Acknowledging addiction and deciding to pursue treatment is a significant milestone. Determining the appropriate level of care required or how to begin the process can be challenging. Understanding the different levels of care in addiction treatment and what each includes is essential.
Addiction treatment professionals conduct thorough assessments and evaluations to identify the best programs and services for individuals seeking assistance.
They consider various factors when creating a personalized care plan for each client. If a treatment center cannot support a client’s recovery, they may refer them to another facility that can help.
Let’s examine the different levels of care offered at treatment facilities and what they entail.
Why are Different Treatment Levels Needed?
Addiction varies in severity among individuals, leading to different treatment levels, from outpatient services to inpatient programs. Each option offers unique benefits, allowing facilities to employ diverse approaches to address substance abuse.
Substance use disorder or addiction is a complicated condition that necessitates tailored treatment. At New Jersey Behavioral Health, we offer different levels of care to meet the unique needs of our clients.
Whether you require outpatient services or inpatient treatment, we have a program that can accommodate your situation. We recognize the significance of receiving the appropriate level of care.
Different levels of care are essential for giving personalized treatment to each person. The success of these treatments depends on how severe the addiction is. Some options may be more suitable than others.
Additional factors to consider when creating an addiction treatment plan include:
- Simultaneous medical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive challenges
- Domestic setting, such as kids, separation, various disputes, or other sources of stress
- History of addiction in the family
- Legal concerns
- Preparedness and desire to change
- Traumatic experiences
Different people need different types of care for addiction recovery. For some, more intensive treatment in a facility like a hospital is necessary, where staff can supervise them 24/7. Others may benefit from less intensive care in an outpatient setting.
A continuum of care helps people begin treatment and move to less intense programs. This change happens as they improve and are based on their specific needs.
The ASAM Criteria
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines levels of care for people with substance use disorders (SUD). These levels depend on how severe the person’s condition is. ASAM, which started in 1954, includes over 7,500 doctors and experts in addiction medicine.
The ASAM Criteria provide explicit standards for treating people with addiction and related issues. It focuses on proper placement, ongoing care, and smooth transitions. This method considers the whole person, not just their diagnosis.
There are four levels of care according to ASAM criteria:
- Level 1: Outpatient services
- Level 2: Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and high-intensity outpatient programs (HIOP)
- Level 3: Residential
- Level 4: Inpatient
When someone is evaluated for Substance Use Disorder (SUD), they undergo a careful assessment using the ASAM Criteria. This tool examines six key areas to identify their needs, strengths, and challenges.
ASAM’s six dimensions of substance use disorder are:
Dimension 1: intoxication, withdrawal, and addiction medication needs
- Intoxication and associated risks
- Withdrawal and associated risks
- Addiction medication needs
Dimension 2: biomedical conditions
- Physical health concerns
- Pregnancy-related concerns
- Sleep problems
Dimension 3: psychiatric and cognitive conditions
- Active psychiatric concerns
- Persistent disability
- Cognitive functioning
- Trauma exposure and related needs
- Psychiatric and cognitive history
Dimension 4: substance use-related risks
- Likelihood of risky substance use
- Likelihood of risky substance use disorder-related behaviors
Dimension 5: recovery environment interactions
- Ability to function in current environment
- Safety in current environment
- Support in current environment
- Cultural perceptions of SUD
Dimension 6: person-centered considerations
- Patient preferences
- Barriers to care
- Need for motivational enhancement
Answering these questions helps clarify the client’s needs and determine the appropriate level of care for addiction rehabilitation.
Levels of Care in Rehab
The four main levels of care set by ASAM include decimal values, which show different levels of treatment. Higher numbers mean more intensive care is needed. In the following sections, we will overview the levels of care.
Level 1: Outpatient Services
Outpatient services help people with milder substance use disorders (SUDs). They also support those moving from more intensive care, like an intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Clients receive treatment while living at home or in sober living. They typically attend one or two weekly sessions for no more than nine hours. This allows them to keep up with their daily routines while getting the support they need.
Some examples of these services include:
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Drug testing
- Outpatient detox
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Outpatient services are excellent for people who have finished residential rehab. They provide ongoing support as individuals return to their daily lives and communities.
According to the ASAM Criteria, Level 1 support has three main parts.
First, it involves monitoring for long-term recovery.
Second, it includes outpatient therapy.
Finally, it offers medically supervised outpatient care.
Level 2: Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and High-Intensity Outpatient Programs (HIOP)
The second level of outpatient services offers more intensive support than the first level. Clients may be seen as low to moderate risk for substance use disorders. They often return home or to a sober living facility after treatment.
Care becomes more complex from Level 1 to Level 2, and these programs typically include 24-hour crisis support services.
Patients who fall into level 2 of care have some of the characteristics below:
- Mild to moderate mental health conditions
- Low to moderate risk of withdrawal
- Significant chance of relapse without careful supervision and assistance
- Stable physical health
- Effective coping strategies or the ability to manage with guidance and stability
The ASAM Criteria outlines Level 2 support, which has three tiers. These are the intensive outpatient program (IOP), high-intensity outpatient program (HIOP), and medically managed outpatient services.
Level 3: Residential Treatment
In residential treatment, people with SUDs receive full support at a specialized rehabilitation center. This treatment is usually voluntary and can last a long time.
Clients live in a non-hospital setting, such as rehab centers, treatment communities, halfway houses, or sober living homes. They take part in services designed for their individual needs, which help them learn skills to stay sober after treatment ends.
Common residential treatment services include:
- Medication management
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Skill-building classes
- Aftercare programs
The type of rehabilitation facility chosen and how long someone stays can depend on their health insurance coverage. Generally, stays last for 30, 60, or 90 days, but some programs may extend beyond that.
According to the ASAM Criteria, Level 3 support has three types: low-intensity residential, high-intensity residential, and medically managed residential options.
Level 4: Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is the highest level of care for people with substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health problems. It is often recommended for those who haven’t had success with outpatient programs or other treatment methods.
People in residential rehab receive personalized treatments. They start with medical detox in a hospital-like setting. This helps stabilize those with severe substance use disorders who need medical support for safety.
Inpatient treatment is short-term and intended to stabilize clients. Once stabilized, clients can move on to other treatment options, such as residential care.
Level 4 patients often have some of the following criteria:
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- Unwilling to change habits
- Poor physical and mental health
- Pose a risk to themselves or others
- Live in a dangerous or unsupportive environment
Find the Right Addiction Treatment at New Jersey Behavioral Health
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to find helpful resources for recovery. You don’t have to go through this journey by yourself. Getting professional support can help you heal and build a better future.
Reach out to our intake team today to find the right level of care for your needs and begin your path to recovery!
References:
- American Addiction Centers: Levels of Care for Addiction Treatment
- National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers: Levels of Care
- American Society of Addiction Medicine: About the ASAM Criteria