Substance Abuse Treatment
Learn about the variety of substance abuse treatment options available. (844) 762-3796“Substance abuse treatment needs to be very individualized. Not every therapy or medication works for every single person. It’s important to find what works for you. Helping each patient figure out what options will help them be the most successful in their treatment is our priority.”
– Jessica Bonaventura, Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Addiction treatment programs vary on someone’s needs and the severity of their addiction. Some people may choose outpatient treatment, while others need more intensive care, such as inpatient rehab. Having a team of addiction professionals who can work with an individual and their loved ones to determine which addiction treatment program is best for them is key for long-term recovery.
- Women ages 18 or older have used illicit drugs in the past month 15.4%
- Co-occurring eating disorders in rehab 40%
- Women-specific treatments have higher retention rates 60.2%
- Mood and anxiety disorders co-occurring with addiction 29.7%
Types of Addiction Treatment Programs
When it comes to addiction, there are multiple ways you can structure treatment. Some women pass through various phases of treatment, whereas others may only require one or two different levels of care.
Medical Detox
Often the first step for someone who wants to start treatment for substances like heroin, alcohol, or benzos.
A medical detox program is supervised by trained health professionals who monitor withdrawal symptoms to ensure patients remain safe during the withdrawal timeline.
On occasions, medications may help ease the discomforts of withdrawal. However, medication is only used when clinically cleared by a medical professional.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
A medication-assisted program can be part of a detox or extend throughout an addiction treatment program.
Medications are used to treat addictions to opioids, prescription medications, and alcohol. Research suggests it can help people remain in treatment.
Usually, methadone, buprenorphine, and other medications like acamprosate may be used to treat alcohol and opioid abuse and other addictions with intense withdrawal.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient rehab, sometimes known as residential rehab, is provided in a clinic specializing in inpatient treatment.
Residential treatment involved ongoing assessments of the addiction and monitoring of progress. Residential rehab centers offer a home-like environment where patients reside.
These programs can last for a few weeks or several months, depending on the patient’s needs and goals. Many continue to other levels of care once discharged from intensive rehab.
Intensive Outpatient Program
An intensive outpatient program (IOP) involved group and individual group counseling.
These are alternatives to inpatient programs. Patients may live off-site at home or in sober living housing. Online counseling is also common.
Intensive outpatient programs are recommended to anyone transitioning out of an inpatient setting. IOPs involve at least nine hours of therapies, meetings, and services per week, but some may need more time.
Outpatient Program
Outpatient rehab is a step down from intensive treatment and usually involves less than nine hours weekly.
Like intensive programs, outpatient rehab involves individual and group therapy, access to medications, and medical services.
However, in outpatient rehab, patients can schedule therapy sessions at times that fit their schedules. Usually, they’re working in the community and live at home throughout treatment, offering patients more flexibility.
Dual Diagnosis Program
A dual diagnosis program helps people who have both an addiction and a mental health condition.
This form of treatment offers comprehensive treatment services that address addiction and mental health conditions simultaneously.
People in dual diagnosis programs receive therapy, medications, and supportive services to promote progress in treatment and prepare them for life after leaving the rehab facility.
Short-term vs. Long-term Addiction Treatment
30 Days. Short-term treatment
On average, short-term treatment programs last around 30 days. But, treatment of this length is not always effective. According to NIDA, short-term residential programs are intensive, and people must transition into an outpatient program after completing one to continue their treatment.
3+ Months. Long-term treatment
Usually, long-term treatment programs last between three and 12 months. Long-term residential programs occur in a home-like environment, offering patients access to medical and supportive care 24 hours a day. Most long-term addiction treatment programs follow the therapeutic community approach, in which patients stay in treatment for six to 12 months.
Generally, long-term treatment kicks off with detox, then patients transition into an intensive rehab program. With time, patients are given more flexibility and may move to an intensive outpatient program.
Addiction Treatment Process
Addiction treatment is a process that occurs in phases and sometimes can feel overwhelming. In most cases, the process begins with an intake appointment and it goes from there.
- Intake 25%
This involves an addiction specialist gathering information to help someone enter a program. This process usually happens over the phone. Here, specialists discuss health history and family background and may ask some questions about your overall health. Other basic information like date of birth, insurance information, employment history, and previous addiction recovery treatment information may be gathered during the intake process.
- Screening & Assessment 50%
During the assessment and screening process, an addiction professional will use a Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) tool to determine the extent of your addiction. These tools require a short interview and provide the treatment team with enough information about a person’s substance abuse to start devising a treatment plan. Using these tools, the team can determine if further evaluations are necessary.
- Evaluation 75%
Next, they complete a comprehensive substance abuse evaluation. This is a more comprehensive evaluation conducted by a clinician to gather more information about someone’s substance abuse history, including when it started, what substances they have used, how frequently, and in what quantities. They will ask about symptoms, whether or not someone has experienced withdrawal, physical consequences of addiction, legal difficulties, struggles at work or home, and so on. The clinical might use the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) to gather information about their substance use and its consequences.
- Developing The Treatment Plan 100%
The treatment team will work with patients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Addiction treatment plans address areas of needs that go beyond abstaining from drugs or alcohol. A treatment plan will include services to help patients develop life skills that can help them find employment, teaches them coping mechanisms to stay sober after leaving treatment, and offers aftercare plans so people can enjoy a healthy recovery. A treatment plan also explains short-term objectives and long-term goals to measure someone’s progress.
Does Your Insurance Cover Rehab?
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Addiction Treatment FAQs
Entering addiction treatment can be intimidating, especially if you have never been in rehab before. Answers to frequently asked questions about treatment can ease some of your concerns. It can also give you information, so you can feel confident and ready to start treatment.
How much does rehab cost?
The cost of rehab varies depending on how long someone stays in treatment, what types of treatment they complete, and the types of therapy services needed. For example, a residential treatment program with access to 25-hour care will cost more than an outpatient program that only involves seeing a counselor twice a week for an hour or so.
Does insurance cover rehab?
Yes. Most rehab facilities and outpatient programs have insurance coverage for treatment. Of course, out-of-pocket expenses will vary based on your insurance policy coverage, how long you stay in treatment, and what type of treatment you complete. Different insurance plans will vary the degree they cover addiction treatment costs. However, you can always verify your insurance benefits before entering treatment.
How long does rehab last?
The length of rehab varies by person, as some people may progress through treatment more quickly than others. However, research agrees that inpatient or outpatient treatment programs lasting less than 90 days tend not to be as effective as longer programs.
How to Find a Drug or Alcohol Treatment Center
If you are ready to enter treatment, the SAMHSA offers a substance abuse treatment locator. With this simple tool, you can enter your zip code and find drug addiction treatment services near you. Our sister site, Lighthouse Recovery Institute, offers local rehab resources and has a full-service treatment center in Florida serving patients from all over the country.
If you or a loved one is seeking addiction treatment, we recommend finding a rehab center that builds a plan that meets your unique needs. Reach out to a caring admissions department to start your journey to recovery today.