Therapies, Treatments & Levels of Care for Addiction

Therapy, Treatment & Levels of Care for Addiction

What is Addiction Treatment & Therapy?

Addiction treatment and therapy are methods that help individuals stop harmful substance use or compulsive behaviors, manage withdrawal symptoms, and develop healthier coping skills for long-term recovery.

The goal of treatment and therapy is not only to stop substance use but also to address root causes of addiction, improve overall well-being, and support long-term recovery.

Addiction Therapy Types & Treatments

Addiction therapy types and treatments offer a variety of approaches to help individuals overcome substance use and build lasting recovery. From evidence-based counseling methods to holistic practices and peer support, these therapies address the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of addiction. By tailoring treatment to each person’s needs, therapy provides the tools and support necessary for long-term success.

Types of Rehab

Addiction Treatment often includes:

Detoxification (Detox): Medical care to manage withdrawal safely with the help of medical professionals. Many offer 24 hour monitoring and medications to help ease the side effects associated with withdrawal. This is frequently the first step of treatment and depending on the substance may last between a few days to weeks.
Inpatient or Residential Rehab: Living at a rehab facility with structured support and therapy. In this setting, individuals live at a treatment facility full-time. Programs typically provide daily therapy, medical monitoring, group sessions, and structured routines. Being in a controlled environment reduces access to substances and gives people the opportunity to focus entirely on healing without outside distractions or triggers. This step can also vary in duration lasting anywhere from a few weeks to months depending on the severity of the addiction.
Outpatient Programs: Outpatient care allows people to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions at a clinic. These programs can range from a few hours per week to intensive daily sessions. Outpatient treatment is flexible, making it possible for individuals to continue working, studying, or caring for family while still receiving structured care and professional support. These may include traditional outpatient, IOP, and PHP.
Telehealth and Virtual Care: Virtual treatment options make recovery more accessible by allowing people to attend therapy sessions, medical check-ins, or group meetings online. Telehealth can be especially helpful for those living in remote areas, those with mobility limitations, or individuals balancing busy schedules. It provides flexibility without sacrificing quality of care.
Aftercare and Continuing Support: Recovery does not end after formal treatment. Aftercare programs help individuals transition back into everyday life with ongoing counseling, peer support groups, relapse prevention planning, and check-ins with treatment providers. This long-term support strengthens accountability and reduces the risk of relapse.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy. Medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for people to stay in recovery. MAT is especially effective for opioid and alcohol addiction and works best when paired with counseling and support services.
Specialized Programs: Many facilities offer programs tailored to specific groups such as faith-based, veterans, first responders, couples, young adults, or LGBTQ+ individuals. These programs address unique experiences, stressors, and cultural factors that may influence addiction and recovery. By providing a customized approach, specialized programs can improve engagement and long-term success.

Addiction Therapies

Addiction Therapy addresses the psychological and behavioral aspects of recovery. Examples include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals recognize negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction. By identifying triggers and practicing new coping strategies, people learn how to handle stress, cravings, and challenging emotions without turning to substances. CBT is one of the most widely used and evidence-based approaches in addiction care.
Motivational Interviewing (MI): MI is a counseling method that encourages people to explore their own reasons for change. Instead of pushing for immediate decisions, the therapist guides conversations that help strengthen a person’s motivation and commitment to recovery. This approach is especially effective for individuals who may feel uncertain or ambivalent about quitting.
Group Therapy and Peer Support: Group therapy brings people together to share their experiences and challenges in a supportive setting. Members learn from one another, build accountability, and realize they are not alone in their struggles. Peer support groups like 12-step programs or alternative recovery groups often complement professional therapy by creating lasting networks of encouragement.
Family Therapy: Addiction often affects the entire family, not just the individual. Family therapy helps repair relationships, improve communication, and build stronger support systems. By addressing issues such as trust, boundaries, and enabling behaviors, families can play a healthier and more constructive role in recovery.
Holistic Therapies: Many treatment centers also include holistic approaches that focus on overall well-being. Activities such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, art therapy, fitness, or nutrition counseling help individuals reconnect with themselves and reduce stress. These therapies are not stand-alone treatments but can enhance traditional care by improving mental and physical health.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A therapy originally developed for trauma that helps individuals process distressing memories or experiences that may drive addictive behaviors.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): A form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying irrational beliefs, challenging them, and developing healthier ways of thinking.
12-Step Facilitation Therapy: A structured approach that encourages participation in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, emphasizing acceptance, surrender, and peer support.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A therapy that teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal skills, especially helpful for individuals with intense emotions or co-occurring mental health conditions.

Levels of Care for Addiction

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) provides a widely used framework for assessing and organizing addiction treatment. ASAM levels of care help match individuals to the intensity of treatment they need based on the severity of their substance use, medical and mental health needs, and social support.

Level 0.5: Early Intervention: Services for individuals at risk of developing substance use disorders, including screening, education, and brief interventions.
Level 1: Outpatient Services: Low-intensity treatment for individuals who do not require residential care. Includes counseling, therapy, and regular check-ins while living at home.
Level 2: Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization: Structured programs with multiple therapy sessions per week. Partial hospitalization provides day-long treatment with return home in the evenings.
Level 3: Residential/Inpatient Treatment: 24-hour care in a live-in facility. Offers intensive therapy, medical monitoring, and structured support for those with severe addiction or co-occurring conditions.
Level 4: Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient: Highest level of care for individuals with severe medical or psychiatric needs. Includes round-the-clock medical supervision and intensive therapy.

ASAM levels ensure that treatment is personalized to each individual, providing the appropriate support, structure, and intensity needed for successful recovery.

Signs You Need Addiction Treatment

Recognizing the need for addiction treatment is the first step toward recovery. Signs that professional help may be necessary include:

Inability to Control Use: Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop using substances.
Cravings and Compulsions: Strong urges or preoccupation with obtaining and using substances.
Physical Dependence: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shaking, or insomnia when not using.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to substance use.
Relationship Problems: Ongoing conflicts, isolation, or loss of important relationships connected to substance use.
Risky Behavior: Engaging in dangerous activities, such as driving under the influence or unsafe behavior, while using.
Tolerance: Needing increasing amounts of a substance to achieve the same effect.
Mental Health Changes: Anxiety, depression, mood swings, or changes in personality linked to substance use.

If these signs are present, seeking professional addiction treatment can provide structured support, therapy, and resources to regain control and maintain long-term recovery.

What Type of Care is Right for Me?

Choosing the right level of care depends on the severity of addiction, medical and mental health needs, and personal circumstances. Professional assessments, such as those guided by the ASAM criteria, can help determine the most appropriate treatment.

Outpatient Programs: Suitable for individuals with mild to moderate substance use who have a stable home environment and support system. Provides therapy and counseling while allowing daily responsibilities to continue.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization (PHP): Ideal for those who need more structure and frequent therapy sessions but do not require 24-hour supervision.
Inpatient or Residential Treatment: Recommended for individuals with severe addiction, co-occurring mental health conditions, or a history of relapse. Provides full-time care, structured routines, and medical monitoring.
Aftercare and Continuing Support: Suitable for everyone leaving a formal treatment program to maintain sobriety, address triggers, and prevent relapse.

Is Addiction Therapy & Treatments Covered by Insurance?

Yes, many health insurance plans provide coverage for addiction therapy and treatment, including inpatient and outpatient programs, counseling, and certain medications. Coverage can vary depending on the plan, the type of treatment, and the provider.

It is important to check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage, including copays, deductibles, and any prior authorization requirements. Financial assistance or sliding scale programs may also be available for those without full coverage.

Medicaid & Medicare Coverage

Yes, both Medicaid and Medicare offer coverage for addiction treatment, including services like detoxification, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and therapy. However, the extent of coverage and eligibility criteria can vary based on your specific plan, location, and individual circumstances.

Can I Overcome Addiction at Home?

Overcoming addiction entirely at home without professional support is often very difficult and carries significant risks, especially for moderate to severe substance use. While some individuals may benefit from self-help strategies or peer support groups, structured treatment provides medical supervision, therapy, and accountability that are critical for long-term recovery.