Types of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Effective treatment for substance addiction or drug abuse comes in many forms, depending on the level of care a person requires.4 There is a range of types of addiction treatment and substance use programs available. If you or a loved one is ready to get help for substance misuse, it’s important to find the right type of treatment for you. You should look for a program that offers individualized care which addresses all of your needs.4
Understanding the different types of substance abuse treatment programs can help you or a loved one take that important first step toward long-term sobriety and recovery.
Inpatient Addiction Treatment Programs
Inpatient or residential addiction recovery treatment takes place in a facility where people stay overnight for the duration of treatment. You may choose a 28- or 30-day stay, 60-day stay or more long-term 90-day stay. Program lengths and the intensity of treatment vary depending on a person’s needs and may include:3
- Detox.
- Medical supervision.
- Group therapy.
- Individual therapy.
- Co-occurring disorder treatment.
- Medication management.
- Mutual support groups or 12-Step groups.
- Aftercare, or continuing care planning.
- Sober living housing.
Some facilities may be considered luxury, which means that they offer additional amenities, secluded locations or private rooms that traditional inpatient facilities may not offer. Amenities may include yoga, massage, alternative therapies (equine or art therapy), exercise facilities, executive services and resort-like facilities.
Luxury addiction treatment programs will generally be more expensive than standard substance abuse treatment because of the extra amenities and facilities available at their clinics. However, health insurance may still help cover the cost of alcohol or drug rehab treatment, so it’s important to check your insurance coverage when looking for rehabs.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment Programs
Outpatient treatment is a type of substance abuse program that allows people to visit the treatment facility to receive care while still living at home. These programs require people to complete a certain number of hours per week at the outpatient facility, which depends on the level of care a person needs. Outpatient treatment services may include:3
- Detox.
- Individual or group therapy.
- Mutual support groups or 12-Step groups.
- Drug addiction therapy (e.g. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy / DBT).
- Social, vocational and legal services.
In general, outpatient programs are well-suited to people who want to continue working, going to school or managing their homes while in recovery. For people who have long-standing struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, co-occurring mental health conditions or other physical concerns, a more intense level of outpatient or inpatient treatment may be appropriate. If you aren’t sure which type of drug abuse treatment program is right for you or what treatment center to choose, talk with your healthcare provider about your needs. You can also learn more about inpatient vs. outpatient treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Drug Treatment Programs (IOP)
Intensive outpatient drug treatment programs are a type of outpatient substance abuse treatment for people that require more structure and support than a typical outpatient treatment program may offer.5 It may also be an appropriate level of care for a person stepping down from inpatient treatment. Typically, a person may be required to attend treatment for 9 to 19 hours per week.5
Intensive outpatient drug abuse programs often address the psychological, psychiatric and medical needs of a person.5 Additional services may include:2, 3, 5
- Individual and group counseling.
- Educational groups.
- Occupational and recreational therapy.
- Medication-assisted treatment / MAT: a longer-term form of treatment that combines behavioral therapy and medication to treat the whole person. Learn about MAT for opioid dependence.
- Behavioral therapy.
- Family therapy.
- Various skilled treatment services, depending on the facility.
Partial Hospitalization Drug Treatment Programs (PHP)
A partial hospitalization drug treatment program offers a more intense level of outpatient care than an IOP.3, 5 It may be more appropriate for people who have medical and/or psychiatric needs that require more supervision and support.5 People at this level may attend treatment for 20 or more hours per week.5
At the PHP level of care, facilities must offer medical, psychological, psychiatric, toxicological and emergency services to ensure that a person’s needs are met appropriately.5
Mutual Support Groups and 12-Step Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Mutual support groups and 12-Step programs are designed to help people remain abstinent and continue the recovery process through a network of people with shared experiences. While these groups alone do not take the place of formal substance abuse treatment, they can be a complement to a person’s drug addiction treatment plan.6
These programs focus on building a community of support through sharing and attending regular meetings. People in 12-Step recovery programs embrace spirituality while working through the 12 Steps (outlined in the Big Book of AA), which are associated with groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). In 12-Step groups, each group is specific to the type of substance a person was misusing.
Non-12-Step drug treatment programs and support groups are available for those wishing to pursue alternative forms of treatment.
Dual Diagnosis or Co-Occurring Disorder Rehab Treatment
A dual diagnosis – also known as co-occurring disorders – means that a person is struggling with both a substance use disorder (SUD) and a mental health condition. Dual diagnosis treatment programs can address both issues to help a person through recovery, which may include the use of medication and therapy.
It’s estimated that in 2020, 6.7% of adults 18 or older (about 17 million people) had a co-occurring mental illness and SUD.7 People with mental health conditions were also more likely to misuse substances like alcohol, highlighting the importance of seeking treatment that addresses co-occurring conditions.7
Detoxification Programs
Detoxification is the process of a person’s body clearing itself of substances.1 During this phase, people can experience uncomfortable and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms, depending on the substance, which underscores the importance of going through a supervised detox.1 Medical supervision can help a person remain safe throughout detox.
For certain substances, there are FDA-approved medications to help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings and manage the detox process.8
American Addiction Centers maintains a strong partnership with a large group of insurance companies at our addiction treatment facilities. Start the journey to recovery and find out instantly if your insurance provider may be able to cover all or part of the cost of rehabilitation and associated therapies.
Behavioral Therapy for Drug Addiction Treatment
Therapy can be an invaluable resource during treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. Therapy sessions can help people in recovery to recognize why they began misusing drugs or alcohol. It can provide them with the skills to identify, avoid or react to high-risk relapse situations and allow them to practice coping mechanisms in the face of cravings.9
- Individual therapy is when a person works together one-on-one with a therapist. It offers the most personalized care and fosters a strong therapist-patient relationship. Therapists may use several evidence-based strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, contingency management or motivational enhancement therapy.9
- Group therapy involves working through therapy among a group of peers who are experiencing a similar struggle. This kind of therapy can offer a support group where members understand each other’s challenges and can provide encouragement to one another.
- Family therapy helps loved ones of someone with a SUD to better understand their struggle and help repair relationships.10
How to Find Alcohol or Drug Addiction Treatment Programs Near Me
Finding an effective program from a variety of types of alcohol and drug treatment programs can feel overwhelming with so many options available. You may not know where to begin and be tempted to give up. However, you are not alone, and American Addiction Centers is here to help.
Health Insurance Providers That May Cover Rehab Treatment
Learn more about rehabilitation treatment with these insurance providers:
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- Rehabs for Seniors
- Rehabs for Couples
- LGBTQ+ Rehab Centers
- DUI Treatment Programs
- Private Rehab Centers
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