Partial Hospitalization Program
for Opioid Addiction:
What to Expect

What should you expect in a partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction recovery? Find out in this comprehensive guide.

Table of Contents

The Role of Partial Hospitalization Programs in Recovery

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) for opioid addiction recovery is a structured treatment setting designed for individuals who need significant clinical support but do not require 24/7 residential supervision.

These programs typically run five to seven days a week for several hours each day, combining medical oversight with therapeutic interventions in a safe and supportive environment.
Unlike inpatient care, which involves living at a facility, PHP allows participants to return home in the evenings. This structure supports individuals who are medically stable yet still require intensive therapeutic engagement.
partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction

The Urgent Need for Structured Opioid Addiction Treatment

Opioid addiction affects individuals and families across the U.S. at an alarming rate. National data shows that approximately 8.6 million people aged 12 and older misused prescription opioids in 2023.1 In that same year, opioid overdoses tragically took the lives of more than 81,000 people.2
Many individuals struggling with opioid addiction face significant barriers to treatment, including:
  • Stigma
  • Fear of judgment
  • Financial limitations
  • Complex life responsibilities
In this context, the partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction stands out as an accessible treatment model that supports recovery without requiring complete separation from daily life.
Know that, if you or a loved one is struggling with opioid misuse—you don’t have to go through it alone. At Pacific Crest Trail Detox, we’re here to walk alongside you on your road to recovery, helping you achieve sobriety, fulfillment, and a sustainable path forward.

Who Can Benefit from a Partial Hospitalization Program for Opioid Addiction?

Below are some of the individuals who may benefit most from participating in a partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction recovery:

Individuals Who Have Recently Completed Medical Detox

A partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction provides a seamless continuation of care after detox.
While inpatient detox focuses on physical stabilization, PHP extends that support by addressing the root causes of opioid use, such as:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Compulsive behaviors
PHP also helps individuals build essential recovery skills in a structured setting. This prevents the sudden drop in support that often follows discharge from detox services.

Individuals at High Risk of Relapse

Opioid addiction has one of the highest relapse rates, with studies showing a range of 30% to 70%.3 Those with a history of multiple relapses often require more intensive intervention than traditional outpatient services can provide.

One of the key goals of a partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction is to identify and address the core triggers behind relapse, such as:
  • Emotional stressors
  • Environmental cues
  • Behavioral patterns
With consistent therapeutic support, participants gain practical relapse prevention skills that are personalized to their needs and challenges.

Individuals with Unsupportive Home Environments

Home environments can significantly influence recovery outcomes. Maintaining sobriety can feel nearly impossible for individuals living in places where:
  • Drug use is normalized
  • Emotional stressors are high
  • Supportive relationships are lacking
A partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction creates a controlled, therapeutic space that minimizes exposure to these destabilizing influences. This helps participants stabilize emotionally and mentally, gradually developing the tools needed to navigate life outside the treatment setting.

Key Components of a Partial Hospitalization Program for Opioid Addiction

The right PHP will include several key components that work together to support individuals in their healing journey.
These usually include:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

When necessary, MAT involves the use of medications alongside counseling and behavioral therapies to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Below are some of the most common medications used in the partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction:

Buprenorphine

As a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a much lesser degree than full opioids like heroin or oxycodone. This partial activation helps reduce cravings without producing the same euphoric effects that fuel misuse.4
What sets buprenorphine apart is its ceiling effect, where increasing the dose beyond a certain point has no added effect. This significantly lowers the risk of overdose and makes it less prone to misuse.

Methadone

Methadone is a full opioid agonist that binds to the same receptors targeted by other opioids, but is administered in carefully controlled doses to:5
  • Prevent intoxication
  • Reduce cravings
  • Block the effects of illicit opioids
For individuals facing long-term opioid addiction, methadone is still regarded as the most dependable treatment option.6 Though it has the potential for misuse, strict oversight within a PHP ensures it is administered safely and effectively.

Naltrexone

Unlike buprenorphine and methadone, which interact with opioid receptors to varying degrees, naltrexone works by completely blocking these receptors. As an opioid antagonist, it prevents any euphoric effects if opioids are used while the medication is active in the system.7
Naltrexone is typically introduced after the individual has been opioid-free for at least 7 to 10 days.8 Its non-addictive nature makes it a strong fit for individuals who are highly motivated to maintain abstinence and prefer a non-opioid-based form of treatment.

Naltrexone Delivery Methods

Naltrexone comes in both an oral formulation and an extended-release injectable form. The injectable option provides a once-monthly dose, so patients do not have to take it every day.
partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction

Therapy Options in a Partial Hospitalization Program for Opioid Addiction

At Pacific Crest Trail Detox (PCTD), we believe medications can support recovery, but lasting change comes from within—and is often best supported through therapy.

Here are the key therapeutic modalities we incorporate into our partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction recovery:

CBT in a Partial Hospitalization Program for Opioid Addiction

People struggling with opioid addiction often carry deeply ingrained beliefs that fuel feelings of shame and hopelessness.
Through cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, individuals will learn to identify these cognitive distortions and replace them with more balanced perspectives, supporting healthier decision-making.
In the context of PHP, CBT sessions are conducted daily and often involve:
  • Real-time exercises
  • Role-playing
  • Journaling
Over time, this hands-on approach fosters lasting change and greater resilience in the face of everyday challenges.

DBT in a Partial Hospitalization Program for Opioid Addiction

For many individuals, addiction is tied to overwhelming emotions and impulsive behaviors. Dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, enables clients to confront them by promoting self-acceptance and intentional change. Instead of avoiding emotions, the therapy teaches clients to pause, reflect, and respond with purpose.
Through guided sessions, individuals begin to build:
  • Stronger emotional resilience
  • Heightened self-awareness
  • Healthier responses to difficult situations
With time and practice, DBT helps create a solid emotional foundation that supports lasting recovery.

Trauma-Informed Therapy

Opioid use disorder (OUD) often coexists with unresolved trauma. In one study, 87.8% of participants with opioid addiction reported having experienced trauma in their lives.9
Common sources of trauma include:
  • Abuse during childhood
  • Loss or bereavement
  • Ongoing neglect
  • Long-term exposure to stress
Recognizing and addressing these root causes is a critical step in supporting long-term recovery.
At PCTD, we’re here to help you heal from the root of your challenges—not just treat the overarching symptoms.

Healing Trauma as Part of Opioid Addiction Recovery

At Pacific Crest Trail Detox, the partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction is firmly grounded in trauma-informed care. Our therapists work collaboratively with clients to process traumatic memories at a pace that feels manageable and supported.
The focus is not just on managing symptoms but on understanding how trauma has shaped responses to stress and substance use. This helps participants develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and the world around them.

MI in a Partial Hospitalization Program for Opioid Addiction

Motivational interviewing, or MI, is an approach built on empathy, collaboration, and the belief that lasting change comes from within. It is particularly valuable for individuals who are uncertain about their ability to recover.
At PCTD, MI is used to help participants explore their ambivalence in a nonjudgmental space. Rather than pressuring individuals to change, the therapy encourages them to:
  • Identify personal values
  • Examine the impact of substance use on their lives
  • Articulate their own reasons for pursuing recovery
The process helps increase intrinsic motivation while reinforcing a sense of agency and self-efficacy.

Strengthening Commitment in Recovery

MI complements other therapies by laying the emotional groundwork for engagement, honesty, and commitment throughout treatment. Through reflective listening and guided conversations, clinicians help participants clarify their goals and build momentum toward change.

Group Therapy

In the partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction at PCTD, groups are carefully facilitated to promote vulnerability and skill-building.

During these sessions, our clients engage in discussions that explore common recovery challenges, such as:
  • Managing cravings
  • Avoiding relapse
  • Rebuilding self-esteem
  • Navigating life post-treatment

Reducing Isolation with Peer Support in Recovery

Regular sessions of group therapy reduce the isolation that often accompanies addiction by normalizing the recovery experience and encouraging honest reflection.
Sharing space with others on a similar path also helps participants:
  • Develop empathy
  • Strengthen communication
  • Hold one another accountable
  • Gain insight from multiple perspectives
As trust builds within the group, participants gain confidence in expressing themselves and supporting others.

Family Therapy in a Partial Hospitalization Program for Opioid Addiction

The partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction at PCTD offers family therapy as a structured opportunity to address relational wounds and rebuild trust.

These sessions focus on:
  • Open communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Boundary setting
Our clinicians work with families to reframe addiction as a long-term, treatable illness. This shift in understanding helps reduce blame and opens the door to more supportive, healing interactions.

Holistic and Wellness Approaches

At PCTD, the partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction integrates holistic and wellness approaches that restore balance and promote inner healing.

Below are some of the most common approaches that we utilize in our programs:

Meditation

Meditation is a gentle but transformative practice that supports emotional healing during recovery.
Individuals entering treatment often struggle with:
  • Racing thoughts
  • Unresolved pain
  • Internal chaos
Meditation helps to slow that mental noise and create a sense of internal safety.

Meditation Techniques Used in a Partial Hospitalization Program for Opioid Addiction

Guided meditation sessions utilize a range of techniques to promote recovery. These usually include methods such as:
  • Breath-focused meditation
  • Mindfulness practices
  • Body scans
With regular practice, these techniques can be helpful in lowering anxiety and improving sleep quality.

Stress-Reduction Techniques

At PCTD, our partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction incorporates a variety of stress-management techniques to help calm the nervous system and reduce emotional overwhelm.
These practices can include:
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Guided imagery and visualization
These strategies are easy to integrate into daily life and provide lasting support both during and after treatment.

Art Therapy

Art therapy provides a nonverbal avenue for healing within the partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction.

Addiction often brings with it layers of emotional pain that can be difficult to verbalize, such as:

  • Deep-seated guilt
  • Unresolved grief
  • Buried anger

Art therapy allows these feelings to be explored safely and without pressure.

Creative Expression as a Path to Healing

Art therapy supports healing by fostering creativity and reflection. Common activities include:
  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Sculpting
  • Collage
These artistic practices help individuals explore their inner world and express emotions that words often fail to capture.

Outdoor Adventure Therapy

Through our partner program, Oregon Trail Recovery, we offer more holistic, complementary methods of healing.

Outdoor adventure therapy brings clients out of the traditional treatment setting and into dynamic, real-world experiences where healing can happen through:
  • Movement
  • Challenge
  • Connection to the land
Outdoor sessions might involve guided hikes, team-building challenges, backpacking, or camping. These experiences help participants reconnect with their bodies, push beyond perceived limits, and reclaim a sense of control and confidence.
partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction

How to Get Started with a Partial Hospitalization Program for Opioid Addiction

At PCTD, the process of entering a partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction is designed to be welcoming, informative, and free of unnecessary barriers.
Below are the key steps involved in getting started with our PHP:

Initial Contact and Confidential Consultation

The first step in accessing care begins with a confidential conversation. Whether the inquiry comes directly from someone seeking treatment or a concerned loved one, we provide an immediate opportunity to connect with an admissions specialist.
This initial discussion focuses on:
  • Understanding the individual’s circumstances
  • Answering questions about the PHP
  • Providing information about available services
This conversation is also the time to address practical matters such as insurance coverage, program logistics, and timelines. Our admission teams ensure that no question is left unanswered, offering both guidance and reassurance in what can often be a vulnerable moment.

Clinical Assessment and Individualized Evaluation

Once initial contact has been established, the next step is a comprehensive clinical assessment.
This evaluation is conducted by a qualified healthcare professional who gathers essential information about:
  • The individual’s medical history
  • Substance use patterns
  • Emotional health status
  • Personal background
The purpose of this assessment is not just to determine eligibility for the PHP, but to begin forming the foundation of a truly individualized treatment plan.

Program Orientation

Before joining the partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction at PCTD, each participant receives a comprehensive orientation to help ease the transition into care.
Key elements of orientation include:
  • A walkthrough of daily programming
  • An explanation of therapy modalities and goals
  • A review of behavioral expectations and boundaries
Our goal is to create a sense of safety and belonging from the very beginning, so participants feel prepared, welcomed, and ready to begin their recovery journey.

Seamless Admission and Integration into the Program

Once the orientation process is complete, individuals are officially admitted into the partial hospitalization program for opioid addiction and begin their first day of treatment.
From the very first session, participants are introduced to their care team, including:
  • Therapists
  • Medical professionals
  • Support staff
Throughout the initial days of the program, the treatment team remains attentive to any adjustments needed in the care plan. This helps us ensure that each individual is receiving the right interventions at the right pace.

Ongoing Support and Connection Beyond Admission

Entering a PHP for opioid addiction is a powerful first step, but lasting recovery requires thoughtful planning and follow-through. At PCTD, we begin looking ahead from the very start.
Our team works closely with each individual to map out next steps after PHP, which may involve:
  • Stepping down into an intensive outpatient program
  • Exploring safe, sober housing options
  • Linking with community-based recovery support services
By planning early, we help ensure the transition out of PHP is smooth and rooted in continued care.

Ready to Create Your Path to Recovery?

Whether you’re stepping down from a higher level of care or starting with PHP as your first step, our team is here to help you navigate your journey.

Reach out today and let us help you rediscover the strength that’s already within you.

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