When someone is seeking addiction treatment, there are different options available. The primary types of addiction treatment include:
- Medical detox
- Inpatient rehab (also called residential rehab)
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Outpatient rehab
- 12-step programs and support groups
For many people, addiction treatment involves multiple steps.
For example, a person might begin with a medical detox and then start inpatient rehab. Following inpatient rehab, a person might begin outpatient rehab when they are ready. Learn more.
Medical Detox
If someone is addicted to a substance, they may also be dependent on it. Drug dependence means
if a person stops using that substance suddenly, they may experience symptoms of withdrawal.
During a medical detox, a person’s withdrawal symptoms can be treated and managed in a controlled, safe environment. Complications of detox and withdrawal can be reduced, and then a person can begin actual addiction treatment once all substances have fully left their system. Learn more.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehab is also called residential rehab. During inpatient rehab, patients check into a facility.
and stay there overnight. The length someone spends in inpatient rehab often begins at 30 days, but it can be longer or shorter.
During inpatient rehab, a person may participate in different forms of therapy and counseling. Patients in inpatient rehab may also do supplemental forms of therapy and different holistic health and wellness programs.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
A partial hospitalization program or PHP is one that has features of inpatient and outpatient rehab. During a partial hospitalization program, participants have scheduled treatment that takes place all day most days of the week during the treatment period.
The main difference between a PHP and inpatient rehab is the fact that when treatment ends each day, participants can return home. Some participants in a PHP may also return to sober living houses.
Outpatient Rehab and Addiction Treatment
Outpatient rehab is a type of addiction treatment that doesn’t require checking into a facility. There are various types of outpatient addiction treatment programs. Some can be very informal and may require a commitment of only an hour a week.
There are also intensive outpatient rehabs, requiring a more significant time commitment.
12-Step Programs and Support Groups
12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are programs people can participate in at any point in their sobriety and recovery journey. Some people may participate in 12-step programs and similar support groups without going to formal addiction treatment. Other people might participate in a support and recovery group when they complete another form of addiction treatment.
Regardless of the specific type of addiction treatment program a person participates in, this can be an invaluable way to stop using drugs or alcohol. Everyone’s treatment and recovery journey is unique, however, and no two people’s experiences are going to be exactly the same.