The holidays can sneak up on you—full of emotion, expectation, and old triggers. For someone in recovery, this season isn’t always full of light and laughter. Maybe you meant to stay on track, but things got messy. Maybe you ghosted your program and now you’re wondering if you’re still “allowed” back.
At TruHealing at Rutherford’s Partial Hospitalization Program in Windsor Mill, we understand what it’s like to need help, pause, and come back. No shame. No lectures. Just real support from people who get it.
Why the Holidays Can Disrupt Sobriety
Even people who feel stable in their recovery can feel shaken around the holidays. Why?
- Family gatherings can stir up old wounds.
- Alcohol is everywhere—from office parties to New Year’s toasts.
- Grief often resurfaces, especially if holidays remind you of people or versions of yourself you’ve lost.
- Structure disappears—work slows down, schedules change, and it’s easier to fall into isolation.
And if you’re in early recovery or re-engaging with treatment? It can feel like you’re expected to “just be okay.” But the truth is, staying sober during the holidays takes more than just willpower. It takes support, structure, and space to breathe.
What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)?
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an intensive, day-treatment level of care designed for people who need significant support—but don’t need to live at the facility.
At TruHealing at Rutherford, PHP includes:
- 6 hours of clinical care per day, usually five days a week
- Group and individual therapy
- Mental health and psychiatric support
- Life skills and relapse prevention
- Connection with peers in recovery
You go home in the evenings, but during the day, you have structure, tools, and community.
It’s a solid bridge between inpatient care and outpatient or IOP treatment—and it’s especially helpful if you’ve left treatment recently or need to step back in during a high-risk time like the holidays.
Returning to Treatment Isn’t a Failure—It’s a Strength
One of the hardest parts of stepping back into treatment is the voice in your head that says, “They won’t want me back.”
That voice lies.
At TruHealing, we know that leaving a program doesn’t mean you gave up. It might mean you were overwhelmed. Or that you weren’t ready. Or that something urgent pulled you away.
You’re not starting over. You’re picking back up. And that’s courage, not failure.
“I didn’t think I could go back. But when I called, they just said, ‘We’re glad you reached out.’ That changed everything.” — Former PHP Client, 2023
How PHP Helps You Stay Grounded During the Holidays
Here’s how a Partial Hospitalization Program can help you stay steady—even when the season tries to shake you:
1. It Rebuilds Routine When Life Gets Disorganized
The holidays often bring late nights, travel, or disruptions in daily habits. PHP provides a consistent rhythm: wake up, show up, reflect, grow. That kind of structure can keep you anchored when everything else feels unsteady.
2. It Normalizes the Struggle Without Judging It
You’re not the only one who finds this time hard. In PHP, you’re surrounded by others who understand that pressure, perfectionism, and relapse temptation spike during the holidays. There’s no need to pretend you’re fine when you’re not.
3. It Provides Real Coping Tools, Not Just Pep Talks
PHP sessions don’t just offer support—they teach you practical skills for handling cravings, setting boundaries, managing family stress, and protecting your mental health when emotions run high.
4. It Reconnects You to Community
If you’ve felt isolated—or ashamed—about slipping, PHP reconnects you. Being seen, heard, and supported daily by a group that gets it? That’s powerful. And healing doesn’t happen in isolation.
How Do I Know If PHP Is Right for Me This Holiday Season?
PHP might be a good fit if:
- You recently stopped attending IOP or outpatient sessions
- You’re sober but white-knuckling it
- You’ve had a recent slip and don’t want it to spiral
- You’re feeling emotionally or mentally unstable
- You’re overwhelmed by family, grief, or pressure
- You need support but aren’t able to leave home overnight
If any of this sounds familiar, TruHealing at Rutherford’s Partial Hospitalization Program could be your next right step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I left a program before—can I still come back?
Yes. We understand that life happens and that not everyone finishes treatment the first time. At TruHealing, we believe recovery is a process, not a performance. If you’re ready to return, we’re ready to welcome you.
Is PHP the same as being in rehab?
Not quite. PHP is more flexible. You attend intensive treatment during the day but go home at night. It offers many of the same services as inpatient rehab—like therapy, group work, and clinical care—without requiring you to stay overnight.
What if I’ve been using again?
That’s okay. Many people come to PHP after a relapse or slip. You don’t need to “clean up” before coming back. We’re here to help you stabilize safely and with support.
Is it okay to restart during the holidays?
Absolutely. In fact, this can be one of the best times to re-engage with treatment. The support, routine, and accountability of PHP can protect your progress during one of the most emotionally charged times of year.
Will my insurance cover PHP?
In many cases, yes. Our admissions team can check your benefits and walk you through what’s covered. We aim to make the process as stress-free as possible.
Gentle, Not Gone: The Door Is Still Open
Maybe you didn’t mean to step away. Or maybe you did—but now you’re ready to return. Either way, you’re not alone, and you’re not disqualified. At TruHealing at Rutherford, we hold the door open for you.
And during the holidays? That open door might just be the difference between spiraling and staying steady.
📞 Let’s Make the Holidays Something You Can Handle
Call (410) 431-3792 or visit to learn more about our Partial Hospitalization Program services in Windsor Mill, Maryland. We’ll meet you where you are.