Different Types of Addiction Treatment Programs Explained

Addiction recovery is a different journey for each individual. Every person has different experiences and different needs during the path to recovery. Because of this, there’s no one-size-fits-all addiction treatment. There are many types of addiction treatment programs, and it’s essential to find the best fit for you. Each treatment program offers different levels of support and fits different types of lifestyles. Here are a few different types of treatment programs.

Inpatient Care

Inpatient care provides support to individuals during the earliest stages of addiction recovery. Patients receive 24/7 medical care during the most severe withdrawal symptoms to help ease the discomfort of symptoms and avoid relapsing at this early stage. Inpatient care can last a few days or a few months.

Inpatient care is a clinical environment, like a hospital. Some patients arrive at inpatient care with severe health issues, and the goal is to help patients achieve medical stabilization rather than build habits that will support them in recovery. If patients check into inpatient care while experiencing the dangerous effects of substance abuse, the healthcare staff will help them get their physical health back. After patients are medically stable, they may move to a different treatment program that helps build long-term strategies for staying sober.

Residential Treatment

The difference between inpatient care and residential treatment is that residential treatment is typically longer-term, less clinical, and intended to create a home for the patient while they are there. The length of stay at residential treatment centers is usually open-ended. It can be as long as six months or more, and the time frame can be extended as needed.

Residential treatment programs also provide a wider variety of services, such as group therapy, individual therapy, nutritional guidance, and other supports that help patients move toward long-term recovery. The support systems provided in residential treatment aim to help patients avoid any future relapses.

Residential treatment is a good option for individuals with severe addictions who need 24/7 support while working toward recovery. They may need distance from unhealthy environments or relationships that contribute to their substance abuse.

While working toward recovery, patients may also need support in managing a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression. Residential treatment programs treat these mental illnesses, so patients won’t feel tempted to turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

Partial Hospitalization

Partial hospitalization is the most intensive addiction treatment option that does not require patients to stay overnight. Patients receiving treatment through partial hospitalization will spend 4-6 hours per day in the program, 5-7 days per week. Each day, they return to their homes after treatment.

Similar to residential treatment, partial hospitalization provides counseling, group therapy, medical support, and mental health treatment. These services help patients move through the stages of recovery with the proper support.

Partial hospitalization allows patients to continue to work part-time and keep up with any caretaking or family responsibilities. This option is a good fit for people with access to safe living situations that don’t put them at high risk of relapsing. Often, partial hospitalization can be a good treatment option for adolescents because it allows them to avoid separation from family.

Some people transition to partial hospitalization after receiving inpatient care or residential treatment. While some people with severe addictions need 24/7 support during the initial stages of recovery and withdrawal, many find they can continue in recovery with the level of support provided by partial hospitalization.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

There are many similarities between intensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization. Both treatment options provide support while allowing patients to return home each night. The main distinction between the two options is intensive outpatient treatment is typically only around 9-12 hours per week, while partial hospitalization can be anywhere from 20 to 40 hours per week.

The low time commitment allows patients in intensive outpatient treatment to more easily continue with full-time jobs and caretaking responsibilities. Adolescents in intensive outpatient treatment programs can continue with school, as well.

Outpatient treatment is not usually recommended for individuals who have had relapses in the past. If a patient has a severe addiction but is unable to attend a rehab center, partial hospitalization is a better option. Intensive outpatient treatment is most successful when the individual receiving treatment has a strong support system at home or at work. Similar to partial hospitalization, this treatment option can be used as a transition out of 24/7 care.

Sober Living Environments

Sober living environments are a place for individuals to live where they won’t be exposed to drugs and alcohol. While sober living environments do not include treatment, they are an excellent option for people in recovery looking for a living situation that will support them in their sobriety. Many people living in sober living environments also attend meetings for 12-step programs, so they can receive ongoing support.

Some people find it difficult to transfer the skills and coping strategies they developed in an addiction treatment program into the rest of their lives. Sober living environments can provide the perfect level of support for these individuals while they reintegrate into society. While living in sober living environments, people build new routines, form positive relationships, and find employment.

Some people choose to live in sober living environments even if they have not recently exited a treatment program. These people may have been in recovery for any length of time, but simply desire more support to maintain their sobriety. Often, people who are exposed to large amounts of drugs and alcohol in their homes may choose to move to a sober living environment.

Find the Right Treatment Program For Your Needs

While starting the recovery process can seem daunting, with the right support, you’ll feel empowered to break your addiction and build a healthy lifestyle. Jackson House Recovery Centers can help you in your journey to sobriety with a number of different treatment options. The Jackson House team can help you determine the amount of support you need and which treatment program is right for you. Reach out to discuss your needs and begin building a better life.