Substance Abuse Treatment Center 

Addiction is a complex psychiatric illness with the potential to affect multiple areas of an individual’s life. In 2017, an estimated 20.7 million Americans needed substance use disorders; however, only 2.5 million ended up receiving the required care. Overcoming substance use disorder is equally complex and requires individualized treatment programs and evidence-based modalities that address all symptoms, the underlying causes of the disease, and the consequences associated with it.

A substance abuse treatment center is the best place to seek comprehensive treatment and care against all drug and alcohol addictions. These rehabs have specially-trained professionals and a sequential track of treatment that ensures that all patient needs are identified and adequately met for overall recovery.

The Admission Process at Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

The substance abuse treatment process usually occurs in phases and requires help from a professional facility. To enter this facility and seek help, a patient may need to pass through the following steps:

Intake

The intake process at a center for substance abuse treatment involves an addiction professional collecting information from a patient before admitting them into a treatment program. These professionals may discuss the patient’s health history, addiction status, and family history of addiction, along with performing a medical examination. Other essential information, such as income, date of birth, and employment history, will also be collected as a part of the intake process.

Screening & Assessment

During the screening and assessment phase, a professional uses different tools, such as the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST), to determine the extent of a person’s problems with drug abuse. These tools efficiently provide the professional with information about the substance use by a patient. Based on the results of these assessments, the expert team can determine if any further evaluations are needed.

Evaluation

Once the screening and assessment are done, an expert will begin a substance abuse evaluation. This evaluative process is more comprehensive and focuses on the history of substance abuse. A professional may ask:

• When you first began using
• The type of substances you use
• The quantities of the substance you use and their frequency
• Symptoms of substance abuse
• Whether or not you experience withdrawals
• The physical consequences you are experiencing due to substance use

Many experts take help from several tools of evaluation, such as the Addiction Severity Index (ASI), to gather detailed information about substance use and its consequences on life.

Development of a Treatment Plan

Once an expert completes an evaluation, a clinician works with a patient to create a treatment plan. Most programs for addiction recovery address areas of need, such as obtaining employment, abstaining from drugs, etc., along with determining the resources and services required to address these areas. A good treatment plan also makes long-term goals and sets shorter-term objections.

Types of Substance Abuse Treatment 2023

A treatment facility for substance abuse provides multiple types of treatment programs. Some patients may pass through different phases of treatment, while others may only require one or two levels for optimal recovery.

Medical Detox

A medical detox program is usually the first step of recovery offered by a substance abuse treatment center. Patients learn to stop using their substances under expert supervision in this step. Multiple trained health professionals monitor their symptoms and ensure that patients remain safe while withdrawing from alcohol or drugs. As a part of detox, the staff team also provides medications to ease the discomfort associated with the withdrawal process. For instance, people detoxing from heroin may benefit from lofexidine to ease their painful symptoms.

Inpatient Treatment

An inpatient substance abuse treatment center provides specialized accommodations to all its clients who live until the end of their treatment. This allows them to constantly supervise and monitor their clients’ progress and tailor their treatment programs to increase their chances of recovery. People who participate in inpatient programs also receive counseling services, medications, and access to group therapy. Once a patient completes inpatient treatment, the staff team creates a discharge plan for them based on which the patient moves to a lesser-intensive level of care.

Residential Rehab

Residential rehab is quite similar to inpatient treatment but varies in duration. These programs are comparatively longer and tend to occur outside of a hospital setting in residential facilities to provide a home-like environment to patients. Those who undergo this type of treatment reside at the treatment site full-time and receive 24-hour care less intense than the one received during inpatient treatment. The stay at a residential rehab may last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on individual circumstances and progress.

Partial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program or PHP is an alternative treatment to inpatient or residential care which takes place in either freestanding clinics or hospitals and provides intensive services. People who participate in PHPs may receive treatment during days, evenings, or even on weekends and are free to return home at night. At the same time, they also have the option to live in sober living facilities if they do not have a supportive environment at home. Partial hospitalization programs best suit people who are not a danger to themselves but still need intensive treatment to overcome their substance abuse. As a part of these programs, they spend more time at a treatment center than those receiving traditional outpatient therapy but may continue to live in their homes.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment

Intensive outpatient treatment includes group treatment sessions along with individual counseling. People who engage in this level of care also receive medication management services and can live in sober or off-site arrangements. Many rehabs also provide online counseling programs at this level of care. Intensive outpatient treatment programs serve as an alternative to partial hospitalization or inpatient programs where patients can engage in highly-structured therapy more flexibly. These programs mandate patients engage in at least nine hours of therapy per week, but some may be more intensive.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient rehab is available for people who have just finished intensive outpatient treatment. As a part of this program, the patients receive less than nine hours of therapy per week. The entire treatment revolves around individual and group counseling along with access to medical services and medications. During outpatient treatment, patients schedule appointments that best fit their schedules so they can continue with their daily responsibilities without compromising on their recovery struggles. This high level of flexibility associated with outpatient treatment makes it feasible for most patients.

Dual Diagnosis

Dual-diagnosis treatment is available for individuals who suffer from substance abuse and mental health issues simultaneously. For example, someone with an opioid addiction and a diagnosed bipolar disorder can be a good candidate for receiving dual-diagnosis treatment. As a part of this treatment, people receive integrated services that manage both issues side by side through supportive services, counseling, and medications. The treatment plans consider addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions effective. A failure to pay attention to any of these issues may lead to relapses.

Court-Ordered Treatment

Court-ordered treatment is provided as a legal consequence for any offense or criminal activity related to substance use. Such treatments come with implications for patients in case of non-compliance. Studies indicate that court-ordered treatments are just as effective as voluntary addiction treatment and are available in many forms. The specific requirements of treatment can vary with each court sentence; for example, a treatment might be given to reduce the probation length or as an alternative to incarceration. Depending on the level of offense committed, the type of court-ordered treatment can include group counseling, educational programs, community-based programs, outpatient programs, and residential programs.

What to Look for in a Substance Abuse Treatment Center?

Searching for a supportive substance abuse treatment center that matches a person’s needs is a crucial step toward embarking on a recovery journey. In this respect, multiple factors must be considered to help decide which treatment facility to choose. Some of these most important questions include:

• Are the staff doctors, therapists, nurses, and counselors credentialed in substance abuse treatment or addiction medicine?
• How close to home will treatment take place?
• Do you require travel or arrangement of transportation to seek treatment?
• Are there any reviews about the treatment center available to the public?
• Can you continue to work or have access to your phone or computers during treatment?
• Can you request a private room?
• Are there special programs available for different groups? (For example, women, seniors, teens, LGBTQ+, etc.)
• Will the treatment center accommodate people with dual diagnoses?
• Will your health insurance cover payment for treatment at this facility?
• How can you supplement payment if insurance only pays for part of your treatment?
• Are there any medically assisted detox services available?
• Do you get access to any specialized treatment modalities, such as alternative and complementary medicine or holistic activities?

When it comes to choosing a good substance use treatment center, make sure you find one that provides its patients with a full continuum of care for quick, effective, and lasting recovery.

FAQs

What is the difference between short-term and long-term addiction treatment?

Short-term treatment typically continues for 30 days and is more intensive. Long-term treatment, however, continues for at least three to twelve months. Such programs take place in a home-like setting where patients have access to medical and psychological care 24 hours a day. Such programs begin with detoxification and gradually progress to other levels of care, each of which follows a structured schedule with rigid rules. As a patient continues to make progress, they get more flexibility.

What is the cost of treatment at a substance abuse treatment center?

The cost of a substance abuse treatment center can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the length, type, level, and location. Many of these centers are funded by the state and offer free treatments, while others are non-profit organizations providing treatment at minimal costs. The cost of treatment also varies according to the level of care one opts for. For instance, an inpatient substance abuse treatment center can be more expensive than outpatient therapy.

How long is the treatment likely to continue in a substance abuse rehab?

The duration of treatment required to achieve complete recovery and sobriety varies from one person to another. Some factors that determine this duration include the following:

• Length of the substance abuse problem
• Frequency or amount of use
• Type of substance used
• Number of previous attempts to seek treatment
• Whether an individual is abusing multiple substances at the same time
• The presence of any co-existing or dual diagnosis psychiatric conditions
• The presence of any co-existing medical conditions
• The need to undergo a medically-assisted detox process
• The need for family, employment, or legal assistance
• The need for pharmacotherapy during recovery