Substance abuse is an issue affecting millions of Americans—and sadly, many of them face it alone. While there are a multitude of
treatment programs for addiction
, it can be challenging to determine which is suitable for you or your struggling loved one.
Evidence shows that addicts who receive help through support groups or addiction treatment programs are more likely to overcome their addiction than those who attempt to achieve sobriety alone.
Treatment programs come in different forms depending on the nature and severity of the patient’s addiction. Addiction specialists and other healthcare providers can work with the patient to determine which program is best for them.
Here, we’ll outline some of the basic types of addiction recovery programs and describe how treatment centers typically work.
Types of Treatment Programs for Addicts
Medical Detox
This form of treatment is the highest level of care for those suffering from severe addiction (typically alcohol, heroin, or benzodiazepine). The patient is supervised by healthcare professionals in a hospital or
inpatient detox facility
and monitored round-the-clock to heal them as they undergo withdrawal safely.
Inpatient Treatment Centers
For patients whose withdrawal symptoms have stabilized, a hospital or clinic providing inpatient rehab may be their next step once they have been medically cleared. Again, they are supervised closely and typically have 24-hour access to nurses and other healthcare providers. Counseling and medication are often provided as part of this treatment process.
Residential Rehab
Residential treatment is a similar but usually longer-lasting program, where patients enter a facility for a period of weeks or months. These facilities aim to provide a more comfortable environment than a hospital or inpatient center, and assist patients in developing healthy habits to help them succeed when returning to everyday life.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
PHP is a level of intensive care between hospitalization and outpatient treatment. For those stepping down from residential care who still require significant support, PHP provides structure in the form of return-to-work and leisure activities, as well as consultation with medical providers. These programs typically involve a minimum of five hours of treatment per day, five days per week.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
IOP is a treatment program designed to help patients continue their addiction recovery while creating sober lifestyle changes, allowing them to flourish in their recovery while applying their new skills in the real world.
Group behavioral therapy sessions
, individual counseling, and medication management assistance are provided to patients, usually while living in their own homes or a sober living facility.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT is the use of medication in order to assist a patient in their transition to abstinence. Often done in combination with behavioral therapy and counseling, many centers offer it as part of a “whole-patient” approach to substance abuse disorder treatment. Patients struggling with addiction to alcohol, opiates, and other drugs will receive medication to
minimize addiction cravings
and stabilize their brain chemistry. Common medications provided include naloxone, methadone, and buprenorphine; brand names include Suboxone, Zubsolv, and Bunavair.
Outpatient Programs
After completing IOP, patients may participate in an
outpatient program
. Designed to improve their quality of life in sobriety, OP fosters bonds between peers and their community through therapy and education. Patients live at home during outpatient treatment and book therapy appointments to fit their schedules. Clinical intervention may also be provided as needed.
Court-Ordered Treatment
Court-ordered treatment is given for those convicted of drug-related offenses, typically with consequences for lack of compliance. Often conducted in similar settings to voluntary treatment programs, they vary according to the nature of the legal sentence. Court-ordered treatment programs may involve group therapy sessions, outpatient rehab, community programs, or residential rehab.
Behavioral Therapy
For many addicts, therapy is essential to their recovery. Often included in other programs like outpatient treatment, therapy may be done in groups (like 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous), individual, or family sessions. As addiction is a complex disease involving many factors, cognitive behavioral therapy will attempt to identify and treat the underlying triggers or mental health issues contributing to substance abuse. Patients will work with a therapist to conceive personal goals and build healthy coping mechanisms to prevent relapse.
How Does the Addiction Treatment Process Work?
1. Consultation and Assessment
The intake process for treatment programs will involve a phone call or a number of phone calls, as well as a possible in-person visit. An admissions team will work to gather information about the patient, as well as explain the treatment options available. They will likely ask about the patient’s medical history and assess their level of trauma, mental health issues, and withdrawal symptoms.
The consultation will also involve
verifying the patient’s insurance
and benefits, working with the insurer to facilitate payment.
2. Clinical Assessment
After the preliminary intake, a medical doctor will determine the appropriate level of care for the patient by analysis of three major components: social, psychological, and biological. This assessment is performed via face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. In some programs, medication may be administered as needed in order to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
3. Development of Treatment Plan
After completion of the evaluation and intake, the therapist or treatment specialist will work with the patient to develop an individualized treatment plan. This plan will determine the desired outcomes (such as achieving sobriety and obtaining work) and identify the treatment resources needed to reach them. Planning of the discharge process and aftercare treatment may also occur as part of the treatment plan.
4. Substance Abuse Treatment Begins
Depending on the level of care chosen by the treatment plan, the patient will begin their inpatient or outpatient program. Studies have reported that minimizing the time between detox and admission into a residential rehab facility increases the chance of successful recovery, so it is crucial that this process begin as soon as possible.
Finding Treatment Programs for Addicts
ALANA Recovery Center
is the top-rated outpatient addiction treatment program provider in North Georgia. Offering affordable and professional care, we work in-network with most insurance providers to help those struggling with alcohol abuse, drug addiction, and co-occurring disorders.
If you or a loved one are suffering from
substance use disorder
, request a call with one of our experienced team members and begin a new life free from addiction.