Addiction Treatment – Defining the Levels of Care

5

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.


Copyright

©Dipika Singh. This article is the property of the site’s author. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links are used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Dipika Singh (Gleefulblogger). With the right and specific direction to the original content.

5 Comments
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *