Overcoming a drug addiction or an alcohol addiction is never an easy feat, especially if you have developed a dependence on a substance with years or decades of abuse.

Levels of Addiction Treatment

Seeking addiction treatment requires the desire to change while having a clear understanding of your mental and physical needs. When you understand the various levels of treatment available for substance abuse, and how to determine the right path for you, move forward with a plan of action while rebuilding your life and regaining control over your future.

This guide will help clarify what the various levels of addiction treatment are, and how to determine what type of treatment is right for you.

 

Level 0.5: Early Intervention Services

An individual who has a mild, yet growing addiction to drugs and alcohol often requires early intervention services. Interventions are useful if you are unaware of the issues stemming from your addiction or if you are not entirely dependent on drugs and alcohol yet use them more often than not. Intervention services are provided by local rehabilitation programs and can also be planned by family members and loved ones who genuinely want the best for you.

While an intervention is not always well-received, it is typically one of the first steps to take when reaching out to loved ones to help them change their life around for the better.

 

Level 1: Outpatient Services

Outpatient services range from traditional AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) group meetings to NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings and group sessions. Discussing your addiction openly and without feeling shamed, guilted, or judged is a great way to come to terms with your current path in life. When you are surrounded by other individuals who have faced similar struggles it is much easier to open up and remain honest in a safe and secure setting.

Outpatient programs typically last anywhere from 30, 60, or even 90 days and can be joined voluntarily or court-ordered depending on the case of the individual in need.

 

Level 2: Intensive Outpatient/PHP (Partial Hospitalization Programs)

Intensive outpatient and PHP (Partial Hospitalization Programs) are useful for those who are interested in remaining at home for work or overnight but want to get additional help and assistance with their addiction.

Partial Hospitalization Programs are ideal if you are struggling to steer clear from your drug or alcohol addiction but you are still willing to maintain your job and life at home. With a PHP, most individuals remain within the hospital or treatment location for six to eight hours a day (varying with each treatment center) while being permitted to return home for the night. If you currently work, discuss your options regarding outpatient PHP programs that are most suitable for you to maintain your home or current expenses.

Additionally, PHP programs provide access to group counseling meetings and sessions with others who are also enrolled in intensive outpatient care programs.

 

Level 3: Residential/Inpatient Services

Residential and inpatient treatment services are highly advisable for anyone who is struggling to overcome an addiction on their own or even with the assistance of local outpatient services. Enrolling in an inpatient rehabilitation treatment program requires anywhere from 30, 60, or 90 days to complete, depending on your first evaluation and individual needs. Inpatient services require those enrolled to remain on the premises throughout the entirety of the duration of their program. When you are enrolled in an inpatient service, you are often provided with your own room or a shared space with others who are also working to complete the program.

Inpatient services provide an array of resources that are typically not available with outpatient programs.

Some of the most common types of resources and support provided with an inpatient rehab facility or center include:

  • Trained medical staff (familiar with addictions of all kinds)
  • Individual therapy sessions: Spend time with a therapist you trust while working through the trials and tribulations you have faced while addicted to drugs or alcohol. Share your thoughts and struggles openly while returning to a safe zero-tolerance environment.
  • Zero-Tolerance Environment: Inpatient rehab treatment facilities have a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs, alcohol, and even tobacco in many cases. When you are on the premises of an inpatient rehab center, eliminate the temptation to use or find your substance of choice. Avoiding temptation is extremely beneficial in the early days, weeks, and months of recovery.
  • Group counseling sessions and meetings: Connect with others in your inpatient rehab program to develop friendships and to gain moral support while working towards your sobriety.
  • Hobbies and activities: Learn how to find joy in hobbies and social activities you once loved or participated in again when you are enrolled in an inpatient rehab program.
  • Nutritional support and guidance: Focus on providing your body with the right nutrients it needs to rebuild your strength as you bring your body back to health.

 

Level 4: Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Services

Individuals who have extreme and severe addictions to substances are often required to undergo a medically-managed intensive inpatient care program. Unfortunately, substances such as alcohol, prescription medications, and other opiates can cause adverse reactions in the body once an individual stops using them without first weaning themselves off. Going “cold turkey” is not always as simple as it sounds, especially for those who have been addicted to using drugs or alcohol in large quantities for years or even decades.

Medically managed and monitored inpatient services ensure the safety and health of individuals who are experiencing withdrawal or who require a medically-monitored detox before being permitted into a traditional rehabilitation program. A medically managed intensive inpatient program provides you with a full staff of medical doctors, therapists, and addiction specialists to monitor your progress as you detox at a safe and healthy rate.

Once you have a clear understanding of the levels of treatment available for substance abuse it is important to determine the best option for you.

 

Visit a Medical Doctor

Make an appointment with a medical doctor whether you choose your family care provider or a specialist who understands all facets of addiction. Share your addiction habits openly and honestly with your doctor to gain valuable insight regarding treatment plans and options that are optimal for you individually.

 

Receive an Evaluation From a Mental Health Professional

Visit a mental health professional to begin regularly scheduled therapy sessions. Talking with a mental health professional who has expertise in drug addiction and overcoming substance abuse is essential to determine the ideal treatment plan for you. A mental health professional also provides you with a safe space to speak openly about the challenges and obstacles you face each day while abstaining from the use of substances.

 

Explore Available Treatment Options

Review all of the issues you are currently facing along with the struggles that are most difficult for you to overcome. Research local inpatient, outpatient, and PHP programs to determine the location that is most suitable and fitting for your needs. Ask your medical doctor or therapist for advice along with referrals to locations which are affordable to you or covered by your current insurance plan. Visit locations that have openings (including both inpatient rehab treatment facilities and intensive outpatient centers near you). Inquire about restrictions, freedoms, hobbies, and various types of treatment offered at each location you are interested in to determine the best solution for your needs.

 

Create a Treatment Plan

Once you are have made a decision for your future it is time to create a treatment plan. You do not have to go through addiction recovery alone. With the help of your medical doctor, mental health professional, and trusted family members or loved ones, begin creating your plan of treatment. Ask for honest input from those you love and trust while you work to overcome your addiction.

Create a plan of action that is right for you while ensuring you have the mental and emotional support necessary to move forward with registration and attendance. When you have family members and friends who support you throughout your journey to sobriety it becomes much easier to face your addiction head-on while working towards your recovery.

While overcoming a drug addiction or an alcohol addiction is not simple, it is possible with the proper guidance and with the use of available resources. Addiction treatment is not always black and white and often requires personalization for each individual who is struggling to overcome their habits. However, with the right addiction recovery solution, take control of your life and begin living as you truly desire without the need for drugs and alcohol.