The Best Drug Rehab Level of Care

by Qarah Ict Qarah ICT

Before we look for a drug rehab or alcohol treatment program, we have to look at the level of care needed and assess the severity of the problem. Just as there are various levels of use of mood-altering drugs, there are multiple levels of treatment available. Here are some levels of care and examples of what may be appropriate for a situation. Within each clarification, there are variances in cost and length of treatment.

Brief Therapy/Intervention - This is usually a very short-duration program, but it can be very effective. Perhaps a person who is not involved with alcohol overdoes it once on a birthday or New Year and is caught on their first DUI. They may be mandated to attend alcohol classes where education is provided for a few weeks.
Detoxification - The idea that detox is a drug treatment is a common misconception. A' Detox' aims to monitor and de-escalate an intoxication incident safely. Supervised detox is recommended for long-term alcohol, or benzodiazepine (Xanax, Ambien, etc.) users as the risk of seizures exists. Generally, as soon as you are medically stable (which is not recovery treatment), you are dismissed from the hospital or facility. This may be a required first step before entering treatment.
Outpatient Program - This non-residential treatment usually consists of attending therapy group or individual counseling once or twice a week. This may be appropriate for a person whose use is starting to cause problems but is not yet dependent
Intensive Outpatient care - This is non-residential but generally consists of 16-20 hours of weekly group and individual therapy. Insurance is more likely to cover this form of treatment rather than inpatient treatment. This is less costly than residential but is appropriate for a person with complete dependency. Outpatient programs may be used as a 'step down after completing residential treatment
Inpatient Treatment - This is your classic 'drug rehab.' It is residential, and the programs generally consist of a full day of activities and may last from 4 weeks to a year. It is the most intense form of treatment. These facilities are usually equipped to handle additional global problems associated with addiction, such as mental health and physical, emotional, and spiritual areas.

I would recommend inpatient treatment for anyone with an addiction or chemical dependency. The primary advantage is that the evidence is clear that more prolonged exposure to treatment increases the probability of a good outcome. One disadvantage is that inpatient treatment can be costly, and insurance generally does not cover it.

To achieve long-term sobriety, one must consider the entire continuum of care, which includes a bio/psycho/social model. Most times, these patients did not follow a continuum of care path and went home after the initial treatment program or went into a halfway house from a primary residential treatment program. Without the entire continuum of care, the alcoholic/drug addict is at high risk of relapse. It is worth repeating: studies confirm that the longer one receives care, the longer one stays abstinent.

Keys to Tranquility offers affordable and effective treatment for those and their families affected by drug addiction and alcoholism. All of our patients have the best chance for long-term recovery with our treatment programs. Our services include assisting our patients and their families with the treatment of alcoholism and drug dependence and helping them to create positive support networks. We believe complete abstinence must be the first step to recovering from addiction and alcoholism.