There are different levels of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs, from intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) treatment to residential treatment. Every treatment program offers a variety of therapies and modalities, which can make them seem similar. However, understanding the differences between residential, PHP, and IOP treatment can help you figure out what level is best for you or a loved one.
Why Is Addiction Treatment Necessary?
Your brain is made up of various different regions. Although these regions all have different functions, they operate together to make the brain and body work properly.
When you are exposed to the effects of alcohol and other drugs, it changes the way your brain functions. The three main parts of the brain affected by addiction are:
- The basal ganglia: Responsible for positive reinforcement and regulating feelings of pleasure
- The extended amygdala: Plays a role in feelings of anxiety and stress
- The prefrontal cortex: Responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and planning
Substances block these brain regions from functioning normally. As a result of substance abuse, you may experience emotions disproportionately or block them completely. Due to these effects, you may be unable to achieve or sustain sobriety without professional help. Addiction recovery can help you heal your brain and body.
What Is Residential Treatment?
Residential treatment is the highest level of care for a SUD or co-occurring mental health disorder. If you have had a SUD for a long time or experience intense symptoms of withdrawal, you will likely benefit from residential treatment.
Residential treatment will require you to live in a treatment home or at the treatment facility for the duration of the treatment program. Your day is scheduled with various therapies and groups to help you process the effects of your addiction. Residential treatment is valuable because it fosters 24/7 accountability as well as constant peer understanding and support.
What Is PHP Treatment?
In a partial hospitalization program (PHP), you are not required to live in the facility while you complete the program. However, an important factor of PHP is that it occupies the majority of your day, so you can return to work or home in the evenings. It is a structured and scheduled day program.
In PHP, you will participate in group and individual therapy, skill-building courses, and other group activities during the day. This will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to manage sobriety after you complete treatment. Another benefit is that you get to use the skills and knowledge you gained in treatment and apply them immediately in your daily life.
What Is IOP Treatment?
IOP treatment can add support and routine to help you stay sober and committed to your recovery. Similar to PHP, this program may be a good fit if you have a stable home environment. This is because while you are in IOP treatment you are required to participate in a certain number of individual and group therapies during the day. Following treatment, you will return home every night.
IOP treatment helps people who have responsibilities they cannot put on hold, such as work or child care. If you are managing and handling sobriety well, IOP can help you sustain long-term recovery. However, if you are new to addiction recovery and are struggling with cravings and triggers, you may want to consider IOP treatment as a step-down following residential treatment.
IOP Treatment vs. PHP Treatment
Both IOP and PHP treatment are programs that offer support and guidance through addiction recovery. Treatment is meant to intervene in the early stages of recovery when you are just getting sober. Participation in treatment will help you recognize that:
- You are capable
- You did not choose to have SUD
- Your past does not define you
- A sober community exists to walk with you as you heal
There are some unique distinctions between IOP and PHP treatment. Some of these include:
Length of Time
The major difference between IOP and PHP is the length of time spent in treatment. In PHP, you spend 30 hours a week participating in groups and programs. The entire program lasts for only four weeks, providing intensive help and support for a short period of time.
IOP programs, on the other hand, typically last twelve weeks. When participating in IOP treatment, you are only required to attend three group therapy sessions and one individual session per week.
Therapies Offered
A lot of the same therapies will be offered in both PHP and IOP, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). However, another major difference between the two is that psychiatric care is offered in PHP, and not IOP. In this case, PHP can be helpful if you need assistance managing and figuring out medications for a co-occurring mental health disorder, especially early in recovery.
Finding the Right Treatment Facility
If you are looking for support and help in getting through early recovery, you may want to participate in a treatment program. However, you will want to do thorough research about your potential treatment program rather than participating in the first one you find.
Take time to research and see what the facility offers. Make sure your unique needs will be met, regardless if it is a cultural, personal, or medical need. Even with addiction recovery, you must be your own best advocate for your healing.
It can be hard to research substance use disorder (SUD) treatment when you are fighting to get or stay sober. Although treatment is a healthy decision, it can feel impossible to start. You do not have to look any further than Lighthouse Recovery Texas for a quality program. You can trust us with your recovery, as it is our first priority. We work to provide you with current, evidence-based approaches and methodologies to healing. Whatever you are working through, either addiction or co-occurring disorders, our clinical staff will design a treatment plan that fits your unique needs. Call us today at (214) 396-0259 to learn more about our treatment programs and for support.
