If you have an addiction, achieving sobriety isn’t something you may be able to do on your own. The most effective way to get that help is by enrolling in an accredited addiction treatment program.
Making the decision to seek treatment for drug or alcohol addiction takes courage – the courage to admit you have a problem and the courage to do the work it takes to get clean. But if you have an addiction, achieving sobriety isn’t something you can do on your own. You need help. And the most effective way to get that help is by enrolling in an accredited addiction treatment program.
With so many programs out there, the process of selecting the one that’s right for you can be a bit overwhelming. To help you understand the differences between them, here’s an overview of the most popular types of addiction treatment programs.
1. Inpatient addiction treatment
Inpatient facilities offer the most intensive level of rehab. Also known as residential treatment, inpatient programs provide a highly structured environment for patients who need to focus on their recovery without external distractions or temptations.
The goal of inpatient treatment is to help participants achieve stability, both physically and emotionally, and features around-the-clock monitoring, medical care, and therapeutic support. For people with severe drug and alcohol addiction symptoms, that may also involve medically supervised detox. As withdrawal symptoms wane, the focus of inpatient treatment shifts to relapse prevention, building the coping strategies necessary to return to daily living without relying on drugs or alcohol.
2. Outpatient addiction treatment
People who don’t require the intense supervision of an inpatient facility may prefer a less restrictive outpatient program. Outpatient programs allow patients to undergo addiction treatment while living at home with their families or working at their jobs. They consist of fewer in-person hours at a treatment facility, while still providing a structure to help participants achieve long-term sobriety.
Because participants retain a great amount of independence, outpatient treatment is recommended for people who are not at risk of immediate relapse. There are also varying levels of outpatient treatment, including:
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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOPs are ideal for people who cannot commit to a residential treatment program but need more structure than a traditional outpatient program can provide. Patients participate in an intense, part-time treatment schedule, including many hours of group therapy, individual therapy, education, and counseling.
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Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
If you’ve been struggling with addiction for a long time, you may likely have severe physical symptoms that require psychiatric care. A PHP can help you manage your symptoms in a medically supervised environment, while still allowing you to live at home. Services often include medication management, therapy sessions, and coordination of care with other health providers.
3. Dual diagnosis treatment
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 40% of Americans who struggle with an addictive disorder are also dealing with a mental illness. When both conditions occur simultaneously, it’s known as a dual diagnosis. Treatment programs for dual diagnosis can be inpatient or outpatient, but they are highly specialized, and almost always involve intense psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment, and support groups.
Because drug or alcohol abuse can often mask the symptoms of an underlying mental health disorder, a dual diagnosis can sometimes be difficult to identify. Additionally, not every facility is equipped for dual diagnosis treatment, so if you suspect that you or a loved one is struggling with both addiction and mental illness, it’s important to find a program that can provide the comprehensive care you need.
Start on the road to recovery at Alvarado Parkway Institute
No matter what kind of addiction treatment you’re looking for, Alvarado Parkway Institute has a program designed to fit your needs. Accredited by the Joint Commission, we offer both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment programs, as well as comprehensive care for dual diagnosis. With individualized treatment plans and extensive aftercare services, there’s no better place in San Diego to start on your road to recovery. To request more information on our programs and services, call us today at (619) 667-6125.
