When it comes to Levels of care in Addiction Treatment – there is nothing like – ‘One size that fits all’. Everyone is special and so should their care approach.
Psychological care varies for each patient. Because the care varies, providers need to understand the different levels of care. As their needs change, providers can alter the plan and move their patients through the different levels.
The levels of care become more intense, and providers choose a level based on their assessment of the patient. Providers might recommend regular talk therapy, medication, or an intensive outpatient program depending on what they find during their evaluations.
Levels of Care
Levels of care in addiction treatment include – early intervention with minimal appointments, while the highest levels can be inpatient care with medication. Some clients move through all levels of care, while others only need one or two. The lowest level of care would be early intervention, while the highest level of care is medically managed inpatient.
Level 4: Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient
Patients with substance disorders or other serious mental health issues often need to stay in a facility with closely monitored medication. They are under care for 24 hours per day and often need to stay for many days or weeks. This type of care also has daily counseling. These cases are mostly where patients experience withdrawal symptoms.
Level 3.7: Detoxification/Withdrawal Management
A step towards recovery in patients – This level includes detox and inpatient treatment, but not for as long as a patient is in a Level 4 plan. While they get daily care and medication, they will have an easier time transitioning to the next level.
Level 3: Residential Care
Clients live in a supervised setting, and the program can last up to 90 days. The inpatient care program can include medication, counseling, and other activities to help acclimate the patient to life without addiction or mental health problems. Patients must complete medical detox before they reach this level of care.
Also, read about Mental health disparities and care, here.
Level 2: Partial Hospitalization/Intensive Outpatient
During Level 2 care, patients can be partially hospitalized, which means they spend about 20 hours per week in a care facility. This type of care usually includes co-occurring disorders with substance abuse. Patients can spend up to six hours per day in a hospital, then go home for the night. Level 2 care can be a step down from residential care, and it can be a step up for patients who need more than Level 1 care.
Patients needing Level 2 care still struggle with complex mental health issues, often with substance abuse, but the provider’s evaluation shows the patient doesn’t need to live in a facility. This type of care can be follow-up care after residential rehab.
Level 1: Outpatient
Patients needing Level 1 care meet at a treatment facility for nine hours or less each week. Teens in Level 1 programs only meet for six or fewer hours. This type of care benefits people who have a substance disorder, but they might be on the road to recovery or they might be receiving care after receiving an early diagnosis.
Level 0.5: Early Intervention
Early intervention is the best way to take care of substance abuse, as early treatment can help prevent more problems. Early care includes educational programs for people who could have some signs of substance abuse, but may not have enough symptoms for a higher level of care.
Conclusion
For many people, the first step toward recovery is acknowledging their struggle with addiction. After they have acknowledged that they are in need of help, the next step is finding the right treatment program that can help restore their overall health, well-being, and happiness.
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5 Comments
Addiction is a malaise that afflicts society. The first and biggest step is for the addict to acknowledge his addiction and volunteer for treatment. Doing this is half the battle won against addiction.
Addiction to anything is bad and yes, accepting the addiction is the first step towards treatment. I liked the valid pointers you shared.
Like Mental illness, addiction also requires acceptances. And even before that self awareness, that these is something which is not right And I need to take some action. Great suggestions Dipika and this requires lot of awareness too.
Acknowledgement of addiction and willingness to stay away is the first step. I never knew about the levels of treatment and this post helped me learn about it
Glad this was informative. Thank you.