Veteran Services - Volunteers of America

Residential treatment programs are those that offer housing and meals in addition to substance abuse treatment. Rehab facilities that offer residential treatment allow patients to focus solely on recovery, in an environment totally separate from their lives. Some rehab centers specialize in short-term residential treatment (a few days to a week or two), while others solely provide treatment on a long-term basis (several weeks to months). Some offer both, and tailor treatment to the patient's individual requirements.

Outpatient rehabs allow clients to remain in or return to their home and community while receiving treatment. These programs are for clients leaving inpatient care and for those wishing to return home immediately following detox. Most outpatient programs offer multiple levels of care to evolve with clients’ needs, including programming such as partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) care. The most common outpatient treatment modalities include psychotherapy, recovery education, holistic and integrative care, and medication assisted treatment (MAT).

Drug and alcohol addiction often takes a heavy toll on one’s body. Over time, a physical dependence can develop, meaning the body physiologically needs the substance to function. Detox is the process of removing drugs and/or alcohol from the body, a process that can be lethal if mismanaged. Medical detox is done by licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs and keep you safe, healthy, and as comfortable as possible as you go through detox and withdrawal.

Completing a drug or alcohol rehab program shouldn't spell the end of substance abuse treatment. Aftercare involves making a sustainable plan for recovery, including ongoing support. This can include sober living arrangements like halfway houses, career counseling, and setting a patient up with community programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).