What Are the Different Levels of Care for Substance Abuse?

Levels of Care

Includes programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, or Ala-Teen
Typically very useful for patients trying to achieve recovery, and for family members affected by substance abuse
Allows opportunity for contact with individuals with many years of recovery
Offers support and strategies for a successful recovery

Includes individual counseling with a therapist who has training/experience with substance abuse
May also include a Psychiatrist or Addictionologist to determine if medication would be helpful to achieve and maintain sobriety
Does not include the medical treatment of complicated withdrawal symptoms

Structured treatment that teaches about the concepts of addiction and recovery
Usually encourages participation with 12-step programs
Typically consists of 3-5 days per week and an average of 3-4 hours of treatment per day for a set number of sessions or period of time
Many programs are structured so individuals may continue to live and work in their community

Structured treatment sometimes recommended for those who have been unsuccessful in maintaining sobriety despite active treatment at a lower level of care
Typically consists of 5-7 days per week for 6-8 hours each day
May offer an arrangement for sober housing while attending the program

Provided on an outpatient basis for those that are highly motivated for recovery but need medical treatment for complicated withdrawal symptoms
Appropriate when the individual can be seen by medical professionals often enough to be safely monitored and detoxified

Recommended for individuals that require 24-hour intensive medical care to ensure their safety
Sometimes recommended when the individual is dependent on alcohol, sedatives, and some opiate-based drugs such as narcotic painkillers or heroin
Typically intended for people whose situations are medically-complicated (Because withdrawal symptoms are common when stopping the regular use of most substances, this type of treatment may not be recommended for most people)

May be recommended following inpatient detox after withdrawal symptoms have decreased, but medical or psychiatric symptoms that require 24-hour care and daily doctor visits are needed for continued stabilization
Treatment is typically short-term

Usually considered after multiple attempts at other levels of care have failed
Intended for people who do not need medical supervision
May last 28 days or more
Not appropriate for people who are unmotivated for change and recovery
This type of treatment has not been found to be any more effective in predicting long-term sobriety than any other level of care
Should include weekly family therapy