helps patients transition back into working hours, as well as cement their understanding of the effort that it takes to be sober in the long run. 
  • Organized treatment schedule: The schedule underscores the importance of a PHP to the recovery efforts of someone who is in early sobriety and serves as a reminder that learning the skills of sobriety must be a top priority.
  • Betters odds of a sustainable recovery: If you or a loved one chooses a PHP as a continuum to intensive treatment, the chances of recovery increase.

Are You Right for PHPs?

Partial hospitalization programs are most beneficial for those who:

  • Show the desire and willingness to actively participate in therapy
  • Finished the detox process 
  • Are transitioning from residential treatment or from inpatient hospitalization
  • Have stability in regards to their housing, social support and community
  • Need intensive therapy, but do not meet criteria for inpatient hospitalization
  • Require medical follow-up, but don’t have severe medical treatment needs
  • Have a co-occurring addiction and mental health condition

The Importance of Rehabilitation 

There are a lot of important aspects of rehabilitation, especially when enrolling in a PHP. When you enroll in a program with us, you are showing a commitment to living a sober life. Recovering from addiction is a journey, as well as a process. 

This process requires quite a bit of effort. It is not easy, but the rewards of staying sober are tenfold. There is so much joy and beautiful things out there to experience without the use of substances that only hurt you. 

We understand that it may be hard to see the silver lining right now, but we promise you it’s there. The willingness to seek help is the first step. It begins with admitting you need help and then making that first call. Each day you are closer to long lasting sobriety. 

Emotional Benefits

Working through detox and then a rehab program will not only help you overcome addiction, but also the emotional pain that comes along with it. Of course, withdrawing from a drug or alcohol is physically a challenge. However, the mental challenge is just as severe. Patients often struggle with themselves mentally more than with the actual physical effects of withdrawal.

It’s crucial to incorporate emotional coping skills into your recovery process. In addition, building a skillset you can use after you return back into society is just as important. We believe that setting you up for a successful and fulfilling future makes all the difference. Each treatment is personalized depending on your physical and mental needs.  

Working toward emotional health is one of the most efficient steps you can take on your road to long-lasting sobriety. 

Physical Benefits

It is very dangerous to attempt a drug detox without the aid of a medical professional. This is not only due to the effects of withdrawal, but also to the chemical changes your body will experience. As you become less dependent on alcohol or drugs, health issues may occur. 

Close supervision can prevent those complications from going unnoticed and untreated. Because your immune system is significantly weakened by addiction, normal illnesses or conditions could affect you more seriously. Close supervision ensures you’re safe throughout treatment.

Also, the constant support that rehab centers provide is one of the most impactful resources available to you. During the journey of getting better, support inspires you to keep going. Each day that you choose to move towards a drug-free lifestyle, your body becomes accustomed to living without outside stimulants. 

Moving Forward After Rehab

The goal of rehab is to no longer physically or emotionally depend on drugs or alcohol. Even after you no longer have the toxins in your body, there is still a mental challenge to overcome. We naturally become attached to our habits. When it comes to something like an addiction, it has the potential to cause a lot of pain.

Rehab programs help you build a skillset to smoothly transition into society. No matter how lost you feel, with the right tools you’ll see amazing improvement. The learning tools you develop in rehab will carry on for years after, preventing relapse or outside triggers.

It’s important to remember that there are a lot of fulfilling activities you can participate in. Instead of hurting yourself and those around you with drug use, let us show you a better life. This is actually a really exciting part of the recovery process – you have the power to reinvent yourself and fall in love with life. 

You can take up a new hobby like working out or painting. It also helps to lean on your support system and reconnect with those who matter to you. Your loved ones will be so happy for you and will be eager to spend more time with you. Perhaps you’ll be returning to a job and can feel fulfillment from contributing to something larger than yourself. 

Begin Your Road to Recovery Today

You may be struggling with a substance abuse disorder or you might know someone else who is. But, know that you don’t have to face addiction alone. There is hope for you and your family.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding treatment and recovery, we’re here to answer your questions. Or if you want to speak with someone about beginning the journey to recovery, we encourage you to call today for more information. 

Just contact us here at 1st Step Behavioral Health or by calling or texting (855) 425-4846.

Reviewed for Medical & Clinical Accuracy by Brittany Polansky, MSW, LCSW

Brittany has been working in behavioral health since 2012 and is the Assistant Clinical Director at our facility. She is an LCSW and holds a master’s degree in social work. She has great experience with chemical dependency and co-occurring mental health diagnoses as well as various therapeutic techniques. Brittany is passionate about treating all clients with dignity and respect, and providing a safe environment where clients can begin their healing journey in recovery.