844-727-3298 
Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that can affect every area of your life. Thankfully, drug rehab centers can help you put the pieces back together and allow you to achieve long-term sobriety.
There are several options when it comes to the type of addiction treatment you attend. The main types of programs include residential treatment programs and outpatient rehab. If you are looking for a program that allows you to attend work or school while receiving help for your substance use disorder, you’ll want to choose outpatient. However, there are a few options when it comes to outpatient treatment.
The most involved outpatient programs include partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). PHPs are the most structured outpatient programs, offering the most amount of time during treatment sessions and many of the same services as inpatient treatment. While IOP programs offer similar services as PHPs, they require a little bit more dedication to your recovery and less of a structured environment.
Both PHPs and IOPs can be incredibly helpful in the recovery from addiction. It comes down to which program is right for you.
What you will learn:
- What a partial hospitalization program is
- What an intensive outpatient program is
- What the differences are between PHP and IOP
- How to determine which program is the best option for you
What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
Partial hospitalization programs are considered one step down from inpatient treatment. Some people choose to attend residential rehab before PHP, but this is not required. You can use PHP as a standalone treatment option.
These programs are structured and supportive while allowing you to return home each day. You do not have to live in a treatment facility during a partial hospitalization program. Typically, you attend treatment sessions 5 days per week for 4 to 8 hours at a time depending on your needs.
During a PHP program, you will have access to the following services:
- Individual therapy
- Group counseling sessions
- Medication management
- Life skills training
- A recovery community to rely on
- Family therapy and a focus on family involvement in recovery
What is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
IOP treatment centers are considered one step down from PHPs. This means they are less intensive than partial hospitalization programs. Many people choose to use them as standalone treatment options when they need a more flexible schedule to attend work, school, or care for their family.
Intensive outpatient programs usually meet 3 to 5 days a week depending on your needs and schedule. Each treatment session will last between 2 to 5 hours, making the amount of time you’ll spend in treatment similar to having a part-time job.
During an IOP, you will participate in the following services:
- Evidence-based behavioral therapies in an individual and group setting
- Medication management
- Relapse prevention planning
- Learning to build a community and support system
Since you spend more time outside of treatment while attending an IOP, there will be a heavy focus on relapse prevention planning. You will learn how to identify your triggers and overcome them using healthy coping mechanisms. You will also partake in individual therapy sessions and group therapy sessions.
What is the Difference Between PHP and IOP?
Partial hospitalization programs are considered to be more involved than intensive outpatient programs. If you are dealing with a more severe substance use disorder, it might be better to choose PHP. However, those who need more time to complete outside obligations might benefit more from an IOP.
The main differences between PHPs and IOPs include:
- Intensity – PHPs tend to offer more structure and support than IOPs. This makes them ideal if you require more care during your recovery journey.
- Flexibility in Scheduling – PHPs require you to be at the facility for 5 days per week and up to 8 hours each day. This means that you will have less flexibility in your schedule. If you require more time outside of a treatment facility, an IOP might be better suited for you.
- Cost – Because PHPs offer more structure, support, and time during treatment sessions, they tend to be more expensive than IOPs.
- Level of Care – For outpatient therapy programs, PHPs offer the highest level of care. If you struggle with issues like co-occurring disorders or severe addiction, you will benefit more from a PHP program.
How to Determine Which Program is Right for You
Deciding whether to attend a partial hospitalization program or an intensive outpatient program can be difficult. However, it’s important to remember that PHPs offer a higher level of care and less free time. If you need a higher amount of structure and support, you should opt for a partial hospitalization program.
Signs that you should choose PHP over an IOP include:
- Having a moderate to severe substance use disorder
- Experiencing relapses in the past
- Dealing with a low level of motivation for recovery
- Experiencing co-occurring mental health disorders
- Requiring more supervision than an IOP can offer
- Having less support from your family or friends
- Needing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) or other specialty services
On the other hand, if you need addiction treatment but cannot commit to attending 5 days per week, IOP might be the best option. You will still receive many of the same services but have more time to complete tasks like work, school, or caring for your kids. Additionally, you can opt for a long-term IOP program to make up for the shorter treatment sessions you will be attending.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center
If you or a loved one suffers from drug addiction or alcoholism, it’s time to seek help. At The South Carolina Addiction Treatment Center, we offer a highly-rated addiction treatment program to help people from all walks of life recover.
Contact us today for more information on how our addiction treatment programs work.