Treatment Phases

During drug and alcohol addiction treatment, people advance through five distinct treatment phases. Each phase is designed to address immediate needs during the journey to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

At The Edge Treatment Center, our staff will guide you along the path to recovery, from detoxification to outpatient care.

Detoxification

Detox is the stage in recovery where addictive substances leave the body. When done with a professional detox provider, this step is more successful and much safer.

Addictive substances work by changing the body’s chemistry. Over time, the body adapts, driving the user to take more and more of the drug to feel the same effects.

When a user stops substance use, the body tries to restore homeostasis, its sense of internal balance.

This causes withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can be intense, involving everything from overwhelming cravings for substances to dangerous complications such as seizures.

Detox provides a high level of safety, as vital signs can be closely monitored for any potential complications. During detox, medication and counseling are utilized to provide comfort until stabilization. This allows for a safe, monitored place to recover from drug and alcohol abuse.

Note: Detox should never be done on one’s own. The complications can be dangerous. Withdrawal and detox should always be managed at a professional detox center.

RESIDENTIAL

A residential program is an excellent second step on the path to recovery. Taking place in a closely monitored environment, this phase allows for recuperation from detox, a way to further manage cravings, and stabilizing any prescribed medications. It’s also an environment that allows for continuing recovery free from distractions, triggers, and harmful social influences.

Partial Hospitalization

Typically, a person in partial hospitalization (PHP) care lives at home or a sober living home while participating in groups throughout the day. They’re provided access to licensed therapists and one-on-one counseling. PHP combines a safe, structured environment with a wellness program.

In PHP, a person receives a variety of different therapies. It provides a safe space to talk about issues related to early recovery while beginning to explore independent life.

Monitoring and evaluating individual health

Individual and group therapy

Mindfulness techniques

Life skills

Developing and maintaining healthy, positive relationships

Independent living

Intensive Outpatient

Intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment is introduced at the end of a PHP program, creating an easier transition into independent living.

While group and individual therapy still play a large role, IOP is more about taking a long-term view of recovery. A person in IOP learns about relapse prevention, maintaining healthy relationships, and living independently.

During IOP programming, only part of the day is spent in care, allowing for work, school, and other life obligations.

Outpatient (OP)

As the name implies, an outpatient program (OP) is a less intensive phase than IOP. At this stage, a person might only spend a couple of hours at a treatment facility, keeping in touch with treatment professionals as they reenter life. This stage is excellent for managing relapses and addiction triggers.