Understanding the levels of care for substance abuse or eating disorders is important. Whether you’re seeking treatment or helping a friend or family member do so, becoming familiar with the different tiers of care will help identify the best route to recovery.

The number of distinct options may seem overwhelming at first — with six primary levels of care available — but knowing what each entails is key to finding the right type or mix of care for yourself or a loved one. Not every provider will offer each level, which makes knowing about the levels all the more vital.

Here’s an introduction to the six levels of care and some central facts:

1. Detox

This is a period of mindful and bodily cleansing that is necessary in any long-term rehabilitation. Detoxification may be offered as a stand-alone program, or as a part of an overall personal recovery plan. The details of detox are largely known, and providers work to address withdrawal as best they can, using patient history, current health and severity of symptoms.

2. Inpatient care

Inpatient treatment can often require entering the program full time, which allows for 24/7 access to care services and monitoring. The experience is meant to be as comfortable as possible for the patient, who receives an individualized recovery plan. This strategy is informed by an assessment prior to entrance and is implemented daily. Such medical and support resources are critical, as is dedicated staff supervision, as many enter inpatient from detox.

3. Outpatient care

The specifics of outpatient care are very similar to inpatient care — e.g. specialized recovery plan and access to treatment and therapy — but location is the main difference. Whereas inpatient may require an individual to reside a center for the duration of the program, outpatient care allows these people to receive care and visits from doctors in the home. The potential danger is, of course, that everyday temptations or stressors can return and lead to relapse. Crucially, providers rarely extend outpatient care to those who would be at such risk, while also ensuring those who do take advantage of it have all the support they need.

4. Intensive outpatient

While general outpatient care schedules are left to the individual, intensive outpatient care is a more condense and involved program. While the substance of care will still reflect the needs of the individual, this program generally is a two-month long commitment that allows those entering it to access group counseling sessions, cognitive therapy and other psychoeducation to help them confront a disorder.

5. Residential care

This level exists somewhere between inpatient and outpatient care. Often, those who’ve experienced a recent trauma or are a harm to themselves (and not others) might need more intimate and flexible care management, which is what this program can offer. In other cases, a disability or other condition may prevent proper recovery in a usual inpatient setting, making residential care an option.

6. Partial hospitalization

As the name would imply, this is the most intensive program and considered only when particular personal and disorder criteria are met. In such instances, patients would continue to reside at home but commute to treatment, and is not recommended for those seeking acute treatment.

All six levels of care are available at Fairwinds Treatment Centers, but not covered by all providers. Contact us today for more information on treatment for you or a loved one.