No two people have the same needs when trying to quit a substance like drugs or alcohol. That means that, when entering rehab, they must have the correct treatment designation. Assigning patients to the right level of addiction treatment ensures they’re receiving proper care and can make smooth transitions to different levels when necessary.

Addiction treatment programs are available at four different levels. These levels include outpatient, intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization, inpatient, and medically managed intensive inpatient programs. Early intervention programs are also available as a step before exploring outpatient or inpatient services.

Early Intervention Addiction Treatment

For those patients who have a known risk for developing a substance use disorder (SUD), they can access early intervention services. This form of addiction treatment is also available for those showing SUD’s signs and symptoms but doesn’t meet its diagnosable criteria.

There are specific risk factors that early intervention programs target, including:

• Inability to develop positive social relationships
• Individuals having easy access to substances
• There’s little to no parental supervision
• Those who exhibited aggressive childhood behaviors

Outpatient Addiction Treatment Services

The first level of addiction treatment is outpatient programs. When patients participate in these addiction treatment programs, they can continue maintaining their daily lives. However, they must meet with medical and treatment specialists for evaluations, follow-ups, and SUD treatments. Following a screening and assessment, patients eligible for outpatient programs can receive therapy, medication, and other therapies.

Level two of addiction treatment also involves outpatient programs; however, they’re more intensive than those available in level one. For example, patients have access to education and counseling for substance use issues and mental health. There’s also access to partial hospitalization services for those who need to see outside medical and psychiatric professionals.

Inpatient Addiction Treatment Services

Patients who have functional deficits or a stable living environment to aid in their recovery, level three inpatient services might be the best solution. Patients receive around the clock assistance from a facility with staff on-duty 24 hours daily. These addiction treatment programs allow patients to live on-site when receiving their services. Level three of addiction treatment breaks down into four categories that include:

• Low-intensity programs: Patients learn recovery skills and have access to at least five hours of clinical services weekly.
• Medium-intensity programs: These services are available for patients exhibiting permanent or temporary cognitive deficits as a result of their deep-rooted involvement with substance use.
• High-intensity programs: If a patient has a series of unsuccessful interventions or multiple issues, including criminal activity or impaired functioning, this program might be optimal. This treatment program is specifically for those who have abusive, chaotic, and non-supportive relationships.
• Medically monitored intensive programs: If patients have emotional issues, medical issues, or withdrawal risks preventing them from moving to the next level of treatment, these services could be the solution.

Medically Managed Inpatient Addiction Treatment Services

Level four of addiction treatment is the most intensive and comprehensive program. Patients have access to 24-hour medically directed care, evaluations, and treatments. Patients typically have severe withdrawal symptoms or behavioral, emotional, or medical issues requiring primary medical services at this level of care.

This treatment includes daily meetings with a medical professional. During this last level of care, the focus is on stabilizing patients. That way, they have the preparation they need for transferring to a lower level of care.

Contact Northern Illinois Recovery Center for More Information

Addiction treatment varies from individual to individual. Finding the right level of care ensures that a patient’s needs are met, and they can transition smoothly from one program to the next as needed. Contact Northern Illinois Recovery Center to learn more about addiction treatment programs and how we can help at 855.786.1978.