The science of drug abuse treatment has improved significantly over the course of time. Just twenty years ago, unless an individual has very deep pockets, he could not find the personalized care found in most drug abuse treatment centers of today. Scientific research has lead to a greater understanding of causes and effects of addiction.
Specialized programs have been developed to address specific addictions and co-occurring mental illnesses often associated with substance abuse and dependence. Knowing the effects that substances have on the functioning of the brain has changed how drug abuse treatment centers approach and design therapies and recovery programs.
Eight Levels of Drug Abuse Treatment
There are eight popular levels of drug abuse treatment options available to most individuals today, depending on his specific addiction and level of dependency.
- Hospitalization
- Partial hospitalization or day treatment
- Inpatient
- Outpatient
- An intensive outpatient (IOP)
- Sober living or halfway housing
- Aftercare
- 12-step meetings or group therapy (weekly)
Individuals that are hospitalized for drug abuse treatment are in the most serious trouble. Individuals, more often than not, enter the hospital in a crisis situation related to health issues due to drug use. Common drug related crisis hospitalization can include overdose, seizures, hallucinations and heart failure. Patients are usually put into locked-down floors when hospitalized. Drug abuse treatment begins once the patient is stabilized. Hospital stays range from three days to a week or more.
Drug Abuse Treatment Hospitalization
Hospitalization is necessary for individuals who cannot function in the outside world, and need serious health and mental care. Partial hospitalization for drug abuse treatment is an option for those who need to remain at home. Patients enter treatment in the morning, spend the majority of the day working their recovery program, and return home in the evening. Many drug rehab programs can be fit around those who need to work during the day. Drug abuse treatment can be split between hospital and home throughout the week. This level of drug abuse treatment is more strictly structured than inpatient treatment.
Inpatient drug abuse treatment occurs in a more relaxed setting. Patients are afforded more privileges than those in a hospitalized setting. Inpatient drug abuse programs address all aspects of the individual’s addiction and possible co-occurring mental illness. Programs are designed to suit the individual needs of the patient, and family support is highly encouraged. Inpatient drug abuse treatment can take many forms, but the most common is the 28-day program, which transitions to an outpatient or sober living aftercare program.
Outpatient drug abuse treatment is a level of care for those who need to remain active in their daily lives. Outpatient treatment may consist of weekly individual and group therapies, 12-step meetings, and family counseling. The patient has full control over his course of care and recovery programs (unless otherwise ordered by the court). Outpatient drug abuse treatment is successful for many who have a very strong desire to quit using drugs, and have a solid support system in place.
IOP is often a court-mandated drug abuse treatment option. Patients must attend individual and group sessions a set number of hours per week for a certain amount of time (12 weeks minimum). Drug and alcohol education is given to patients on the mental and physical consequences of abusing drugs. Random urine screens are often a necessary part of the IOP program.
Sober living and halfway houses serve the same purpose, to allow the individual a chance to acclimate slowly into his newly found sober life. It is structured and guided living, giving individuals the transition period they need to function in society, sober and confident. Residents in sober living can remain for up to ninety days in most programs. Some offer up to a two-year stay.
Aftercare and 12-step meetings are crucial to long-term drug abuse treatment success. Patients are encouraged to keep working at their recovery by attending daily or weekly meetings, and have individual counseling set up to provide the much needed support he will need to remain sober. Drug abuse treatment centers provide extended support for those who need it, well after leaving a recovery program.
