Substance and alcohol abuse is a challenging thing to go through. By definition, it’s when you overuse a substance and use it differently than intended—for example, frequently taking a higher dosage of painkillers than prescribed.
Unfortunately, substance abuse often leads to addiction, a more serious condition. If you abuse certain drugs, they can chemically alter your brain, compelling you to use the drug despite its negative impacts on your life.
Although both of those conditions are difficult to live through, there are a plethora of treatments available that can help you recover. Two of which are PHP and IOP treatments.
However, many may be confused as to what they are. While they seem similar, there are some notable differences.
What Is PHP?
PHP, or Partial Hospitalization Program, is basically the highest level of care for the outpatient programs but a step down from inpatient rehab. It is not partial inpatient treatment, as you can go home at the end of each day.
These programs have professionals from various disciplines who can connect patients to a range of treatment services, like supervised evaluation, referral, and detoxification.
PHPs provide all-day treatment services to people who don’t need round-the-clock supervision and care but can still benefit from the highly structured setting. In other words, this type of treatment is excellent for people who don’t need the strict environment of inpatient programs but need more than what traditional outpatient ones offer.
Partial hospitalization program rehabs are also an option for those who have just completed a residential or inpatient program as a way to transition back into everyday living. More than that, it can be an avenue for those who relapsed while under traditional outpatient treatment programs.
PHPs allow you to go home and continue a relatively normal life after a day’s worth of structured treatment. Generally, these programs require you to get treatment in the facility for about 20 hours a week, four to six hours a day, five days a week.
What Is IOP?
Although not as heard of, IOP is an effective method of treatment. One study concluded that it’s important for the continued care for substance use disorders, and they are s effective as inpatient treatments for many.
Like a traditional outpatient program, an IOP or Intensive Outpatient Program– or Intensive Outpatient Treatment– has you see medical professionals and participate in activities throughout the week and return home at the end of the day. But as the name suggests, this is more involved.
Rather than going to some therapy sessions and perhaps a 12-step meeting, you will have to spend an extended time in the rehab facility.
Also like PHP, IOPs can be the next phase for those who have just completed inpatient care so they can transition back to normal living.
Depending on your situation, you could enroll in different types of programs. You could choose a part-time program where you spend a couple of hours twice or thrice a week in the center. Or they may ask you to be more involved and be there every day for a few hours each day.
While you can leave the facility at the end of each day of treatment, the amount of time you spend there is quite lengthy. On average, people under this program get nine to 20 hours of treatment a week, three to four hours a day, three to five days a week.
Because of the level of effectiveness, it’s possible to see a rise in searches like “Intensive Outpatient Program Los Angeles.”
PHP vs. IOP Treatment: What’s The Difference?
At first glance, PHPs and IOP look identical. Some people might even say they are the same thing. Both of them are highly effective means of substance abuse and addiction recovery. Both are variations of outpatient rehab that allow you to continue living outside of rehab while getting structured treatment.
But at closer inspection, there are contrasts between the two, albeit subtle.
PHP Provides More Medical Care
Since PHPs are hospital-based, more medical resources will be available during your treatment, including those for mental health. That’s why this type of program is recommended for recovering addicts with co-occurring mental health disorders.
IOPs, on the other hand, mostly focus on treating your substance use disorder. You may participate in activities like a 12-step program and group and individual therapy.
- IOP Requires Less Of Your Time
IOP is only a part-time program where you get your treatment during the day or evening. Whereas PHP is considered a full-time treatment, requiring you to spend more time of your day at the treatment facility. There, you will go through a strictly structured treatment plan and be more involved.
IOPs need three to four hours of your day for at least three days a week, while PHPs need four to six hours of your day for five days a week.
Choosing The Right Program For You
When you look up “outpatient alcohol rehab near me” “or outpatient drug rehab,” you may come across IOPs and PHPs. Both are viable and effective options for substance abuse and addiction treatment. For one, you can get the best services and programs while still having the freedom to go home at the end of the day.
But they are not entirely the same. When it comes to choosing the right one for you with PHP vs. IOP treatment, it all boils down to what you need. Before committing to one, look into factors such as how much time you have, how severe your situation is, and what services they offer.
You can stop looking up “outpatient drug rehab near me.” If you or anyone you know wants to begin the road to recovery, turn to Restore Health & Wellness Center. You can visit us at 6918 Owensmouth Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303, contact us at 888-979-4570, or visit our website here.
