Georgetown Medical

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one’s body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term form of intensive rehab, usually for those with acute symptoms that are hard to manage but don’t require 24-hour care. PHPs have structured programming (i.e. individual and/or group therapy), and usually meet 3-5 days a week for around 6 hours (i.e. 9am-3m). Some PHPs are residential (patients sleep on site) and some are not, so patients sleep at home. PHPs can last from 1-6 months, and some offer transportation and meals.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) specialize in high-level care for clients requiring robust support. This includes those in early recovery, those in crisis, and those stepping down from inpatient care. Clients typically participate in a minimum of nine treatment hours per week, but many intensive outpatient rehabs offer up to 20 hours of service weekly. Their primary treatment modalities generally combine psychotherapy and recovery education. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol and/or opioid recovery is widely available.

Outpatient rehabs enable clients to integrate addiction treatment into their daily lives. Clients typically continue to work and reside at home, but may engage in daily therapeutic sessions, depending on need. Outpatient treatment generally involves individual, group, and/or family therapy, recovery-focused life skills training, and a variety of ancillary services, such as career counseling or vocational training. Outpatient rehabs often encompass multiple levels of care, including partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), sober living, and standard outpatient.

Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).