Residential Treatment vs PHP: Which One is Right For You?

Living with an active drug and alcohol addiction can make life much more challenging. Substance abuse can take a toll on your mental wellness, physical health, and relationships. People with addiction can face severe, sometimes life-threatening, health consequences. They may face legal, financial, and social trouble or struggle to function daily.

Comprehensive treatment and support can help people with addiction to regain control over their lives. People have different needs during treatment and recovery. There are several levels of treatment available to provide tailored support to each person.

This article will explore the differences between two levels of addiction treatment: partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and residential treatment. You will learn:

• What to expect from PHP and residential treatment programs
• The benefits of both levels of care
• The differences between residential rehab and PHP
• How to determine which level of care is right for your needs
• Where to find comprehensive treatment and support

If you or someone you love struggles with drug or alcohol abuse, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

Residential Treatment: An Overview

Residential addiction treatment options provide round-the-clock, intensive substance abuse treatment. People with severe or long-lasting substance use disorder (SUD) may require the consistent treatment and support of inpatient rehab.

During a residential treatment program, people live in the treatment center while receiving treatment for SUD. People who require treatment for a mental health disorder can receive the care they need at the same time.

Many people begin a residential treatment program in a medically-supported detox program. During detox, medical and mental health specialists provide comprehensive treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms. This may include medications, holistic therapies, assessments, and mental health support.

Residential treatment offers intensive care to address the roots of substance abuse. A residential care plan may include:

• Medication management
• Behavioral therapies
• Family, individual, and group therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Nutrition support, mindfulness, art therapy, exercise, and other holistic therapies
• Aftercare planning and support

People may attend a residential treatment program until they are stabilized and ready to transition to an outpatient program.

Understanding the Benefits of Residential Treatment

A residential treatment program provides intensive, round-the-clock supervision and treatment. This type of treatment program can help people safely stop using addictive substances and begin to work toward lifelong sobriety.

Research shows that attending higher levels of care, including residential treatment, can decrease the risk of relapse. Inpatient care provides support, community, supervision, and structure that can benefit people with severe addictions or co-occurring mental health disorders.

Partial Hospitalization Programs: An Overview

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides intensive SUD treatment but allows people to return home after treatment sessions. The schedule of a PHP mirrors the rigorous schedule of inpatient care but provides flexibility for people to live at home, work, and care for family members.

Partial care programs offer many of the same therapies as inpatient programs. A PHP treatment plan may include:

• Individual therapy
• Support groups
• Family therapy
• Behavioral therapies
• Mental health assessment and treatment
• Coping skills
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies, including mindfulness, art therapy, exercise, yoga, and more

People in a PHP typically spend up to 30 hours per week engaging in these therapies. This level of care can help people transition from residential treatment into an outpatient setting.

Understanding the Benefits of PHP

A partial care program provides high-quality treatment, support, and structure for people with intensive needs who do not require inpatient care. A PHP may be beneficial for those who:

• Require intensive support to prevent relapse
• Have completed residential/inpatient treatment
• Have not been able to avoid relapse in an intensive outpatient program (IOP) or outpatient program
• Have co-occurring mental health conditions

The structure and support of a PHP can help people address the physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects of substance abuse while remaining connected to their social supports.

Residential vs. PHP: Which Level of Care is Right for Me?

People have different needs during treatment and throughout recovery. Finding the right level of care to meet your needs is crucial. So, what is the difference between residential treatment and partial care programs?

The primary difference between these levels of care is the amount of support available. In a residential program, you will receive round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment. You will live in the treatment facility and have 24/7 access to medical and mental health care.

A partial program provides intensive support but allows people to return home at night. People in a PHP typically spend 5-6 hours a day engaging in treatment.

Before starting a treatment program, a medical provider or addiction specialist will assess your needs. The assessment will include information about your medical and mental health history, current substance use, and more. This information will help your team recommend the appropriate level of care.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love lives with substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to explore our holistic treatment and support programs or to schedule an intake appointment.