What Types Of Addiction Treatment Are Available?

Although addiction has common risk factors and difficulties, no two people with addictions have the same treatment needs.

Addiction recovery is a complicated process, but there are several types of drug addiction treatment available.

If you experience substance abuse, knowing your options can help you find the best form of treatment for your needs.

Levels Of Care For Substance Use Disorder

Substance abuse treatment plans may include several levels of care.

The most intensive levels of care provide a large amount of structure, while the least intensive levels provide more flexible support.

Not every person dealing with drug use will need to participate in each level.

However, some people do begin with medical detoxification and then take a “step down” approach through each subsequent level.

Medical Detoxification

Medical detoxification (detox) is a highly intensive type of substance abuse care. During this step, participants receive medical care as substances leave their bodies.

Medication and a comfortable environment help people overcome the worst symptoms of withdrawal, and doctors and nurses on staff can act quickly in the event of a medical emergency.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be provided on an inpatient or outpatient level.

Addiction medications can ease withdrawal symptoms, prevent cravings, and in some cases, block the euphoric effects of certain drugs.

MAT is commonly used for people with an addiction to alcohol or opioids.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment facilities often provide care for a period of 30 to 90 days.

These programs provide room and board for clients, as well as a highly structured therapy and recreation schedule.

After participating in inpatient care, many people receive referrals for further treatment, such as outpatient care or another form of recovery support.

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment shares several similarities with inpatient care. Like inpatient treatment, residential treatment includes room and board services.

However, residential programs are less intensive than inpatient services. They often last for a longer period of time, and they offer a home-like environment rather than a clinical setting.

Other residential options include sober living environments, which provide substance-free housing for people in recovery.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient addiction treatment generally falls into one of three categories: partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and standard outpatient programs (OP).

Each form of outpatient care offers the same types of addiction treatment that can be found in inpatient and residential programs.

However, rather than staying on campus overnight, clients attend these programs during the day and return to their homes at night.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are the most intensive form of outpatient care.

People may attend these programs for up to seven days per week, and they may receive up to six hours of therapy per day.

Partial hospitalization programs require a large time commitment, but for many people, the intensive structure of these programs allows for better focus in recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) share similarities with PHPs. These programs also offer a high amount of structure, but they require less of a time commitment.

Participants may attend treatment for up to five days per week, receiving three to four hours of treatment per day.

Standard Outpatient Programs

Standard outpatient programs, often simply called “outpatient programs (OP),” are the least intensive option for people seeking addiction care.

Time commitments vary, but outpatient programs offer fewer than nine hours of care over the course of a week.

Many people choose to attend an outpatient program as a form of aftercare following a more intensive form of treatment.

Specialized Types Of Addiction Treatment Programs

Several factors can affect a person’s relationship with substances. For example, some populations face more trauma exposure than others.

Often, different types of addiction treatment include specialized substance abuse care, addressing unique needs and concerns.

Veteran Treatment Centers

Several treatment providers offer specialized services for veterans with drug and alcohol addiction.

These programs address veteran-specific concerns such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), feelings of isolation after military service, and chronic pain after combat injury.

Gender-Specific Treatment Centers

Addiction programs sometimes offer gender-specific substance abuse care, usually dividing their services into groups for women and men.

These programs acknowledge that men and women face different addiction risk factors and complications, and they seek to address these factors in an environment that fosters trust.

Pregnant Women’s Treatment Centers

When pregnant people experience addiction, they face unique physical and mental health needs. Addiction programs for pregnant people focus on these needs.

For example, some of these programs provide prenatal healthcare and housing support in addition to addiction services.

LGBTQ+ Treatment Centers

LGBTQ+ populations face disproportionate levels of addiction. Trauma, discrimination, and other difficult life experiences leave LGBTQ people at a greater risk for substance abuse.

Some addiction treatment centers offer culturally competent care that recognizes these risk factors, including LGBTQ-specific services such as focused support groups.

Pet-Friendly Treatment Centers

A few substance abuse treatment programs can accommodate pets, a policy that allows people to heal without spending time away from their beloved companion animals.

Pets can support addiction recovery by providing comfort and familiarity during addiction treatment.

Pet-friendly addiction programs generally require owners to take care of their pets’ needs, and pets are usually required to be well-behaved, comfortable around people, and house trained.

Adolescent Treatment Centers

Like other mental health conditions, addiction does not only affect adults. Adolescents may also experience addiction, which is why some programs provide services for teens.

These services focus on the unique mental health treatment needs of young people, and they address teen-specific triggers and stressors.

Holistic Treatment Centers

When a treatment facility describes itself as holistic, it may be using one of two definitions.

Some programs use the term “holistic” to describe alternative and non-pharmacological treatments, such as yoga and acupuncture.

These facilities may only offer alternative care, or they may combine these options with evidence-based services such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Others use this term to describe a whole-person approach to addiction care. These programs address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction.

When choosing a holistic treatment provider, it is important to confirm that the program offers the type of care that aligns with your needs.

Court-Ordered Addiction Treatment

When examining drug-related charges, many courts offer the option of addiction treatment rather than jail time as an alternative form of sentencing.

Some addiction programs specialize in court-ordered addiction treatment, addressing the needs of people whose drug use has resulted in legal trouble.

Types Of Addiction Therapy

Addiction treatment programs may use several types of therapy, depending on their expertise and their clients’ needs.

Some common types of addiction therapy include:

• individual therapy: one-on-one sessions between a therapist and a single client
• group therapy: sessions between one therapist and a group of people
• support groups: groups that focus on peer-to-peer support, including 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• family therapy: group sessions that include the person with the addiction and their family members
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): a type of therapy that helps participants recognize and correct distorted thought patterns
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): a form of therapy that helps people process strong emotions by using specific skills
• motivational interviewing (MI): therapy that helps the client address mixed emotions and determine their own motivation for healing
• contingency management: a rewards-based therapy that provides tokens, vouchers, or cash in exchange for continued sobriety
• dual diagnosis treatment: therapeutic approaches for people who deal with substance abuse alongside other mental health issues

Considerations For Choosing An Addiction Treatment Program

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed while discovering the different types of addiction treatment that are available.

However, some specific considerations can help you choose the right program.

Type Of Addiction

First, consider the type of addiction you experience, as this can influence the type of care that will work best for your needs.

For example, people with opioid addictions often require medications such as methadone or buprenorphine during their recovery.

People with an addiction to benzodiazepines require a gradual tapering process under medical supervision.

People with cocaine addictions often find success with contingency management programs.

Finances And Health Insurance

Next, consider your financial needs. For example, do you use private health insurance? Will you need a treatment program that accepts Medicaid?

If you do not have health insurance at all, you may also find a free or reduced-cost addiction treatment center.

Disability, Lifestyle, And Other Needs

Your specific beliefs, lifestyle, and accommodation needs can also influence which types of addiction treatment will work best for you.

For instance, if you are an autistic person dealing with addiction, you might consider a program that offers sensory accommodations.

If spirituality is important to you, then you might find the most success at a religious-based addiction program.

Find Treatment Services Today

Addiction is a difficult condition, but there are several types of addiction treatment available.

If you or a loved one needs substance abuse care, contact Detox Rehabs today to learn more about your options.