When you struggle with addiction, you must receive care from a professional addiction treatment program. You have two main options when it comes to recovery programs: inpatient treatment and outpatient rehab. If you need to receive addiction support while attending school, work, or caring for your family, you should opt for an outpatient program.

There are several types of outpatient treatment programs. The type of outpatient treatment that offers the most intensive care is known as a partial hospitalization program (PHP). These programs provide many of the same services as inpatient rehab while allowing you to return home each day.

There are both advantages and disadvantages of PHP programs, however, the benefits greatly outweigh any downsides for many people. When you choose a PHP, you will receive an individualized treatment plan that includes evidence-based therapies, medication management, treatment for mental health conditions, and relapse prevention planning. These programs offer the highest level of care when compared to other outpatient treatment centers.

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

Partial hospitalization programs are considered one step down from inpatient treatment. Some people choose to transition into them after completing a residential program. However, this is not always necessary, as PHP can be used as a stand-alone treatment option for the right person.

PHPs meet 3 to 5 days per week depending on your needs. Each day, you will spend several hours at the facility participating in services like individual and group therapy. During PHP, there is a high focus on developing relapse prevention skills to ensure you remain sober when you go home for the day.

Partial hospitalization programs offer the following addiction treatment services:

• Individual therapy
• Group counseling and family therapy
• Medication management and mental health treatment
• Holistic care services like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga
• Relapse prevention planning
• Aftercare to keep you connected to recovery after you complete treatment

Carolina Center for Recovery accepts many major insurance providers, including:

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What are the Benefits of PHP?

Six benefits of attending a partial hospitalization program include:

1. Intensive Care in an Outpatient Setting

As mentioned, PHP is the highest level of care out of the different types of outpatient programs. If you have a moderate to severe substance use disorder but want to live in the comfort of your own home during treatment, PHP is right for you.

During PHP, you will engage in many of the same services offered during inpatient treatment. For example, you might participate in individual therapy, group counseling, family behavior therapy, medication management, community support, relapse prevention planning, and more.

2. Flexibility in Scheduling

If you need a little bit of time to yourself throughout the week to care for outside responsibilities, PHP is a good choice. Instead of requiring you to live at the facility full time, you will commute to 3 to 5 treatment sessions per week. Usually, the time spent in PHP treatment is equivalent to a part-time job, giving you plenty of time to attend school, work, or care for your children.

3. Practicing Learned Skills During Treatment

During a PHP program, you will learn important coping mechanisms, identify triggers for relapse, and develop the skills you need to overcome triggers. Since you will be returning home every day, you will have plenty of time to practice the skills you learn in real-life situations. If you have a hard time, you can rest assured that you will be meeting with a therapist the next day to refine your skills and do better next time.

4. Access to Family Support

If you have a strong connection with your family and feel best when you have their support, PHP is a great option for you. Because most patients are living with their family members during PHP treatment, these programs prioritize family involvement in recovery.

Your family members might attend family therapy, which gives you a chance to heal any broken relationships that have resulted from your substance abuse. Additionally, family therapy will teach your loved ones how to best support you during the recovery journey,

5. Building a Recovery Community

During PHP, you are spending a good portion of time at home. This means you will have plenty of time to begin participating in recovery communities near you. For example, many people in PHP programs choose to attend 12-step programs every week.

Engaging in a recovery community like a 12-step program will provide you with peer support, give you guidelines on how to improve your recovery, and offer opportunities to share your story. Building this recovery community before you finish treatment will make the transition from treatment to independent sobriety much easier.

6. Less Strain on Your Wallet

Lastly, partial hospitalization programs tend to be cheaper than inpatient programs. Since you do not have to worry about paying for housing, food, or other fees found in inpatient settings, PHP is much more affordable. If you do not have insurance coverage and paying privately, this might be a deciding factor for you.

Get Connected to a Top-Rated PHP in North Carolina

If you or a loved one suffers from a substance use disorder, it’s time to seek professional help. At The Carolina Center for Recovery, we offer a highly-rated partial hospitalization program.

Contact us today to learn more about PHP and how to get started.