The world of addiction treatment can be confusing to outsiders or first timers. It’s not always as simple as just checking in and getting helped. Informed by how serious someone’s addiction is, there are different levels of care.
These provide people with very different levels of monitoring and rehabilitation. At the higher levels of care, it is common for rehabs to prescribe medication to help with withdrawal symptoms. Often, someone who is in rehab goes from the most severe level, and slowly moves down to less intensive levels of care.
Levels include early intervention, outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential and detox inpatient. Someone who has just stopped using drugs or alcohol following a serious addiction should first go to detox inpatient, as it is important that the patient be weaned off drugs and alcohol in a safe environment.
- Early Intervention
Early intervention is the least intense level of care. Services at this level are typically provided in an outpatient setting, meaning patients do not stay overnight. They may visit a therapist or counselor a few times per week to work on maintaining sobriety.
Early intervention is for people who are starting to struggle with addiction, or who may be at risk of developing an addiction. Services at this level aim to prevent addiction from getting worse.
- Outpatient
Outpatient services are similar to early intervention services, but may be more intense. Patients in outpatient care typically visit a therapist or counselor several times per week. They may also participate in group therapy sessions.
Outpatient care is for people who are struggling with addiction, but who are not yet ready for intensive treatment. It can provide a way to transition from more intense levels of care, such as inpatient drug rehabilitation center in Boston, to less intense levels, such as early intervention services.
- Intensive Outpatient
Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization is a more intense level of care than outpatient services. Patients in this level of care typically receive treatment several times per week, for several hours at a time. They may also stay overnight at the facility for a period of time.
Intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization is for people who need more intensive treatment than what is provided in an outpatient setting.
When a patient is in intensive outpatient care, they typically live at home and go to the facility for treatment. This can be a good option for people who need more intensive treatment than what is provided in an outpatient setting, but who do not need to stay in a residential facility.
- Residential
Residential care is the most intense level of care. Patients in this level of care live at the facility and receive treatment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Residential care is for people who need the most intensive level of treatment. This is typically for people who have been through other levels of care, such as outpatient or intensive outpatient care, and have not been successful in maintaining sobriety.
When a patient is in residential care, they live at the facility and receive treatment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This can be a good option for people who need the most intensive level of treatment.
- Detox Inpatient
Detox inpatient is the most intense level of care. Patients in this level of care are typically monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They may also receive medication to help with withdrawal symptoms.
Detox inpatient is for people who need the most intense level of care. This level of care is usually for people who are newly sober, who need to detox their body and mind of drugs and alcohol before they go on to the lower levels.
Detox is not needed for everyone who goes to rehab. A patient might sometimes feel like they are able to start treatment center sessions straight away. However, if a patient is suffering from withdrawal, it is vital that they first go to detox.
When a patient is in detox inpatient care, they typically live at the facility and receive treatment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Usually, people who are in detox will not go to sessions to help them deal with their substance abuse problems, as they need to first detox. This can be a good option for people who need the most intense level of treatment.
- Signs That Someone Needs Treatment for Substance Abuse
There are a few signs that may indicate that someone needs to go to treatment for substance abuse. These include:
- Someone Is Struggling to Get Sober
If someone is struggling to get sober, it may be time to seek treatment. This is especially true if they have tried to quit on their own multiple times and have not been successful.
- Someone Is Using Substances More Often Than They Used To
If someone is using substances more often than they used to, it may be a sign that they are struggling to control their use. This can be a sign that they need to seek treatment.
- Someone Cannot Meet Their Obligations
If someone cannot meet their obligations, such as work or school, it may be a sign that their addiction is getting in the way. If this situation occurs, it might be time to check out options for treatment.
- Someone Is Engaging in Risky Behaviors
If someone is engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it may be a sign that they need to go to treatment. This is because these behaviors can put themselves and sometimes others at risk.
- The Takeaway
It is important to understand the different levels of care for substance abuse, as this can help you determine what level of care is right for you or your loved one. Early intervention services are the least intense level of care, while detox inpatient is the most intense. Residential care is typically for people who need the most intensive level of treatment. If you are struggling with addiction, it is important to speak with a qualified addiction professional to determine what level of care is right for you.
