What Are Common Treatment Program Options for Substance Use?

Start Recovering with Pathways
Call: 1 (888) 711 0966
Table of Contents
Primary Item (H2)

When it comes to entering a recovery facility for substance use disorder (SUD), there is a lot to consider. You'll want to find a facility and treatment program that will meet your recovery needs.

Most facilities will offer a variety of treatment programs. If you are new to recovery, you might be overwhelmed by the options and not know where to start.

Types of Treatment Program Options

Finding the treatment program option that's right for you is important. Which treatment program will be best for you depends on several factors. Your financial situation, the severity of your SUD, and your level of familial responsibilities may all play a role in this decision.

Supervised Detox Treatment Program

Depending on the severity and type of SUD, you may or may not need to start with a supervised detoxification program.

Detox programs help you manage physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. These programs are designed to make the withdrawal process as painless as possible.

Many detox programs offer medicated-assisted treatment (MAT), which refers to the use of FDA-approved drugs to help people wean off substances. Even if MAT is not appropriate for your situation, supervised detox can make this process safer and more comfortable. Your medical condition will be monitored so that you can get the help you need before withdrawals become life-threatening. You will also be provided with encouragement and support.

Residential Treatment Center (RTC)

After detox, many people enter into residential inpatient treatment. This is the most intensive and expensive treatment program option. RTC programs vary in price, but the cost of room and board and access to 24/7 professional care will always be more expensive than the cost of programs that don't require residency.

However, there are many valuable benefits that residential programs provide. One of the biggest benefits of RTC is that you can focus on your recovery without distractions. Being a resident at a treatment facility allows you to take a break from your normal life. By physically removing yourself from life stressors, you'll be able to focus on healing and personal growth.

RTC also gives you more time to become acquainted with the recovery community, build relationships with peers, and grow your support network. Being able to spend a month or longer with your peers will allow for significant bonding. The connections you make with your peers during treatment can last you a lifetime and can become a vital part of your support network.

Furthermore, RTC programs can more easily attend to the entirety of your well-being. Many residential treatment centers offer modalities such as yoga, hiking, or cooking classes. This allows you to work on all aspects of your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. While most RTC programs last 28 to 30 days, many treatment centers will allow you to stay longer if you need.

Partial Hospitalization (PHP)

For people who are looking for intensive care but can't afford the price of RTC, PHP may be the right option for you. While PHP programs aren't residential, they are intensive and can include some of the benefits of a residential program. During a PHP program, you're still spending most of your time in treatment. This allows you to make recovery your number one priority.

Since PHP programs often involve group therapy sessions, you still have the opportunity to connect with your peers. However, you will likely miss out on modalities such as hiking or yoga. Typically, PHP programs require attendance 3 to 5 days a week for about 4 to 6 hours.

Some people may use PHP as a stepping stone in their recovery between residential and outpatient programs.

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

This type of treatment program is usually for people who have either already completed RTC or PHP. IOP might also be the best option for you if you have familial responsibilities that cannot go without your attention.

The time commitment for IOP is not as high as RTC or PHP. Most programs meet about 3 days a week with 3-hour sessions. This allows you to have extra support and learn new coping skills as you transition to dealing with life stressors.

Since IOP sessions won't take up most of your day or week, IOP provides the flexibility you need to attend to other responsibilities.

Sober Living Home (SLH)

After you completed an RTC, PHP, or IOP program, you can decide to join an SLH. An SLH allows you to exercise independence while not being totally on your own in recovery.

Many SLHs have mental professionals nearby or on-site who can guide you as you face some of the stressors of life you didn't have to deal with when you were in a therapy bubble. SLH can also help expand your support network as you learn how to live and work with your peers.

Choosing a Treatment Program That's Right for You

Every person will have different recovery needs. There is no wrong or right way to go about your recovery journey. However, the more you know about the treatment options out there, the better you can make an informed decision about which treatment program is right for you.

Choosing a recovery facility can be a daunting first step in your recovery. Fortunately, knowing the type of treatment program you're looking for can help you narrow down your options. At Pathways Recovery Center, we offer a variety of treatment programs to accommodate your recovery needs. Our RTC program averages a 30- to 45-day stay, but we welcome you to stay as long as you need so you can take your recovery one day at a time. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call (888) 771-0966 to learn more about how Pathways Recovery Center can help you have a successful recovery by meeting you where you're at.

Clinically reviewed by 

Moses Nasser
Dr. Moses Nasser, a double board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, with expertise in holistic healing, addiction medicine, and psychiatric care, holds an X-waiver to prescribe buprenorphine and has extensive experience in mindfulness-based customer service and medication-assisted treatment.

Start Your Journey Today!

Pathways Recovery Center Believes That Anyone Suffering From Addiction Can Recover And Experience The Joy Of Life Again. Join Us In Fighting Addiction One Person At A Time.
Call: 1 (888) 711 0966

Recent Posts

women celebrating freedom in a grassy field on a clear sunny day

5 Surprising Benefits of Recovery

Making the decision to go into inpatient rehab can be a tough one. You may find yourself weighing the pros and cons of entering treatment and struggling with the idea of walking away from active addiction for good. You may be wondering what your life will look like without drugs. You may question whether the […]
Learn More

How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Addiction

Depending on the severity of your loved one’s problem, it can be easy to overlook the signs of addiction. Symptoms will vary based on factors like substance of abuse, amount and frequency of abuse, and pre-existing mental and/or physical conditions. Although the outward signs of addiction tend to become more pronounced as the severity of […]
Learn More
Prevent Opioid Abuse and Addiction

Prevent Opioid Abuse and Addiction

Opioids are a type of drug used to alleviate one’s pain. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), “Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and many others.” The […]
Learn More
Opioid Abuse: Statistics, Signs & Symptoms

Opioid Abuse: Statistics, Signs & Symptoms

Opioids work by reducing one’s perception of pain. When opioid medications are ingested, they attach to opioid receptors, which are in one’s brain, spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs in one’s body. It is not uncommon for an individual to experience a sense of euphoria when opioids are present in one’s system, as opioids […]
Learn More
1 2 3 19

Contact Us for Help Now

Contact Form Footer
LICENSED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES
License #: 191083AP
Expiration: 6/30/2023
© 2023 Pathways Recovery Center. All Rights Reserved.
menu-circle