Types of Addiction Treatment Programs

There are multiple types of addiction treatment programs. Some people may pass through various phases of treatment, whereas others may only require one or two levels of care.

Medical Detox

A medical detox is the first step for someone who is beginning treatment for a severe addiction to substances like heroin, alcohol or benzodiazepines. In medical detox, patients are supervised by trained health professionals who can monitor symptoms and ensure that patients remain safe and comfortable while withdrawing from drugs or alcohol.
In a medical detox program, staff provide medications to ease the discomfort of withdrawal as drugs and alcohol leave the system and the body reestablishes its homeostasis. For example, experts report that people who are withdrawing from heroin may take lofexidine or clonidine to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. There are many other comfort medications for anxiety, nausea, muscle aches, and sleep as well. People may also take buprenorphine or methadone during certain phases of medical detox with potential for transition to ongoing Medication-Assisted Treatment. It’s important to keep in mind that medication is only used during withdrawal when clinically cleared by a medical professional.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medications can be used during the withdrawal process in medical detox, and they can also be a part of an ongoing medication assisted treatment program. Medication-assisted treatment involves using medications in tandem with counseling during the recovery process.
Medication-assisted treatment is typically used to treat addictions to illicit opioids, prescription opioids and alcohol. Medications can help control cravings and stabilize both brain chemistry and bodily functioning. According to research, medication-assisted treatment can help people reduce opiate abuse, stay in treatment, sustain sobriety, increase survival rates and reduce the urgency of addiction leading to decreased dangerous behaviors. Much like with medical detox, methadone and buprenorphine are commonly prescribed in medication-assisted treatments for opioid addiction. Disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone may be used for the treatment of alcohol abuse with other options depending on comorbid conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient Treatment is typically provided in a hospital or clinic that specializes in inpatient treatment. In this type of treatment setting, medical professionals supervise patients and have 24-hour access to nurses. People participating in inpatient treatment often receive wrap around bio-psycho-social treatment including medication management, individual counseling, group therapy, AA, and general programming to help engineer a stimulating sober living lifestyle.
Inpatient treatment typically involves ongoing assessment of the addiction and monitoring of goals. Once a patient has completed inpatient treatment, staff create a transition plan where the patient is able to transfer to a lower treatment level such as residential rehab, an ongoing intensive outpatient program, or a supportive sober living environment.

Residential Rehab

Residential Rehab is similar to inpatient treatment but is typically longer lasting. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), residential services usually occur outside of a hospital setting, meaning residential facilities provide more of a home-like and comfortable environment. People receiving residential care reside at the treatment facility on a full-time basis.

Stays in residential rehab can last for a few weeks or several months, with the goal of helping people develop healthy social skills and change ineffectual behaviors with continued adjustment of medication, participation in a treatment program including individual/group therapy, vocational training, and ongoing crafting of a sober living lifestyle. However, the length of treatment is comprehensive and can vary widely depending on both the program and the individual’s needs.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) involves continued treatment programs similar to inpatient and residential rehab however on an outpatient basis. People who are engaged in intensive outpatient treatment may also take medications and receive medication management services. Depending on the program, clients may live off-site in their own home or in sober living housing community designed to be supportive of maintaining sobriety. Online counseling and participation is also an option for this level of care and often preferred during these times of Covid-19.

Intensive outpatient programs are an alternative to hospitalization or inpatient residential programs. In some cases, people will transition to an intensive outpatient program after completing an inpatient program depending on their level of need. According to research, intensive outpatient programs provide at least nine hours of service per week, but some programs may be more intensive. We plan to provide the highest level of intensive programming for those who are invested in maintaining their sobriety.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient Treatment is a step down from intensive outpatient treatment. Per the American Society of Addiction Medicine, someone in outpatient treatment receives less than nine hours of services each week.

Similar to intensive outpatient programs, outpatient rehab typically involves individual and group counseling as well as access to medication and medical services. In outpatient programs, people schedule appointments at times that fit their schedules, and they can continue to work in the community and live at home throughout treatment. Outpatient programs offer flexibility, which is a benefit of this type of treatment.

Aftercare

Aftercare includes services that people participate in to maintain lasting sobriety after completing a treatment program. Aftercare services may involve ongoing counseling, participation in support groups, or linkage to case management or peer support services. Aftercare plays an important role in preventing relapse. According to research, aftercare is more effective when people participate in it for longer periods of time. Our clients will have the option to have ongoing contact with our treatment programming to assist them through their continued journey towards recovery.