Treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health disorders is becoming more easily accessible than ever. If you are seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one, you may be unsure where to begin your search. With so many treatment facilities, programs and therapeutic services available, wondering what treatment route will be the most effective is normal. Choosing the right treatment program can seem daunting. However, if you keep a few considerations in mind, finding treatment can be an exciting step in your healing.
Initial Considerations for Seeking Addiction or Mental Health Treatment
First, understand that every individual’s treatment experience will be uniquely their own. As no two people experience addiction or mental health disorders the same way, treatment must be individualized to fit the unique needs and goals of each patient. Similarly, everyone will respond differently to treatment facilities, programs and therapeutic approaches. This is valuable to understand, especially if you seek treatment through word-of-mouth, such as choosing a program that a loved one previously used.
Continuum of Care in Recovery
Next, it may help to recognize that there is no wrong way to approach treatment. Most treatment facilities utilize a continuum of care. This is a treatment system that allows patients to enter treatment at the level of care that is deemed most appropriate for them. While they are receiving services, patients can step up to more intensive treatment or step down to less intensive treatment as necessary. If you are unsure what level of care may be a good fit for you, know that a healthcare professional will conduct a thorough evaluation upon your initial entry into treatment.
Lastly, every treatment program will offer a different set of therapeutic interventions for patients. Therefore, if you are seeking to utilize a specific treatment modality, you may want to ensure that a potential treatment facility offers that option.
Know Your Recovery Options
To understand the continuum of care mentioned above, there are five levels of care that you may want to become familiar with. They are as follows:
- Level 0.5: Early intervention services
- Level I: Outpatient services
- Level II: Intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization services
- Level III: Residential/inpatient services
- Level IV: Medically managed intensive inpatient services
Each of these levels of care provides unique services for recovery, with the exception of early intervention services. This level of care is meant to provide awareness and education about the health risks that can result from substance use. Ultimately, early intervention services aim to reduce harmful substance-using behaviors and prevent the progression and development of SUD.
If you are new to the continuum of care, there is a lot of information you can learn about each level. Here are some basics:
Outpatient treatment is moderately structured and flexible.
As the lowest level of treatment, outpatient programs take place in a non-residential treatment setting. This allows patients to live at home, attend to responsibilities — such as work, school and childcare — and receive treatment sessions regularly throughout the week. Typically, outpatient treatment options are best for individuals who have mild to moderate symptoms of mental health conditions or SUD. They may also be great transitional options for those who have recently completed treatment in a higher level of care.
Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization are structured yet still flexible.
Both intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) also occur in non-residential settings. Likewise, individuals can still tend to their responsibilities throughout the week. However, these programs require more and more frequent treatment participation. IOPs may be a good fit for those struggling with complex symptoms or co-occurring conditions. PHPs tend to be good for those with symptoms or co-occurring conditions that are severe but do not require 24-hour support or care.
Residential programs are highly structured and intensive.
Residential programs, also known as inpatient treatment programs, offer live-in care. Patients are highly monitored, live on-site and have access to 24/7 care. Programs vary in duration but typically last anywhere from 30-90 days, though some can go up to two years. Residential programs are best for those who struggle with severe mental health problems and substance use issues. Additionally, residential treatment may be necessary for those who have not had success with sobriety in the past.
Medically-managed intensive inpatient services offer medical stabilization.
The highest level of care provides medical stabilization. Often, individuals who are just beginning their sobriety journey require detoxification services as they wean off alcohol and other drugs. Medically managed detoxification, also known as detox, can make this process safer, more tolerable and more effective. Unfortunately, when individuals attempt to quit cold turkey at home, the severity of withdrawal symptoms often leads to relapse or medical complications. This is why medications and psychological support are often provided for patients during detox.
Additionally, with the help of these services, patients can complete detox and be immediately connected with a treatment program to pave a path to success in sobriety.
Narrowing Down a Treatment Program
Even after learning about the different levels of care, you may still feel overwhelmed over choosing a program. Consider researching different therapeutic modalities you may be interested in utilizing. Additionally, treatment professionals can help you narrow down your search. Remember, this is a learning experience. If you begin a program and do not feel you are benefitting from it, you could change programs or seek a different treatment facility altogether. Self-advocacy is a crucial component of a successful healing and recovery journey.
Choosing a treatment program can seem daunting. However, it may help to know that finding the right treatment program is a process that takes time for everyone. Consider your personal needs and recovery goals as you become familiar with the different levels of care offered for treatment and recovery. Associated Behavioral Health Care is a comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment facility that can help you narrow down your search. To learn more, call (844) 335-7384.