It seems as though the countless instances of people succumbing to their drug and substance addiction has become the norm. In fact, addiction to drugs and substances has become a greater health issue in America than cancer. However, the grim outlook of addiction does not have to be the case for everyone with an addiction, as there are now more options for addiction treatment and the way that patients with addictions to drugs and other substances are being managed.

It used to be that people who suffered from substance addiction were urged to find treatment by being fully committed to psychiatric hospitals, or in halfway houses. Now, with the reality of more people leading busy lives, and are needing more flexibility in their addiction treatment plan, patients that are fighting addictions can now conveniently find help in what is known as ‘partial hospitalization’ treatment (or PHP).

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?

PHP treatment is when the patient that is fighting addiction goes to a facility for addiction treatment for 5 to 7 days, or a total of about 40 hours per week, to receive the therapies that are necessary for them to become sober, and take charge of their lives. These therapies can involve the administering of medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, or behavioral therapies (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), that will allow the patient to come to their own realization of the responsibilities they have over their lives, and the effects that they cause on their loved ones.

Who Goes to Partial Hospitalization?

Patients admitted to intensive inpatient addiction treatments will more than likely decide to switch to PHP treatment once they have successfully gone through detox treatments, have become stabilized, and are discharged. This will help the patients to ease into a system that allows them more freedom to take care of their priorities, such as taking care of their family matters and children, continue to work at their jobs or allow them the ability to continue with their academic activities.

PHP will also keep the patient in a group, or a small community of people just like them that are also receiving treatment for their addictions. This group, along with the doctors and therapists, will serve as a constant source of encouragement for the patient, as everyone is fighting a similar battle as the other patients.

What Kind of Treatments are Given in PHP?

Patients that participate in PHP will be able to receive any of the following as necessary:

• Mental and Physical Evaluations: These are done to determine where the patient stands in their recovery process.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Individuals: Also known as “Talk Therapy” to understand the patient, and to help the patient make mindful steps on their road to recovery.
• Family Therapy: This kind of therapy gets the family involved, helps them understand the patient and their process to recovery.
• Spouse/Relationship Therapy: Therapy of this kind helps soften the wounds from the effects and friction that the patient’s addictions may have caused in the relationship by participating in CBT and activities geared toward recovery of both, the patient and the relationship.
• Group Therapy: Talking with the group of other patients that are also fighting the battle of addiction, becoming encouraged individually on a successful recovery.

Although the patient will experience a sense of freedom once they begin PHP, they will still be subject to receiving intensive rehabilitation treatments in an environment that will reduce the urge to use again, as the patient will go through continuous group therapies and counseling, as well as consistent talk therapies with their loved ones and spouses. PHP will discourage unhealthy thought and behavioral patterns, due to the patient being urged to focus on taking care of their priorities, and then to return to treatment throughout the week to continue to combat their substance addictions.

People with substance addictions may feel anxious or frightened about what they will face upon receiving treatment for their illness. Knowing their options of treatment serves as a greater advantage for the patient, as they will be greatly encouraged to start on their path to recovery. Many patients will need to complete a residential inpatient treatment first in order to begin the process of ridding their bodies of their substance of choice and to gain control of their ability to function both physically and mentally. If you would like to learn more about PHP, contact us.