When your child is in crisis because of alcohol use, nothing feels stable.
You’re balancing fear, urgency, guilt, and a thousand unknowns. You may be wondering if this is just a “phase”—or something much deeper. You’ve probably Googled terms you hoped you’d never need to understand: detox, IOP, PHP. Maybe you’re afraid that choosing the wrong level of care could make things worse.
We understand how overwhelming this moment is. At Foundations Group Recovery Center in Scottsdale, AZ, we work with parents in your shoes every day—parents trying to make life-changing decisions under enormous emotional weight.
This guide is for you. We’re not here to pressure or scare you. Just to give you clear, trustworthy information—so you can make the best possible next step for your child.
If you’re already looking for options, our alcohol addiction treatment services in Ohio offer support designed specifically for young adults and their families.
Why Are There So Many Treatment Types?
Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that’s a good thing.
The different levels of care exist so that people can receive the right kind of support based on their physical condition, emotional readiness, and lifestyle needs.
Think of it like a ladder. Some young adults need the bottom rung to get started safely (detox). Others are ready to begin mid-way (IOP or PHP). Choosing the wrong level can lead to disengagement or overwhelm, so it’s okay to pause and ask questions before jumping in.
Your child may be struggling—but with the right approach, they don’t have to stay stuck.
Detox: When Is It Needed—and What Does It Look Like?
Detox is short for “detoxification,” a medically supervised process that helps someone safely stop using alcohol.
It’s typically recommended when your child:
- Has been drinking heavily and/or daily
- Shows withdrawal signs when not drinking (shakes, nausea, anxiety)
- Has had past medical complications from stopping alcohol
- Can’t go a day without drinking, even if they want to
Detox is not rehab. It doesn’t “fix” alcohol use. But it creates a safe, stable starting point for treatment.
At Foundations, we help you assess whether detox is needed—and if it is, we can connect you with trusted medical partners to support this short but critical phase. After detox, we offer a warm transition into PHP or IOP based on your child’s next-step needs.
PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program): Structure Without Isolation
PHP is the most intensive outpatient option available. It’s often the next step after detox—or the right starting point for young adults whose drinking is significantly disrupting their life.
A typical PHP schedule includes:
- 5 days per week of programming
- Around 6 hours per day
- Daily group therapy, individual counseling, family support, and skill-building sessions
- Medication management and mental health support, if needed
PHP is appropriate when your child needs strong, daily support but doesn’t need overnight medical supervision. It’s often the bridge between crisis and stability.
Benefits for parents:
- Your child receives structured care during the day but returns home at night
- You stay involved in treatment through family therapy and progress updates
- You can see your child begin to function again—without losing connection
If you’re looking for alcohol addiction treatment in Franklin County, our PHP option may be available locally and flexibly.
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program): Support with Flexibility
IOP is less intensive than PHP but still provides meaningful structure and accountability.
It’s a good fit when your child:
- Has mild to moderate alcohol use disorder
- Needs support maintaining sobriety while balancing work, school, or home life
- Is stepping down from PHP
- Wants to stay connected to care without full-time programming
IOP typically includes:
- 3–5 days per week
- 3-hour sessions
- A mix of group therapy, relapse prevention, and individual support
- Continued family involvement
At Foundations, IOP is not “less serious.” It’s right-sized. We meet your child where they are—and offer emotional and behavioral scaffolding that helps them take ownership of their healing.
How Do I Know What Level My Child Needs?
You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
Here are some signs and factors to consider when determining the right level of alcohol addiction treatment:
Detox may be needed if:
- Your child experiences physical withdrawal
- They’ve blacked out or had alcohol-related medical issues
- They’re drinking all day or can’t stop even when they want to
PHP may be right if:
- Your child is newly sober and emotionally unstable
- They need daily support but not overnight care
- Mental health issues like depression or trauma are also present
IOP might be appropriate if:
- Your child is sober but struggling with triggers
- They’ve relapsed after a period of abstinence
- They are returning to school or work and need support around that transition
At Foundations Group Recovery Center in Upper Arlington, we walk parents through this decision every day. If you’re looking for alcohol addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio, or anywhere nearby, we can offer a clear assessment and referral plan.
Why Young Adult Treatment Needs to Be Different
Young adults are in a developmental window where identity, independence, and emotional regulation are still forming. Alcohol misuse during this stage can create deep disruptions—but it’s also a time of incredible potential for healing.
At Foundations, we specialize in young adult care. That means we:
- Tailor therapy approaches to this age group’s communication style
- Incorporate mental health support and life skills training
- Understand how to navigate resistance, defensiveness, or fear of judgment
- Work closely with families while respecting the autonomy of the client
This isn’t “just” rehab. It’s age-informed recovery that sees the whole person—not just their diagnosis.
What If My Child Doesn’t Want Help?
This is the hardest part for many parents.
If your child is refusing help, know this: it doesn’t mean they’re unreachable. Resistance is often fear in disguise—fear of change, fear of losing control, fear of being judged.
Here’s what you can do:
- Start with a conversation, not a confrontation
- Avoid ultimatums—offer options instead
- Reach out to a treatment provider yourself to discuss strategies
- Get support for you, too. You don’t have to carry this alone.
Many of our clients at Foundations weren’t “ready” when they arrived. But being met with kindness instead of force made all the difference.
FAQs: Alcohol Addiction Treatment for Young Adults
How long do these programs last?
It depends on your child’s needs. Detox typically lasts 3–7 days. PHP is often 2–4 weeks. IOP can last anywhere from 4–12 weeks depending on progress. We’ll help build a plan that fits.
Can my child keep going to college or work during IOP?
Yes. IOP is designed to support young adults maintaining daily responsibilities while receiving care. We coordinate with families to ensure it fits.
What if my child has anxiety or depression too?
That’s extremely common. Foundations offers dual diagnosis care, meaning we treat both the alcohol use and the underlying mental health symptoms.
Will I be involved in their treatment?
Yes. We offer family sessions, updates (with your child’s consent), and support for navigating your role in the recovery process.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Call (888)501-5618 to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment services in Upper Arlington, OH.
We’ll help you understand the options, make a plan, and support your child with care that’s as individualized as they are. One call. One step. That’s all it takes to begin.
