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Family involvement in PHP and IOP

Healing from addiction can be challenging, and families often feel the impact too. PHP and IOP programs at Beach House Center for Recovery give loved ones the tools they need to support each other through every step of the journey.

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Understanding family involvement in PHP and IOP

What are PHP and IOP programs?

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are specialized therapy programs for mental health or substance use disorders. PHP is the more intensive treatment option because it involves more hours of care per day and is designed especially for those needing a higher level of medical supervision, but not around-the-clock inpatient care.

IOPS are more flexible, allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines while receiving family-based addiction recovery.

Why family involvement is vital in addiction recovery

Family involvement is an essential part of addiction recovery because it:

  • Provides a strong support system for motivation and accountability
  • Facilitates healing for both the individual and the family unit
  • Establishes healthy communication and sets clear boundaries
  • Creates a supportive home environment to help prevent relapse

The role of family in the addiction recovery process

Emotional support and encouragement during treatment

Families can help individuals feel less isolated and more connected during their recovery. A strong family support system also provides the needed encouragement, motivation and accountability to help overcome potential setbacks.

Improving communication and rebuilding trust

The Beach House Center for Recovery family program encourages open and honest communication to clear the air, rebuild trust and build healthier, more understanding relationships within the family unit.

Family participation in addiction recovery: what it looks like

Family participation in addiction treatment involves a combination of family therapy, educational sessions, and support groups.

At Beach House Center for Recovery, we offer various therapeutic approaches:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help family members learn to recognize enabling behaviors and develop strategies to set healthier boundaries.
  • Letter writing to provide a safe space for family members to communicate their emotions and expectations, fostering open and honest conversations.
  • Role-playing to help family members experience various perspectives and responses to addiction-related issues.

We believe love and connection are an essential part of addiction recovery and long-term recovery.

Family involvement in PHPs (Partial Hospitalization Programs)

How families participate in PHP sessions

Families can make a significant and lasting impact on their loved one’s motivation, progress and success in the PHP program by offering:

  • Emotional encouragement
  • Practical assistance
  • Active involvement
  • Self-care encouragement

These supportive pillars help those in addiction treatment build a strong foundation for lasting recovery and healing.

Benefits of family support in PHP and rehab programs

Now that we’ve outlined the pillars of support in PHP programs, let’s look at how they benefit those in active recovery:

  • Emotional support
    Family members can provide empathy, validation, and encouragement to acknowledge their effort and celebrate their progress.
  • Practical assistance
    Family memberscan assist with transportation to and from PHP sessions, help with household tasks, and provide a sober and supportive home environment.
  • Active involvement
    Family members can attend therapy sessions, participate in education programs, and engage in treatment planning discussions to better understand their loved one’s challenges and needs.
  • Self-care encouragement
    Family members can advocate for and support self-care, like healthy eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and other lifestyle habits that promote overall health and well-being.

Addressing family dynamics in early recovery

A substance use disorder can negatively impact the entire family. Treating an individual without family involvement is possible, but according to the National Library of Medicine, it may limit the effectiveness of treatment for two reasons:

  1. It ignores the devastating impact of SUDs on the family system, leaving family members untreated
  2. It does not recognize the family as a potential system of support for change.

Family therapy is a useful tool for helping family members align on recovery needs. It also helps illuminate behaviors that may need to change to support their loved one’s progress toward long-term recovery.

Family involvement in IOPs (Intensive Outpatient Programs)

When families participate in therapy sessions, they gain a better understanding of addiction and the role of mental health. This helps build empathy, strengthens communication and creates a more supportive home environment.

Encouraging accountability and continued growth

Family members can help keep their loved ones accountable and motivated between sessions. They can also help celebrate small wins along the way, reinforce healthy routines, and encourage continued participation in treatment.

How family therapy enhances IOP outcomes

Family therapy helps everyone to address underlying issues, rebuild trust, and develop healthier ways to communicate. These sessions are a safe space for honest conversations and healing, which often leads to more effective treatment outcomes.

Maintaining healthy boundaries and expectations

Through our Family Program, families learn to offer encouragement without enabling harmful behaviors. Understanding recovery needs, setting clear expectations and maintaining mutual respect make recovery a shared and sustainable journey that is beneficial for everyone involved.

Benefits of family therapy in addiction treatment

Healing the whole family unit

By learning together, families can help in addiction recovery while also healing themselves. This creates a stronger, healthier home environment, one that is borne out of education and understanding.

Family support equals better long-term recovery success rates: According to the Retention Toolkit (a project developed through a contract between the UW Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute and the Washington State Health Care Authority Behavioral Health & Recovery), Steps at Liberty Center in Wooster, Ohio, found that “clients with family support had higher completion rates. Of the clients who indicated that they had support from their families, 77.3 percent completed six sessions, whereas those who did not have family support had a completion rate of only 45.5 percent.”

Reducing relapse risk through family engagement

Research shows that strong family support in PHP and IOP programs can dramatically lower the risk of relapse for people in addiction recovery. In one study, individuals with healthier family relationships were over 90 percent less likely to relapse compared to those with poor family support.

This highlights the importance of family engagement in addiction treatment (through therapy, communication, and ongoing support), which can make a meaningful difference in long-term recovery.

How Beach House Center for Recovery involves families

Family therapy and counseling services

At Beach House Center for Recovery, we recognize that addiction impacts the entire family. Our Family Therapy and Treatment Program offers guided family counseling for addiction recovery designed to help family members understand addiction, improve communication, and rebuild trust. This collaborative approach supports those in addiction recovery and their loved ones.

Ongoing support for loved ones after treatment

Recovery doesn’t end after treatment. Beach House Center for Recovery provides aftercare programs that include continued support for families, ensuring they have the resources and guidance they need to maintain a healthy, open, and supportive environment for their loved one.

A compassionate approach to healing together

We believe the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, but connection. Beach House Center for Recovery fosters a compassionate environment where families can heal and reconnect, strengthening their bonds and supporting each other’s well-being throughout the recovery journey.

Contact our admissions specialists today to find out how to get started on your recovery journey today.

Watch: the power of family in recovery

Join Micah Robbins, Director of Alumni Outreach at Beach House Center for Recovery, and Philip Causey, CEO of Family Recovery Solutions of Florida, as they explore how families can support loved ones in PHP and IOP and make all the difference.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How often can families visit or participate in PHP or IOP sessions?

In our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, family therapy sessions are typically once a week for one hour, with more as needed based on the treatment plan.

Can family involvement continue after completing PHP or IOP?

Yes, family involvement is a vital part of long-term recovery. Our PHP and IOP programs are a part of a larger continuum of care, and a robust continuing care plan with family involvement is essential for maintaining momentum and progress.

What should family members avoid during a loved one’s recovery process?

Family members should avoid:

  • Enabling or participating in unhealthy behaviors
  • Being judgmental or critical
  • Pressuring their loved one to change too quickly
  • Taking on responsibility for their loved one’s recovery

Instead, family members should focus on providing support, encouragement, and setting healthy boundaries.

Is family education part of PHP and IOP programs?

Yes. Family education and communication during rehab are important parts of all Beach House Center for Recovery treatment programs. This helps loved ones understand addiction, recovery challenges, and ways to provide effective support.

Can family members receive counseling for their own healing during PHP or IOP?

Yes. Many Beach House Center for Recovery programs offer counseling and support groups specifically for family members to address their own emotional needs, work through trauma, and build coping skills while supporting their loved one’s recovery journey.

The Freedom You’ve Been Waiting For

Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.