Individuals navigate recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) through a multi-tiered system of care, starting with detoxification. This first step makes sure that people can safely deal with withdrawal symptoms while under close medical care. Usually, this happens in an inpatient setting where doctors can closely watch and lower the risks of detoxing. (1)

After leaving an inpatient setting, patients reintegrate into daily life with outpatient programs. These include less restrictive but highly supportive outpatient programs such as Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) or Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs). PHPs provide substantial clinical care during daytime hours without requiring overnight stays, catering to those requiring close clinical oversight.

Conversely, IOPs offer flexibility for individuals ready to resume work or education commitments while continuing their recovery journey through regular therapy sessions. (2)

These structured levels of care are specific to each stage’s needs.

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What Are the Substance Abuse Levels of Care?

Substance abuse treatment has no magic, one-size-fits-all plan. Just as every individual with a substance use disorder is unique, so must their type of treatment. (3)

Healthcare providers have developed different levels to help standardize care. This system helps providers meet patient needs and avoid disrupting care as patients progress through rehab phases.

The ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) Levels of Care provide a streamlined guide and diagnostic criteria for treatment. These include outpatient services that teach vital skills to support intensive inpatient recovery programs.

Different levels of care help a team of health professionals adjust the intensity of care for the best results.

Addiction Treatment Requires Individualized Care

Addiction itself manifests differently in every person. Important factors to address include the following.

The substance used
Duration of use
Genetic predispositions
Co-occurring mental health disorders
Personal life circumstances

As a result, personalized care plans are essential for addressing these aspects effectively. (4)

In crafting addiction treatments, clinicians consider comprehensive assessments, patient history, preferences, and goals.

Treatment modalities vary, including:

Medical detoxification
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Motivational interviewing (MI)
Holistic therapies

The interventions chosen depend on the severity of the dependence and any related dual diagnosis psychological conditions. (5)

What Is the Function of ASAM?

Physicians dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatment developed the The American Society of Addiction Medicine in 1954. (6)

Drug abuse has been an issue in the United States since the late 1800s. During this era, society acknowledged drug use and abuse as a medical issue that required study and treatment.

The ASAM criteria offer a focused resource for addiction treatment providers. They also emphasize improving the accessibility of quality addiction treatment to patients with substance use disorders.

How Common Is Substance Abuse in the United States?

The US has one of the highest substance abuse rates in the world. The availability of a wide variety of both legal and illicit drugs has greatly contributed to the problem.

Some of the most commonly used substances include:

Alcohol
Opiates
Methamphetamines
Heroin
Cocaine
Marijuana
Ecstasy/molly

In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that more than 107,622 Americans died from drug overdoses. (7)

How Many Levels of Care Are Available for Substance Use Disorder?

Five primary levels of care exist for those undergoing substance abuse treatment. Some of these have sub-levels, depending on the issues a patient may be experiencing and the type of care they may require.

ASAM has established each of these various levels. Written criteria helps clinicians provide consistent care throughout treatment.

These criteria determine:

What level and intensity a patient should start at
When they are ready to move to the next level

Treatment professionals refer to these five levels as “the continuum of care.” Levels ensure proper treatment for individuals as they progress.

Each level works separately but cohesively with the next, allowing an individual to receive consistent care.

The level of care may start at any of the five levels, depending on:

The severity of a substance use disorder
The overall duration
Whether or not poly substance use is present

Below, we outline the criteria for each of the five levels. (8)

Level 0.5: Early Intervention Services

Early intervention services prove to help prevent serious addiction in the future. Typically, these individuals don’t display the common signs indicating a need for more intensive treatment. (9)

Staff assess people predisposed to substance abuse and create a treatment plan focused on their risk factors. This treatment includes education surrounding the negative effects substance abuse can have.

It also helps at-risk individuals to identify situations that trigger substance use and learn alternate coping skills. One benefit of this intervention is that trained staff can closely watch for any issues that may require more advanced care.

Level 1: Outpatient Services Treatment

Outpatient services are useful for those with moderate substance abuse issues. This option is ideal for those who can’t or won’t enter a more intensive recovery program. Outpatient treatment services provide consistent treatment while allowing patients to maintain their normal lifestyle routines.

Regular meetings provide the clinical support without interfering with work, family life, or other responsibilities. Outpatient is most effective for those with a strong support system outside treatment. (10)

Outpatient is the next step for people who have finished intense treatment and need to keep improving their recovery skills. This ongoing contact and continued therapy are important for a successful outcome.

Some outpatient treatment programs encourage family therapy. This helps family members set boundaries and offer necessary support for the patient to stay sober.

Depending on the severity of the patient’s addiction, the frequency and duration of meetings can vary. The care received by someone undergoing outpatient services should include monitoring, counseling, and follow-up services.

Level 2: Intensive Outpatient Treatment and/or Partial Hospitalization

This second ASAM level of care provides more support than Level 1.

Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization services cover areas such as:

Medication management
Psychiatric care
Round-the-clock crisis intervention
Auxiliary services, such as child care when undergoing treatment
Vocational training to help those looking for a fresh start (11)

Intensive Outpatient Care

An intensive outpatient program provides more in-depth care than a standard outpatient program. Sessions are often longer than those in standard outpatient programs.

They offer more education surrounding addiction and prevention and provide referrals to outside addiction specialists like physicians and psychiatrists.

This level of treatment is ideal for those who need a little extra support than what is provided by standard outpatient care but are not medically or psychologically unstable.

Partial Hospitalization Services

In some instances, individuals undergoing substance abuse treatment may not need 24-hour care but still require easy access to addiction specialists and clinical services.

Partial hospitalization services fill this gap between intensive outpatient treatment and inpatient treatment by providing in-house access to medical care and psychiatric services.

A partial hospitalization services program usually requires the patient to spend at least 20 hours per week onsite. The continuity in care and care providers in partial hospitalization programs is beneficial for those transitioning out of a higher level of care, such as residential treatment.

Level 3: Residential/Inpatient Care

Once an individual has reached the end of detox, they will often transition to an inpatient program. Inpatient care requires that the individual live onsite.

Residential programs are especially helpful for those recovering from severe addictions and who need stability to focus solely on recovery. 24-hour supervision and care ensure that support is always available during a person’s recovery.

Level 3.1 Clinically-Managed Low-Intensity Residential Care

Level 3.1 care is used to help patients who have not experienced cognitive damage from their substance abuse learn and apply coping, recovery, and life skills while in a safe, supportive environment. (12)

Typically, this type of program is conducted in a group home setting that builds a community of individuals experiencing the same challenges. Vocational training, support, and life skills help patients move back into society with fewer setbacks.

A level 3.1 treatment program is fully staffed 24 hours a day with addiction specialists and medical personnel who can provide care as needed.

Level 3.3 Clinically Managed Medium-Intensity Residential Care

Level 3.3 care provides a structured environment for those requiring long-term care. The majority of individuals in extended care experience more severe effects from substance abuse that affect them on a cognitive level.

These conditions include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Intellectual disabilities
Nervous system damage
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Speech difficulties (13)

The treatment of these patients uses a slower, more repetitive, and methodical approach. This accommodates the cognitive difficulties they may be experiencing and allows them time to absorb each treatment concept.

The treatment approach for these individuals is long-term. In addition to helping them overcome their cognitive impairments, Level 3.3 treatment provides multiple services, including assistance with basic needs such as transportation, housing, ongoing group therapy, mental health support, and vocational training and support.

As with Level 3.1 programs, 24-hour care is available for any issues.

Level 3.5 Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Care

Level 3.5 is recommended for an individual who has experienced relapses or unsuccessful treatment of substance use disorders.

These patients tend to be in situations where they don’t have any support systems or are in relationships that are abusive or non-supportive. Often, they are encouraged by those closest to them to continue their harmful behaviors, making relapse almost inevitable.

Substance use disorders are the most common problem these individuals face. They may also experience mental illnesses, partake in criminal activity, or exhibit anti-social behaviors that make it difficult for them to function within society.

Treatment focuses on helping prevent relapse, developing healthy relationships, and developing life and vocational skills during the recovery process. It also strongly emphasizes adapting to and learning social skills to make re-entering society easier.

24-hour care is onsite at these treatment facilities, including nurses and addiction specialists.

Level 3.7 Medically Monitored Intensive Inpatient Services

Patients requiring a higher level of physical and mental care are usually placed into Level 3.7, also known as Medically Monitored Intensive Inpatient Services care, to ensure they receive the medical, behavioral health, and psychiatric care they need.

These individuals may be at a significantly higher risk of complications from withdrawal, such as developing DTs (delirium tremens) or having underlying medical or psychiatric issues that can impede treatment. Withdrawal management is an important aspect of level 3.7 treatment.

A highly structured program with near-constant interaction is used for these individuals. Onsite physicians and addiction counselors are available 24 hours a day to monitor and treat patients as needed.

Level 4: Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient Care

Some individuals have such severe substance use disorders or co-occurring disorders that they require special care when starting their treatment journey. Most of these patients will initially require a high level of care and start at level 4.

When considering the different levels of care available, level 4 treatment is quickly apparent as the most intensive.

Intended for those experiencing withdrawal and detoxification, it requires comprehensive services, including:

Medical and psychological evaluations
Medication-assisted treatment (if needed)
Regular medical monitoring and treatment

During this period of the treatment process, physical complications are at the highest risk. It is essential that staff closely monitors patients.

Doctors often prescribed and administer medications for short and long-term needs. During this level of treatment, highly structured routines are established to help create a sense of stability and dependability to support patients through this otherwise chaotic and frightening phase of their recovery.

The primary goal of level 4 treatment is to physically and mentally stabilize patients so they can proceed to the next level of care.

How Do Providers Determine the Level of Care?

Determining the appropriate level of care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders is a critical step that healthcare providers undertake with precision and empathy. This decision-making process involves a comprehensive evaluation, considering various factors to ensure that each person receives the most effective treatment tailored to their needs. (14)

Initial Assessment: The first step is an in-depth assessment, which includes finding out about the person’s past drug use, mental health, physical health problems, and any social or environmental factors that may be making their situation worse.
Assessing Severity and Risk: Providers evaluate both the severity of the substance use disorder and potential risks associated with withdrawal complications and harm to self or others. Based on these evaluations, clinicians can categorize the level of need, ranging from outpatient services requiring minimal intervention to residential inpatient programs that offer intensive around-the-clock care.
Considering Personal Circumstances: Beyond clinical criteria, personal circumstances and life responsibilities also play a role. For instance, someone with a strong support network and a stable living environment might be better suited for one approach, whereas another individual facing unstable housing and a lack of familial ties could benefit more from a structured setting.

Aftercare Services

An essential part of successful substance use disorder treatment is the follow-up care that a patient receives. Although rehab may be completed, support is still needed to help newly recovered individuals re-enter everyday life. (15)

Substance abuse is a chronic disease that requires vigilance to maintain sobriety.

Before finishing treatment, an aftercare plan should be made to guide the next steps in a patient’s recovery journey.

Sober Living Arrangements

Many treatment facilities offer sober living for patients who have completed treatment. This community-style living provides a safe and substance-free place for patients to readjust to daily life while being responsible for maintaining their sobriety.

While house rules are established to provide structure and maintain safety, residents can come and go for work, social events, shopping, and normal daily activities.

If a treatment facility doesn’t run its own sober living site, it can refer patients to recommended homes in the area.

If you are wondering, “Where can I find a sober living near me?” Call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439.

Individual and Group Counseling

Counseling, whether individual or group, can provide support for staying sober and dealing with issues that may cause a relapse.

These might include childhood abuse and neglect, social difficulties, unhealthy relationships, and unmanaged mental health conditions.

12-Step and Other Recovery-Focused Meetings

The camaraderie found with others going through recovery can be an invaluable tool in sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are two of the most well-known support groups in the US. (16)

These and other recovery meetings match individuals with sponsors and create accountability. They also help individuals stay focused on their continued healing in a structured manner.

Alumni Programs

Once an individual has completed their treatment, they may be able to get involved in the facility’s alumni program. These programs host social gatherings and group meetings in a safe, substance-free setting.

Attendees can connect with others who understand the struggles of remaining sober and offer support and encouragement to one another.

Online Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic made in-person meetings difficult for individuals who had recently completed treatment. Luckily, technology such as Zoom has made it possible to have face-to-face conversations over digital means. (17)

This trend has continued, allowing patients to interface with others even when in-person meetings are impossible.

Look At Your Treatment Center and Treatment Options Today, For Recovery Support

When searching for a recovery program, consider the various levels of care, therapies, and environments provided by different facilities. This will assist you in finding a program that aligns with your specific needs and goals. This will help you find a program that fits your needs and goals.

Taking this step shows strength and commitment to wellness. By taking this step, you are showing strength and commitment to your wellness. This is the best time to seek support in order to regain control of your life. Working towards long-term sobriety and health is important for your well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance abuse problem, we can help. Our experienced and compassionate staff is available to help you on your road to recovery. Call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439 today.

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