Elevations Health

Addiction Treatment Options Explained

There is no single treatment that works for everyone. Care usually steps down from more intensive to less intensive as recovery progresses.

These are the main options, and what each one involves.

Medically supervised detox

Detox manages withdrawal safely, usually in a hospital or residential setting.

Stopping some substances suddenly is dangerous. After long-term heavy drinking, withdrawal can be painful or even life-threatening, with symptoms such as rapid heart rate and seizures, so it should be planned with a doctor.

Detox is a first step, not treatment on its own.

Residential (inpatient) treatment

People live at the program for a period of time and take part in therapy and structured daily activities.

It suits people who need a stable, substance-free setting or have other health problems that need monitoring.

Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs

These programs offer several hours of treatment a day, several days a week, while people live at home.

They are often a step down from residential care, or an alternative to it when home is stable.

Outpatient counseling

Regular sessions with a counselor or therapist, often using behavioral therapies that help people change drinking or drug use and handle triggers.

Medications

Medications can help with cravings and relapse prevention, and they work best combined with counseling.

The FDA has approved methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone for opioid use disorder, and naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram for alcohol use disorder.

Mutual-support groups and sober living

Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery offer peer support during and after treatment.

Sober living homes provide a substance-free place to live while people return to work and daily life.

How to find a program

SAMHSA's National Helpline, 1-800-662-4357, is free, confidential and open 24/7, and can refer you to local treatment.

FindTreatment.gov lets you search licensed programs by location, type of care and payment options.

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