Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Options
When someone faces addiction, it’s important that they know they have choices for SUD treatment that fit their life and situation. There are different programs available, from full-time support to more flexible options. Once a thorough evaluation is completed, you can decide between the following options:
Medical Detox
Medical detox helps people safely get drugs or alcohol out of their system. During detox, doctors and nurses keep a close eye on the person, providing medication-assisted treatment for withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can sometimes cause challenging symptoms, especially for those who are dealing with opioid use disorder, so it’s very important to detox safely in a medical setting where medical care is readily available.
Inpatient Treatment Facility
Inpatient substance abuse treatment involves staying at a treatment center every day and night for 30 to 90 days (though some people remain in treatment longer). At an inpatient facility, people have helpful daily routines, like group therapy, one-on-one therapy, and recreational activities, to keep them busy and focused on treatment and recovery.
Inpatient care is best for people who have struggled for a long time or tried to quit before without success. Spending time in a supportive community helps them live productive lives and avoid relapse after treatment.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program provides effective treatment during the daytime hours. After the daily substance abuse treatment sessions, people return home each evening. This type of treatment works well for someone who doesn’t need constant medical monitoring but still requires strong support in early recovery. It involves individual counseling, support groups, and learning useful skills to help stay drug-free at home.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program gives people a helpful middle-ground option. At this level of treatment, participants attend several sessions per week, like group meetings, personal therapy, and educational groups about drug overdose, treatment, and recovery. This can be the right choice for someone who needs support around their work or family responsibilities. It still offers comprehensive care but lets people stay connected to their everyday routines.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient care means attending counseling and SUD treatment sessions regularly but less often than they would when involved in more intense programs. A person usually spends an hour or two weekly in meetings or therapy sessions and continues life responsibilities without significant interruptions.
It is best suited for someone more stable in recovery and with strong family or community support to help them stay sober. Support often includes attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings as well. Continuing with outpatient therapy is part of a long-term plan for maintaining recovery.
These different types of treatment for alcohol use disorder and drug addiction all include comprehensive therapeutic modalities, like individual therapy and group counseling sessions, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, motivational enhancement therapy, and other evidence-based approaches.
