When we are searching for a treatment program that works for us, we may discover that treatment is not a “one size fits all.” We are all unique in who we are, how we struggle with substance use, and how severe our addiction is. While some people greatly benefit from an inpatient program, others may thrive with the flexibility and support of an outpatient program such as partial hospitalization.
What Is Partial Hospitalization?
Partial hospitalization is an alternative to inpatient treatment. It allows us to attend mental health services during the day and go home at night to sleep in our beds.
Partial hospitalization programs are generally more organized than the type of care we would receive at a doctor’s office and/or weekly therapist visits. It is designed to give us optimum care for our struggle with substance use while allowing us to stay connected to the world. Spreading awareness about this type of hybrid care has the potential to help so many people who do not want to attend 24/7 treatment or whose responsibilities prevent them from doing so.
If we feel like substance use and addiction have made our lives unmanageable in any way, we may want to look into the different types of treatment plans offered. We can benefit from a partial hospitalization program and still live a very “normal” life. We can still go to work, come home to our family at night, keep active relationships with friends, and indulge in our hobbies. This type of program was made to allow us to continue to enjoy our freedom while seeking help for issues we can’t deal with on our own.
Who Would Benefit from Partial Hospitalization?
People who are diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or any mental health issues may benefit from a partial hospitalization program. Those of us who can show that we are stable enough to complete treatment without needing supervision 24/7 are good candidates for this type of program. Having a healthy support system at home that can provide the stability we might receive in inpatient treatment care can help us get the most out of a partial hospitalization program.
How Does Partial Hospitalization Work?
Therapeutic methods are a large part of how partial hospitalization programs work. They allow professionals the ability to help each individual in a catered and specialized way. These methods could include psycho-drama therapy, holistic healing, family sculpting, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, among others. An array of therapeutic approaches can be used to treat different types of mental health issues, trauma, and struggles with substance abuse.
Attending a partial hospitalization program may involve being at the facility about four hours a day during the week. When we go home for the night, we can practice the skills we have learned in the program in real-world situations. This type of program is not for someone who needs around-the-clock care and surveillance. In a partial hospitalization program, we need to be responsible for not relapsing when we are not in the facility.
Creating Friendships
During our partial hospitalization program, we have the opportunity to meet other people struggling with substance abuse and hear their stories. When we hear from other people who are struggling, we may feel safe enough to be vulnerable about our struggles as well. We can help one another cope with addiction and keep one another accountable.
Establishing Support
There are numerous types of support groups available for people in partial hospitalization programs. These can include experiential groups, process groups, trauma-focused groups, spirituality groups, and vocational groups.
Support groups can provide a unique experience to our healing process. They can help us feel like we are a part of something bigger. We never have to feel like we aren’t supported. If our support system isn’t the best at home, we can show up to treatment and be confident that the people there support us and want to see us succeed. Support groups can also provide inclusion and reinforce a sense of self-responsibility.
Reaching Out to Friends and Family
Undergoing any sort of treatment can feel overwhelming. We may feel like we are alone and don’t have anyone to talk to who can understand. If we have supportive friends or family, we can reach out to them for love and encouragement. Even if they have not experienced what it is like to struggle with substance abuse themselves, they may be able to empathize with how we are feeling. When our loved ones understand that substance use disorder is not a choice, but a disease that we can overcome, they can be patient with us as we undergo treatment and let our bodies heal.
Realizing that we struggle with substance use can stir up a lot of emotions. We may feel like our struggle isn’t bad enough for us to seek treatment. However, there are different levels of treatment designed to treat different levels of addiction. With a partial hospitalization program, we can live semi-normal lives while receiving the treatment we need to become sober. If we feel as though our lives have become unmanageable in any way, we should take the time to look into our treatment options. We all deserve help to get on track with our journey to recovery. We can live fulfilling lives in sobriety, and there are options for inpatient and outpatient treatments. We can decide which one is best for us and embrace the change that will give us our lives back. We can be our best selves. Call 449 Recovery today at (949) 435-7449.
Dr. Warren Taff MD, graduated from the University of Birmingham, England School of Medicine, with a BA from Rutgers University. He then went on to UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles Health and Human Services and received an MPH. He also attended an internship in internal medicine, with the Veterans Administration. Dr. Taff’s residency includes General Psychiatry at USC, with elective residencies at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia, and Royal College of Psychiatry. Board certifications include American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Taff has extensive experience in both psychiatry and addiction medicine, extending from 1979 to present. He has held professional titles that include Chief of Staff and Medical Directorship in both hospitals and private sectors.
