Two of the options available to you or a loved one when you are looking for an addiction treatment program, are PHP and IOP. Both provide the flexibility of customizable program treatment plans and options to best meet your substance abuse treatment needs. However, there are some differences between PHP and IOP that you need to be aware of to choose the best treatment program for you.
What is The Difference Between PHP and IOP?
What Is PHP?
PHP is a Partial Hospitalization Program for substance abuse treatment. Participants in this program usually attend treatment during the day. They are expected to arrive and check in for their treatment at a specific time.
The program is structured and follows a specific treatment plan based on how you customize your program. Throughout the day, you will participate in various treatments, including individual counseling, group therapy, nutritional counseling, and so on. At the end of the day, you are allowed to return home or to another housing accommodation of your choosing, such as a sober living home.
In addition, PHP requires a minimum of five consecutive days during the week. Some PHP programs run seven days a week. The length of the sessions varies based on the extent of your addiction and could involve half days or full days.
For example, at the beginning of your PHP program, you will usually attend full-day sessions since this is when you are the most vulnerable to relapse. However, as you progress through your treatment plan, you may have the option to adjust your plan and gradually move to half-day sessions.
What Is IOP?
IOP is an intensive outpatient program for addiction treatment. Unlike PHP programs where you attend half-day or full-day sessions, you have more freedom and flexibility with your visits and sessions. There also may be evening IOP programs at some facilities.
This type of program is well-suited for parents who need to care for children or those that need to return to work or school. Treatment sessions can be offered during the day and in the evenings, as well as on the weekends.
The number of hours you visit the treatment facility does vary based on where you are at in your recovery. However, because you are only attending sessions a limited number of times each week, the sessions tend to be longer than PHP sessions.
You are only required to attend whatever treatment sessions you have scheduled on a particular day. For instance, you may go to group therapy one day, individual counseling the next day, and work on relapse prevention and coping skills on another day.
Pros and Cons of PHP and IOP
Pros of PHP
PHP addiction treatment is a great choice after going through detox, and you want the freedom to return home each evening. Furthermore, PHP can be a transition step for those who have undergone an inpatient program, where they remained at the facility for several weeks and are now ready to be released, but may not yet feel comfortable enough to move into an after-care program.
PHP offers the ability to continue to receive treatment while having access to your home, family, and friends. In addition, PHP programs can help you better adjust to your new sober lifestyle while returning to more normal routines.
Pros of IOP
IOP substance abuse treatment is a good choice for those with moderate to mild substance abuse addiction. This program is designed for people who are ready to transition back to their daily lives at home but still need support, structure, and guidance as they continue their recovery.
IOP does offer more freedom compared to PHP. So, if you are worried that you may not yet be ready for that much freedom, PHP could be a better choice. Additionally, IOP can be used as a transitioning option for those in PHP treatment and feel more confident in their ability to remain sober and desire more freedom.
PHP or IOP? Which Program Is Best for Me?
Deciding between PHP and IOP addiction treatment requires you to fully understand what the difference is between PHP and IOP. Next, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- Would you be exposed to people or situations that could cause you to relapse?
- Where will you be living? Is it a stable environment?
- Will you be able to take time off work or school?
- Is it easy to get childcare assistance during the day if your kids are not in school?
- However severe was your substance abuse addiction?
- Do you feel like you need longer periods of structure and support to maintain your sobriety?
Depending on your answers, it can help you determine whether PHP or IOP would be best for you. It also does not hurt to explore your options with assistance from an addiction treatment intake specialist, psychologist, or other addiction treatment professional familiar with your addictive tendencies and what treatments you have completed so far if any.
PHP and IOP Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
At Buckhead Behavioral Health in Atlanta, we offer both PHP and IOP addiction treatments at our rehab center. In addition, our PHP and IOP treatments are customizable to fit your specific needs and objectives as you move forward with your recovery and sobriety.
We also offer rehab for teens and adolescents struggling with substance abuse. For further assistance in deciding whether PHP or IOP is best for you, or to start the enrollment process, please feel free to contact us today.
