Individuals struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) face many barriers in accessing professional support.
Obstacles from busy schedules, financial constraints, fear of stigma, denial of the problem, and geographic location can all make it difficult for millions of people to seek and receive sufficient care.
There’s a massive disparity between those who need treatment and those who get it.
According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, roughly 54 million Americans aged 12 and above need addiction treatment. Among these people, only 23% are receiving care, leaving the others to cope without support.
Day and night addiction treatment services help address this very issue, offering flexible and effective options to fit different lifestyles and needs.
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Levels of Care in Addiction Treatment
Addiction is experienced differently by everyone. For this reason, treatment must be tailored to the person’s unique situation to be effective.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) outlined five levels of care, each highlighting a different stage of recovery. This continuum consists of services ranging from early interventions to relapse prevention programs after completing rehab.
ASAM’s levels of care include:
- Prevention and early intervention services
- Outpatient treatment
- Intensive outpatient care
- Residential or inpatient rehab
- Medically managed intensive inpatient
Understanding these levels can be useful in deciding which treatment option is suitable for you or your loved one’s situation.
Different treatment centers offer different levels of care. Some also provide the full continuum of services designed to guide individuals to lasting recovery.
Recreate Life Counseling is a trusted provider of alcohol and drug addiction treatment and rehab services in Florida, delivering the full spectrum of care necessary to support individuals in maintaining lifelong sobriety.
A member of the RBHN, the center is certified by The Joint Commission (TJC), one of the most respected healthcare accrediting bodies in the country.
Day or Non-Residential Treatment For Addiction
For people living with a mild to moderate substance abuse disorder who may not require 24/7 supervision, day treatment provides structured support while allowing them to live at home.
Individuals stepping down from prior round-the-clock care may also benefit from outpatient treatment as ongoing support. This can help them transition smoothly back to their everyday lives.
Outpatient Detox Therapy
One of the major benefits of day treatment for addiction is its flexibility.
In chronic cases of SUD, managing withdrawal safely requires admission to a hospital under medical supervision. But detoxing at home may be a better alternative for individuals with a stable environment.
With family support, detox can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the substance use disorder.
Treatment involves stabilizing withdrawal symptoms, providing therapeutic support, and educating family members about the disorder. Healthcare providers may also prescribe medication for cravings.
Standard Outpatient
Standard outpatient refers to the first level of care provided for individuals struggling with some kind of drug problem. It’s considered the least intensive formal level of care.
Patients attend scheduled therapy sessions, typically for 1 to 2 hours a day or less than 9 hours a week. This way, they won’t have to give up their work, school, or family responsibilities.
A standard outpatient service usually involves:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Relapse prevention
The goal of a standard outpatient program is to help participants change unhealthy behaviors contributing to substance abuse. Medical services aren’t provided unless necessary.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
An intensive outpatient program is a step up from standard outpatient support. It’s designed for those who need a more structured treatment than traditional outpatient services, but not a full-time rehab.
IOP falls to the second level of care outlined by ASAM.
During an IOP, patients typically receive treatment multiple times a week. The usual arrangement is three to five sessions, lasting 3 or more hours. Both the provider and the patient decide on the schedule.
Some facilities allow you to choose whether to attend therapy during the day or night to accommodate professional and personal obligations.
Interventions are primarily focused on developing coping skills, preventing relapse, and establishing a support network. Group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and psychoeducation are standard in an IOP.
While no two programs are identical, most intensive outpatient treatment plans run for two to three months.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
Also known as day treatment, partial hospitalization is one of the most intensive forms of outpatient programs for addiction.
It’s exactly as it sounds: recovering patients check in to a hospital or a rehab center for therapy and counseling. Treatment is generally a “full day” session, taking anywhere from 6 to 8 hours of care or over 20 hours per week.
Designed for individuals with serious medical and mental health symptoms, PHP offers similar therapies to those in IOP, but more intense and focused.
In addition to counseling and talk therapy, many facilities administer medical, psychiatric, laboratory, toxicology, and emergency support as part of PHP care.
Partial hospitalization can also serve as a step-down, continuing intensive treatment for patients who have just completed residential rehab.
Residential Care For Alcohol and Drug Use Disorder
The third level of care involves structured treatment that requires recovering individuals to live “on-site,” often in a hospital or a rehab center. These residential programs vary in intensity and the support provided.
Medically Supervised Detoxification
Drug and alcohol withdrawal can come with severe, sometimes life-threatening, physical and psychological symptoms.
The body’s response to abstaining from a substance after prolonged and frequent use can be dangerous without appropriate medical assistance. This is especially true for chronic cases of SUD.
Unsupervised, withdrawing from your drug of choice alone can result in:
- Delirium tremens (DTs): Delirium tremens is a condition that happens in the most severe cases of withdrawal, characterized by confusion, tremors, hallucinations, disorientation, and aggression.
- Seizures: A common symptom in people withdrawing from alcohol, seizures can occur as quickly as 24 to 48 hours after the last substance intake.
- Severe dehydration: Withdrawal is usually accompanied by intense sweating and vomiting, which leads to dehydration. Health complications, such as electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition, can follow.
- Mental health decline: Depression, anxiety, and mood swings are common in those going through withdrawal and may sometimes need medication to manage.
Medical detox consists of evaluations and stabilization services delivered by licensed medical professionals. It occurs in a clinical inpatient setting, where the person is monitored day and night.
Supervised detoxification can be a crucial first step when entering rehab.
Residential SUD Treatment
A residential recovery plan can be a great option for people who have ongoing needs, but not so severe as to require 24/7 supervision.
Those with minimal withdrawal risks, sound mental health, and good physical condition who only need a stable and supportive environment can benefit from a residential treatment arrangement.
Rather than medical personnel, a qualified team of non-physician professionals handles these programs.
Stabilizing withdrawal symptoms and teaching recovery skills are key components of residential care. Services include behavioral therapies, family counseling, medication management, and motivational enhancement.
There are also population-specific residential SUD supports for people suffering from cognitive impairments in addition to substance abuse.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient care is when the recovering individual lives and sleeps on-site while receiving treatment and medical support. A team of licensed therapists, counselors, doctors, and nurses oversees their recovery 24/7.
This is a highly structured program ideal for adults diagnosed with addiction who are simultaneously suffering from mental, behavioral, or medical problems.
However, because you’ll stay in the facility, you may need to take time off from your studies, work, or family. Depending on your recovery progress, inpatient rehab can last for one to three months.
For professionals and parents who have ongoing obligations, stepping away can be especially challenging. But there are several benefits to staying in a facility.
Apart from ongoing support, being away means you can avoid daily triggers and focus on your recovery. Patients meet with therapeutic specialists regularly to address trauma, mental health, and behavior.
Interacting with people who share your struggle during rehab is also shown to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient
Much like inpatient rehab, a medically managed intensive inpatient program involves 24-hour medical and mental health care.
These services are intended for individuals who, alongside their addiction, struggle with complex medical and psychiatric disorders and can’t function normally outside a hospital environment.
Someone experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, like delirium tremens or psychosis, is an example.
A combination of behavioral therapies, psychoeducational services, clinical interventions, and family-based interventions is provided as part of treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many people diagnosed with substance use disorder also suffer from a co-occurring mental health illness. Studies indicate that roughly half of those who have SUD have a dual diagnosis.
Common mental health conditions among those living with addiction are anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major depressive disorder.
Dual diagnosis is addressed simultaneously in an integrated approach.
Treatment for substance abuse can include detoxification, behavioral therapy, and aftercare. Mental health problems are resolved with medication, counseling, lifestyle changes, and peer support.
Choosing a Facility For Your Needs
Choosing a facility that’s most suitable for your situation is crucial to lasting recovery. Here are some practical tips to consider:
Identify Your Rehab Needs
Take some time to research your condition to determine your rehab needs. Talk to a physician or counselor to understand your options and which treatment program can best meet your needs.
Some facilities specialize in a specific level or type of care. So, it’s important to know what they offer (therapies, amenities, etc.) before signing up.
Licenses and Accreditation
One way to ensure a facility is legitimate and safe is through its credentials.
There are different accrediting bodies for rehab centers in the US. Recognition from any of the following indicates that a facility meets safety and industry standards:
- State-Specific Licenses: Many states, including Florida, can acknowledge rehab centers by providing specific licenses.
- The Joint Commission (TJC): Formerly the JCAHO, The Joint Commission is the biggest accrediting organization for addiction treatment providers in the country.
- Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF): CARF is a globally recognized body overseeing standards and policies in the healthcare industry.
- Better Business Bureau: A BBB membership ascertains a business’s reliability and ethical practices.
Find Treatment That Works For You in Florida
Are you ready to enter treatment?
Recreate Life Counseling in Boynton Beach, Florida, offers comprehensive and accredited programs tailored to each patient’s recovery needs. This includes day and night addiction treatment services to match your lifestyle.
Talk to our experts and find the treatment that works for you today!
