There are five primary levels of addiction treatment, each designed for a specific stage and severity of substance use disorder. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH, 2023), 48.7 million Americans aged 12+ had a substance use disorder — but only 24.1% received any treatment. Understanding which level you need is the first step toward recovery.
What Is Medical Detox and Who Needs It?
Medical detox is a 3–7 day supervised process that manages acute withdrawal symptoms with medications. It is medically necessary for alcohol, benzodiazepine, and opioid dependence — alcohol withdrawal carries a 5–15% mortality rate (delirium tremens) without medical supervision. Detox alone is not treatment; it is stabilization before a treatment program. Search for detox programs near you.
How Does Inpatient Rehab Work?
Inpatient (residential) treatment provides 24/7 structured care for 28, 60, or 90 days. Patients live at the facility and follow a daily schedule of individual therapy, group counseling, psychoeducation, and wellness activities. NIDA research shows programs lasting 90+ days produce 2–3x better outcomes than shorter stays. Cost ranges from $5,000–$80,000 for 30 days, though insurance covers the majority under the Mental Health Parity Act. Browse inpatient programs.
What Are Outpatient Programs (IOP and PHP)?
Outpatient programs let you live at home while attending therapy 3–5 times per week. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) typically involve 9–15 hours/week; Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) involve 20+ hours/week with more medical oversight. These cost $1,000–$10,000 and work well for mild-to-moderate addiction or as step-down after residential treatment. Find outpatient options.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. Three medications are approved for opioid addiction: buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol). For alcohol use disorder: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. Studies show MAT reduces opioid overdose deaths by 50% (SAMHSA, 2023). Search for MAT providers.
How to Evaluate a Treatment Center
Five factors separate effective programs from poor ones. Before committing, verify:
- Accreditation — CARF International or Joint Commission accreditation indicates the facility meets national quality standards. Non-accredited facilities may still be licensed, but accreditation is a stronger quality signal
- Evidence-based methods — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and contingency management have the strongest research backing. Ask specifically what modalities the program uses
- Staff credentials — Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed professional counselors (LPC), board-certified psychiatrists, and certified addiction counselors (CAC) should be on staff
- Insurance acceptance — Under the Mental Health Parity Act, most insurance plans must cover substance use treatment. Call to verify your specific plan's in-network coverage and out-of-pocket costs
- Aftercare planning — Programs with structured discharge planning, alumni support, and continued care coordination have 20–30% better long-term outcomes than those without (NIDA)
Browse treatment centers by state or use the search filters above to find programs that match your needs. For personalized help, call our free 24/7 helpline.