Residential, inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs are all effective means of treating substance use disorders. They vary in the intensity of treatment they offer, so the option a patient chooses can make a meaningful difference in addiction treatment. This article will help you to understand the differences between PHP vs. IOP, two of the most common levels of care for people with moderate to severe substance use disorders. And when you’re ready to start a partial hospitalization program in Nebraska, reach out to us at 888.687.8014 to get started at Northpoint Omaha today.
What Is an IOP?
IOP stands for intensive outpatient program. As the name implies, people attending an IOP don’t live on-site at a treatment facility, but they do receive a high level of care. Some of the treatments offered at an IOP include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- 12-step facilitation
- Peer-to-peer support groups
- Medication-assisted treatment
These and other treatments patients can receive in an IOP are typically included in almost every level of care. What is IOP’s key advantage over other treatments?
The main reason people choose an intensive outpatient program is the lower time commitment compared to other levels of care. People attending an IOP typically visit an addiction treatment center a few days a week for several hours at a time.
The structure of IOPs gives patients the flexibility to continue working at their jobs, keeping up with family obligations, and spending time with friends outside of treatment.
What Is PHP?
In contrast, a PHP, or partial hospitalization program, is a more intensive and time-consuming form of addiction treatment. People in a PHP will attend treatment for several hours a day, up to five days a week. Essentially, PHP provides the highest level of treatment intensity for an outpatient level of care.
People choose partial hospitalization programs because they need extensive support to stay sober but don’t want to or can’t commit to a residential or inpatient program. They would prefer to continue living at home and attending treatment during the day.
Due to the frequent nature of PHPs, most people aren’t able to keep up with a full-time job on top of treatment. Some people can manage part-time work while attending PHP.
Choosing Between PHP vs. IOP
Choosing between a PHP vs. IOP isn’t always an easy choice. Both programs offer an intensive form of treatment with the flexibility of being able to return home after treatment is over. So what are PHP’s advantages over IOP and vice versa?
Put simply, people who feel they need more support and intensive treatment to overcome substance use disorders can benefit from a PHP over an IOP. This is often recommended for patients who are working through the early portion of recovery when resisting the temptation to return to active addiction is stronger. People who start a PHP can transition down to IOP after a period of time.
Oftentimes, people who have obligations or work duties that they simply cannot give up can benefit from participating in an intensive outpatient program. This program offers the most flexibility and is well suited to helping people who have busy schedules.
Get Started with Treatment Today at Northpoint Omaha
When you’re ready to start treatment, contact the professionals at Northpoint Omaha by calling 888.687.8014. Our expert addiction treatment team can walk you through the different levels of care available and help you to make the right decision for your recovery.
Northpoint Omaha will be there to support you on every step of your journey to a substance-free life. Let our caring providers show you that recovery from substance use disorders is possible.