Treatment Options

 

Whenever possible, going to the most appropriate level of care for your need will yield the best results. Many programs or hospitals offer screening over the phone, or in person, to help you determine what option may work best for you. The goal of assessment will be to place somebody in the least restrictive environment that keeps them safe and progressing in treatment.

The following list goes in order of intensity of care:

Community-based sober support groups

  • 12 Step based programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), etc.

  • Smart Recovery

  • Refuge Recovery

  • Local sober support groups offered through mental health agencies, advocacy agencies, and not-for-profits.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

  • Certain primary care providers, psychiatrists, and addictionolgists specialize in providing medication options that help reduce cravings, limit the side effects of withdrawal, or safely detox a person on an outpatient basis. Options should be discussed with your physician.

  • Opioid programs such as methadone clinics, or programs for Suboxone, Subutex, Naloxone, or Vivitrol may be available. Typically requires the person be attending a group or seeing a therapist to help develop a treatment plan.

Outpatient Therapy

Meeting one-on-one with a therapist or substance use counselor who specializes in helping people through the recovery process.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

These programs are offered anywhere from 9-15 hours per week and last anywhere from 3-6 weeks typically.

  • Individual case management and counseling while in the program.

  • Group therapy to learn skills, have a structured environment, and to receive support from professionals and peers.

  • Sometimes these programs also offer family support through educational groups or family therapy.

  • A physician may or may not be available to discuss medication options.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

These programs are offered more frequently at 5 days a week, typically 6 hours a day, and last for 1-2 weeks.This is a good step-down from a higher level of care, such as inpatient or residential.

  • Individual case management and counseling while in the program.

  • Group therapy to learn skills, have a structured environment, and to receive support from professionals and peers.

  • Sometimes these programs also offer family support through educational groups or family therapy.

  • A physician will see the person within 3 business days to assess for medication options

  • Typically, a person in PHP will step down to an IOP

Sober Living Homes

These are community-based homes that are operated with the purpose of providing a safe place to live with others who are trying to live a lifestyle in recovery. These homes offer structure, support, and frequently host onsite sober meetings. Many of these homes have specific expectations and rules that are designed to help the person succeed. Each home is unique in how it is operated and the level of support received, so it is important to ask questions to make sure it will be a good fit for you.

Residential Treatment

Residential care is when a person temporarily moves into a facility for approximately 30 days to receive 24/7 care in a fully structured environment. Some programs are as short as 2 weeks, while others are up to 6 months.

  • Individual case management and counseling while in the program.

  • Group therapy to learn skills and receive support from professionals and peers.

  • These programs also offer family support through educational groups or family therapy.

  • A physician will see the person to assess for medication options

  • 12 Step groups may be offered on campus or they may transport them, so they can begin the process of familiarizing themselves with community sober supports.

  • Some residential facilities also have a detox area

Detox

  • Specialized programs, typically inpatient, where a person stays until they are safely out of risk during the withdrawal process.

  • Increased monitoring of their vital signs

  • Oversight by a physician, and medication prescribed to help ease withdrawal are administered when possible.

Inpatient Hospital Care

Some individuals may need hospitalization in order to safely detox. If the person has a medical condition, that might put them at higher risk when going through detox, then they may need to detox under inpatient hospital care. If the person has had an adverse reaction while going through withdrawal in the past, they may need inpatient hospital care.