FAQs About Drug And Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Not always, but medical detox is often recommended as a first step for people who have developed a physical dependence on alcohol or certain drugs. Detox helps the body safely clear the substance while managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision.

After detox is complete, most people transition into a rehab program that addresses the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction through therapy, counseling, and other support services.

Inpatient rehab programs involve living at the treatment facility full-time, with round-the-clock support. It’s generally recommended for people with more severe addictions or those who need distance from triggers in their daily environment.

Outpatient rehab programs allow people to continue living at home while attending treatment sessions, making it a more flexible option for those with work, school, or family obligations.

Yes, you can find a variety of specialized treatment programs that address different circumstances and points of view. Specialized services include faith-based treatment, LGBTQ-friendly services, gender-specific treatment, and more.

There are many different types of addiction treatment available. Treatment services usually include various behavioral therapies and sometimes include medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Addiction treatment may also occur at a variety of levels of care, including inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and more.

The length of treatment depends on the type of program and the severity of the addiction. Medical detox usually lasts three to seven days, short-term inpatient programs typically run 28 to 30 days, and longer residential programs can extend to 60, 90, or even 120 days. Outpatient programs vary widely in duration.

Research consistently shows that longer treatment tends to produce better long-term outcomes, so the right length is whatever a person needs to build a stable foundation for recovery.

A typical day in a residential treatment program usually starts early with a healthy breakfast and a time for reflection or meditation. Throughout the day, you will participate in addiction education classes, group therapy, individual therapy, and 12-step meetings.

In between treatment services and activities will be breaks for meals and free time to reflect and connect with peers in recovery.

Learn more about a typical day in an addiction treatment program.

Yes, there are. For example, there are specific treatment approaches for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder, requiring certain medications and behavioral therapy.

You may also find some treatment programs offering specific programs for other drugs such as stimulants and benzodiazepines. These will be different in terms of their therapeutic approach.

Learn more about specialized programs for specific addictions.

Holistic rehab programs address the whole person through a variety of treatment approaches that lie outside evidence-based treatments.

Holistic treatment can include meditation, mindfulness, and yoga.

Learn more about holistic programs for addiction treatment.

During detox, you are guided through withdrawal from opioids, alcohol, or other substances.

Detox may involve medication to help control the symptoms of withdrawal, or it might involve what is called a social model detox, which monitors withdrawal without medications.

Learn more about what happens during detoxification.

You can expect to find treatment providers using one or more of a few different therapies.

Common treatment modalities include group therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and more.

Learn more about the types of therapies used in addiction treatment.

Yes, there are. Peer support is important to the recovery process and can take many forms, including support groups.

In recovery groups, you have the opportunity to learn from people who are further along in the process or extend help to peers in need of support.

Learn more about support groups in recovery programs.

The 12-step program has been around for decades and has helped many people overcome addiction.

A few of the benefits of this approach include group support, interaction with a mentor, and components that address the spiritual life of individuals (which can be interpreted differently by different belief systems).

Learn more about the 12-step recovery process.

Yes, family therapy is usually a component of a rehab program because it addresses emotional wounds in family relationships and gives families tools to move forward in healthy ways.

Learn more about family therapy in addiction recovery.

A number of different medications may be used in MAT, though providers often have preferences.

Medications for opioid use disorder include methadone or buprenorphine. Medications for alcohol use disorder include naltrexone or disulfiram, among others.

Find out more about medications used in MAT.

Yes, many do. In an addiction treatment center, mental health issues may co-occur with substance use disorders. Mental health disorders commonly treated alongside addiction include depression, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders.

Co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis treatment can include behavioral therapy and sometimes psychotropic medications. Discover more about rehab centers that offer mental health treatment.

Your aftercare plan should involve a support network, support groups, maintenance therapy sessions, and MAT if appropriate.

Yes, the VA provides drug and alcohol rehab programs throughout the country for Veterans who are facing addiction, co-occurring disorders such as PTSD, and other issues.