You love them. You’re scared. And the holidays, which once held warmth and togetherness, now come with a familiar pit in your stomach. If you’re in a relationship with someone actively using, you’ve likely already tried everything—tough love, second chances, silent prayers that this time might be different. And now? Now you’re tired.
What you may need isn’t a final answer or a crisis intervention—but a practical, compassionate option that doesn’t require everything to fall apart first. That’s where a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) can step in.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?
A Partial Hospitalization Program is a day-based treatment model for individuals who need structured, intensive care but don’t require 24/7 inpatient hospitalization. Most PHPs operate five to six days a week, with programming that runs for several hours each day. Participants return home at night—making it ideal for individuals who want comprehensive support while staying connected to family and daily life.
Think of PHP as a middle ground. It’s not as disruptive as full-time residential rehab, but it offers far more support than standard outpatient therapy. For many families, PHP is where the real work begins—not in isolation, but in community and with professional guidance.
Why Start PHP Before the Holidays?
The stretch from late November through New Year’s is one of the most emotionally volatile periods of the year. Nostalgia, stress, family expectations, unresolved grief—it all collides. For someone struggling with substance use, that emotional swirl can fuel relapse, secrecy, or increased risk.
Starting PHP before the holidays isn’t just about “getting them help.” It’s about giving your loved one structure and emotional scaffolding during one of the hardest times to navigate alone.
More importantly, it gives you something: a plan, a boundary, and a bit of space between chaos and hope.
What Does a Typical Day in PHP Look Like?
While schedules vary slightly between programs, a Partial Hospitalization Program at Society Wellness in Needham, MA may include:
- Group Therapy: Facilitated conversations around coping strategies, triggers, trauma, and the underlying pain that often fuels substance use.
- Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist to address root issues, patterns, and goals.
- Medication Support: For those who benefit from medication as part of their recovery, PHP offers oversight and education.
- Skill-Building: Sessions on emotional regulation, relationship dynamics, boundary-setting, and relapse prevention.
- LGBTQ+ Affirming Care: Society Wellness specializes in inclusive, identity-safe spaces for individuals from diverse gender and sexuality backgrounds.
- Integration Support: Time to reflect, rest, and begin rebuilding real-life coping skills without the disconnection of inpatient care.
This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about creating space for sustainable change—with real tools, real people, and no shame.
Do They Have to Be “Rock Bottom” to Start?
Absolutely not. One of the biggest myths about treatment is that someone has to be at their lowest to qualify for help. In truth, waiting for a dramatic crash often makes things worse—not better.
Partial Hospitalization Programs are designed for people who may still be functioning in some areas of life, but whose substance use is getting in the way of relationships, work, safety, or emotional stability.
Your partner doesn’t have to lose everything before they try something different. They just have to be willing to try.
What If They Aren’t Ready Yet?
It’s one of the hardest truths: you can want healing with your whole heart, but you can’t do the work for them.
Still—you can call. You can learn. And that counts.
You’re allowed to gather information without their permission. You’re allowed to ask what PHP might look like if they ever become ready. And sometimes, just knowing there’s a plan, a path, a next step—that’s what keeps you steady.
Sometimes love looks like waiting. Sometimes love looks like making a call anyway.
This Isn’t Just About Them. It’s About You, Too.
Being with someone who’s using doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human. And loving someone in addiction is one of the loneliest kinds of love—full of secrets, fears, and moments you don’t tell anyone else about.
But you’re not the only one. And you’re not wrong for still hoping.
A Partial Hospitalization Program might be the shift you’ve both been waiting for. Not a miracle, not a magic wand—but a place to start. A place where real change can happen, without blame, pressure, or ultimatums.
What People Say
“It wasn’t about being perfect. It was about finally being honest.”
– PHP Client, 2023
“They let me be angry, tired, confused—and still kept showing up.”
– Partner of a client in PHP
“I thought I had to hit rock bottom. Turns out, I just had to stop climbing down.”
– Alumni, Society Wellness
Frequently Asked Questions About Partial Hospitalization Programs
What’s the difference between PHP and inpatient rehab?
Inpatient rehab involves 24/7 care and overnight stays—often lasting several weeks. PHP offers similar therapeutic intensity but allows participants to return home each evening. It’s a good fit for those who need structure and support but have a safe living situation.
Is PHP covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes. Most commercial insurance plans (including Massachusetts-based providers) offer behavioral health benefits that cover Partial Hospitalization Programs. The admissions team at Society Wellness can verify coverage and help you understand costs before anything begins.
What if my partner refuses to go?
That’s hard—and common. PHP isn’t something you can force. But having information and a plan allows you to speak from clarity instead of desperation. Sometimes, simply knowing there’s a supportive program available helps loved ones become more open to the idea over time.
Can they keep working while attending PHP?
Usually not full-time. PHP is typically a daytime commitment of 4–6 hours per day, five days a week. Some people adjust work schedules or take short-term leave to accommodate treatment. That said, PHP is still more flexible than inpatient care, especially for those with families or home responsibilities.
Is PHP only for addiction?
No. While many people attend PHP for substance use support, others seek it for mental health stabilization—especially when experiencing intense anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms. Many participants experience both. Society Wellness offers dual-diagnosis care for individuals navigating both addiction and mental health challenges.
Local Care That Understands
Located in Needham, Massachusetts, Society Wellness offers identity-affirming addiction and mental health treatment for individuals and families in the Greater Boston area. We know the landscape—both geographically and emotionally—and we tailor support accordingly.
Whether you’re ready to get your loved one help or you just need someone to talk to, we’re here. No pressure. Just possibility.
📞 Ready to Talk?
Call (888) 964-8116 or visit our Partial Hospitalization Program page to learn more about our services in Needham, Massachusetts. You don’t have to do this alone.
