There are five primary levels of addiction treatment, each designed for a specific severity. Per NSDUH (2023), 48.7 million Americans aged 12+ had SUD — only 24.1% received treatment.
What Is Medical Detox and Who Needs It?
Medical detox is a 3–7 day supervised process managing withdrawal with medications. Necessary for alcohol (5–15% mortality from DTs without supervision), benzodiazepines, and opioids. Detox alone is not treatment — it's stabilization. Search detox programs.
How Does Inpatient Rehab Work?
24/7 structured care for 28–90 days. Programs lasting 90+ days produce 2–3× better outcomes (NIDA). Cost: $5,000–$80,000 for 30 days, insurance covers most under Mental Health Parity Act. Browse inpatient programs. Read our guide on paying without insurance.
What Are Outpatient Programs?
IOP (9–15 hours/week) and PHP (20+ hours/week) let you live at home while attending treatment. Cost $1,000–$10,000. Find outpatient options. See our FMLA guide for job-protection.
What Is MAT?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling. Buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone for opioids; naltrexone, acamprosate for alcohol. Reduces overdose deaths by 50% (SAMHSA). Search MAT providers.
How to Evaluate a Treatment Center
- Accreditation — CARF or Joint Commission (40% are accredited)
- Evidence-based methods — CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing
- Staff credentials — LCSW, LPC, board-certified psychiatrists
- Insurance acceptance — verify in-network coverage
- Aftercare planning — 20–30% better outcomes with structured discharge plans (NIDA)
Read our 12-point facility evaluation checklist for comprehensive guidance.