According to American Addiction Centers, about 47 million Americans struggle with addiction or a substance abuse disorder. We know addiction can have devastating effects on an individual, those close to them, and the community. These effects are the primary reason why many people struggling with addiction or a substance abuse disorder seek help through various addiction recovery programs. There are different types of such programs, each unique in its approach and suited to different individuals depending on their specific situation and circumstances. In this article, we break down some of the most common types of addiction recovery programs.
12-step Programs
12-step programs are structured self-help support programs that incorporate individual effort and group support. They are based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and seek to cover different areas, including triggers, support during difficult periods, providing educational resources, and much more.
Alcoholics Anonymous developed the 12-step Model in 1938, and it has been adopted for different types of addictions since. A well-known example is the Narcotics Anonymous 12-step program which follows the same steps and has the same aims but has some differences when compared with the AA program.
Inpatient or Residential Treatment Programs
Inpatient treatment programs provide addiction recovery services and treatments around the clock in a structured environment. Because it is the most intense level of care for substance abuse disorders and addiction, doctors and therapists recommend it for those with severe addictions, those who have relapsed several times, or those at the highest risk of relapsing.
These programs are structured as 30, 60, or 90-day programs depending on the treatment center. These centers provide different services, including detox, group and individual therapy, medical-assisted treatments, and other types of therapy.
Treatment centers with these types of programs also provide aftercare to ensure patients live a sober life after completing them. You can learn more about the type of care provided during treatment and afterward through The Journey of Addiction Recovery: From Intake to Aftercare.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
These addiction treatments allow people to live at home while recovering while attending regulator treatment sessions. The intensity of individual programs can vary from a few hours weekly to several hours daily.
Outpatient treatment programs typically include the same types of therapies as inpatient programs but at a lower intensity. These programs are perfectly suited for those unable to commit to inpatient treatments for different reasons or those with mild to moderate addiction.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial hospitalization programs are intense treatment programs that provide fewer hours of therapy per day than outpatient programs. They are an excellent option for those who need a structured treatment option but do not require the round-the-clock care that inpatient treatment programs provide.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs
These programs are less intensive than partial hospitalization programs but still entail several hours of treatment and therapy every week. They can be a great option for those switching from inpatient treatment or those who need more structure than traditional outpatient treatment programs provide.
Treatment for a substance abuse disorder or addiction can take place in different settings under different programs. Each program has a different level of intensity and provides slightly different services depending on the individual, the severity of their addiction, and their specific situation. Many of these programs also address social, emotional, psychological, and physical issues alongside addiction or substance use disorders.