If you or someone you know is battling with addiction, it might seem impossible to know where to start.
The first thing to remember is that you’re not alone.
Millions of people around the world are addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and many other substances and activities. The United States is still in an ongoing opioid crisis.
Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to get help. We hope this article will help you understand your options and get you started on the path to recovery.
Types of Addiction Treatment Programs
One of the most important things to consider when getting ready to begin treatment is what type of program is right for you.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for addiction. The type of program with the highest chance of recovery is the one that fits your specific needs and motivations, more info can be found at ethancrossing.com.
Here are the most common types of addiction treatment programs:
Inpatient
Inpatient treatment is the most intensive type of addiction treatment. Patients undergo detox, therapy, eat, sleep, and live at the treatment center.
Inpatient programs typically last 30, 60, or 90 days. If longer treatment is needed, it can be arranged.
Who should go to inpatient treatment?
Inpatient treatment is ideal for people who:
- Have a severe substance use disorder (SUD)
- Need medical monitoring
- Have a co-occurring disorder
- Are able to make a full-time commitment
- Anyone who wants the best chance at recovery and reduced risk of relapse
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are sometimes called intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). They are the second most intensive type of addiction program.
In a PHP, patients are medically monitored and undergo a variety of evidence-based therapies. However, at the end of their day of treatment, they return back to their own house.
Who should go to a partial hospitalization program?
Partial hospitalization programs are ideal for people who:
- Need medical care and supervision
- Require more support than a typical outpatient program can offer
- Have stable housing and a reliable support system at home
- Need intensive care but cannot commit full-time due to responsibilities at home or work
- Have completed an inpatient program and need to continue treatment
Outpatient
Outpatient programs are less intensive than PHPs and inpatient programs. They are recommended for people with a mild or moderate substance use disorder (SUD).
Outpatient treatment provides counseling, education, and a support system based on the patient’s needs. They can be arranged to fit your schedule and are more flexible than other treatment programs.
Who should go to outpatient treatment?
Outpatient treatment programs are ideal for people who:
- Have a mild or moderate substance use disorder (SUD)
- Have a high level of motivation to recover
- A stable home and support system
- Work, school, or family obligations to maintain throughout treatment
- Have no other medical or mental health complications
Medically Supervised Detox
Medically supervised detox is the first step for anyone with a moderate or severe substance use disorder (SUD). It can take place at a hospital, inpatient treatment center, or on an outpatient basis with close medical monitoring.
In some cases, detoxification may require the use of medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and help prevent relapse.
Medically supervised detox is not addiction treatment. It is the first step in addiction treatment.
Who should go to medically supervised detox?
Medically supervised detox is recommended for people who:
- Have a moderate or severe substance use disorder (SUD)
- Have a co-occurring mental health conditions
- Want to begin addiction treatment
Addiction Treatment and Insurance
Addiction treatment can be expensive. Fortunately, many insurance plans cover rehabilitation costs. The amount depends on the insurance company, healthcare provider, and types of addiction treatment used.
In most cases, insurance will cover at least the medically necessary aspects of treatment, such as:
- Intake and screening
- Medically supervised detox
- Medication for detox or recovery
- Inpatient and outpatient treatments
- Individual or group counseling
Insurance will probably not cover:
- Certain holistic care
- Recreation programs
- Gourmet food
- Non-medical additions to treatment
However, these are just general guidelines. The best way to find out if your insurance covers addiction treatment is to speak with a representative from your insurance provider.
You can also call an addiction specialist at an addiction treatment center to get answers and learn more about your payment options.
Questions to Ask Before You Enroll
If you’re considering enrolling yourself or someone else in addiction treatment, you will speak with an intake specialist at some point.
To prepare for this phone call, here are some questions you can ask the specialist:
- Is the treatment facility licensed and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)?
- What credentials and experience does your staff have?
- What types of treatment programs do you offer?
- What therapies and treatment methods do you use?
- Do you treat co-occurring disorders?
- Is detox included in your programs?
- How long are your programs? Can I stay longer if I need to?
- Do your programs provide family support?
- How much does treatment cost? Do you accept my health insurance?
- How can you ensure my specific needs will be met?
- Do you have a nutritionist or dietician to help patients through recovery?
- Do you offer aftercare or set up an aftercare plan with your patients?
Addiction Resources
Additional resources to learn more about addiction treatment can be found at:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – Principles of Effective Treatment
- S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Substance Use Treatment for Veterans
