Drug and alcohol addiction can impact a person’s health, emotional well-being, relationships, and other aspects of their lives. Addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive substance abuse and mental health services. People living with substance use disorder (SUD) typically require treatment and ongoing support to maintain sobriety for the long term.

There are several levels of care in addiction treatment. People may attend residential treatment or outpatient treatment programs, depending on their needs. Most people will receive care from a wide range of programs and providers during their recovery journeys.

The continuum of care is essential to helping people recover from addiction and move forward. A continuum of care ensures smooth transitions, tailored treatment, and personalized care at every stage of addiction recovery.

This article will explore the benefits of a continuum of care in addiction treatment. You will learn:

• What the continuum of care means
• What to expect in substance abuse treatment programs
• The factors that impact a person’s recovery journey
• How to determine if you need addiction treatment
• Where to find treatment and recovery support

If you or someone you love lives with substance abuse or mental health conditions, you are not alone. Contact First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our treatment programs or schedule an intake appointment.

What is a Continuum of Care?

The term “continuum of care” means receiving continuous care from the start to the end of treatment. In addiction treatment, this may mean starting in a medical detox program and then receiving care until stabilization is complete.

A continuum of care typically begins with the most intensive level of treatment and moves in progressive steps. In addiction treatment, this might mean:

• Receiving treatment in an inpatient medical detox program
• Continuing inpatient treatment
• Transitioning into an outpatient rehab program, such as a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Receiving continuing support (mental health care, support groups, 12-step meetings, medical care, etc) as part of a lifelong aftercare plan

The continuum of care works to eliminate gaps in treatment. Many addiction treatment facilities offer several levels of care, allowing people to receive tailored treatment at each stage of their recovery.

What to Expect in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Addiction impacts each person in different ways. Many factors can affect the type of treatment people need to address substance abuse, including:

• The severity of the addiction
• Mental health and medical needs
• Age
• Gender

There are several levels of treatment, including both inpatient and outpatient options. Generally, inpatient treatment programs include:

• Assessments and screenings
• Medical detox programs
• Medication management
• Behavioral therapies
• Counseling
• Group therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies like mindfulness, nutrition support, exercise, and creative expression
• Aftercare planning

People typically begin in an inpatient treatment program before moving to an outpatient rehab program. Outpatient programs include:

• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient rehab
• Aftercare support programs
• Mental health treatment programs

These programs provide high-quality mental health and medical care to address the complex roots of substance abuse and addiction. People may engage in counseling, medication management, education, and other evidence-based therapies.

Partial hospitalization programs typically meet daily, while IOPs and outpatient rehab programs usually meet several times weekly for a few hours.

The level of care someone requires depends on their mental health, medical needs, and other factors. Many treatment facilities offer many levels of care to provide a continuum of care throughout recovery.

The Benefits of a Continuum of Care in Addiction Treatment

A continuum of care in addiction recovery has many benefits. Here are some of the most significant advantages of having a continuum of care during addiction treatment and beyond.

Stability

A continuum of care provides the most stable, continuous treatment for people in recovery. People move seamlessly from one level of care to the next, ensuring they have the support they need at each stage of recovery.

Tailored care

People receiving continuous care get the most individualized treatment possible. Their treatment team gets to know them well, ensuring they get the care they need to address their unique needs.

Continuous care

People in recovery benefit from having continuous support. Moving from one level of care to the next ensures people do not experience “breaks” in their care. This can reduce the risk of relapse.

Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about the benefits of a continuum of care in addiction recovery.

Do I Need Addiction Treatment?

Recognizing substance abuse and addiction is the first step in getting treatment. You may require addiction treatment if you:

• Have cravings for drugs or alcohol
• Need more of a substance to get the desired effects
• Do risky things while using drugs or alcohol, such as driving while intoxicated
• Hide your substance use from others
• Experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using drugs or alcohol
• Want to quit using drugs or alcohol but feel like you can’t

It can be very challenging to overcome substance abuse and addiction. However, getting treatment can help. Seek treatment and support as soon as you recognize the signs of substance abuse.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love needs treatment to overcome addiction, you are not alone. First Step Behavioral Health offers several comprehensive programs designed to empower people as they overcome addiction. Learn more about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our specialists today.