There are a bunch of different types of treatment available for addicts and alcoholics, and some of the terminology can be confusing. This list should help clarify types of treatment.
12 Step programs:
Twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA) use a spiritual 12-step method for treatment. These programs have been around a long time and are well documented all over the internet.
Detox:
The body’s reaction to the removal of a substance it has become dependent on is called withdrawal. Withdrawal causes craving for more of the substance being removed. The period of time when the body is trying to overcome its addiction is called detoxifica-tion (detox). Detox is the first step in overcoming a substance addiction such as drugs or alcohol. Detox is a pertinent step for the patient is to be successfully rehabilitated.
Rehab:
Drug rehabs, or rehabilitation programs have a plan designed to get the alcoholic sober and the addict clean, then release them to go home and start going to AA/CA/NA meeting.
Residential Treatment:
Typically, a residence converted into a group living, with staff and transport to meetings. There are often meetings, group therapy and personal counseling available at a residential treatment facility. Clients live, eat and sleep at the residential treatment facility for a set amount of time.
Outpatient Treatment:
Clients do the same things as at Residential Treatment, but sleep at home. Outpatient treatment often follows an inpatient procedure.
Inpatient Addiction Treatment: Drug rehab programs include inpatient addiction treatment. This is a step in the program after detox where the patient participates in group, individual and family therapy.
Outpatient Addiction Treatment: Outpatient addiction treatment often follows inpatient addiction treatment once the patient is well enough to return home and maintain his or her recovery. Addiction treatment services are still available, but the patient is not required to stay at the drug rehab facility.
Family Addiction Treatment: Family addiction treatment is vital to a patient’s success in drug rehab programs. This is where most underlying issues of addiction are resolved.