What Is Rehab? Types, Treatment Options, & What to Expect

What Is Rehab?

Rehabilitation (rehab) facilities offer treatment and support to people working to overcome substance addictions. Many rehabs have expanded their programs to treat a growing population struggling with compulsive pornography, sexual addictions, or problem gambling.²

Inpatient rehab hospitals provide 24-hour treatment for extended periods depending on individual needs. Outpatient treatments often include group and individual therapy and psychiatric medication management services. Each rehab facility will differ slightly in services, treatments, and costs.¹

4 Types of Rehab

The rehabilitation process starts when individuals acknowledge their need for help and are motivated to achieve sobriety. At this point, rehab centers may offer inpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, or ongoing outpatient care. The types of rehabilitation available depend on the severity of the addiction and support needed in treatment.^1,3,4

Rehab options may include:

1. Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab facilities provide 24-hour treatment to people in recovery. Some programs offer medical detox services, which include a short-term stay to help patients safely withdraw from substances under medical supervision and care. These centers are best for those at high risk for complications such as benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal.^3,4

Other inpatient rehabs are longer-term treatments ranging from weeks to months. These programs may not provide medical detox but are still highly structured, secure, and supervised drug-free environments.⁴ Addiction treatment offered often focuses on teaching patients skills to overcome cravings and create a relapse prevention plan.

Inpatient rehabilitation may include:^1,4

• A clinical evaluation before admittance
• Discussions about insurance coverage, costs, and payment plan options
• Orientation to treatment by staff who explain rules and expectations
• Releasing sharp objects, cell phones, laptops, and any medications
• Secured facilities with individual or shared rooms and common areas
• Dedicated recreational facilities on-site (i.e., pools, tennis courts, game rooms, etc.)
• Private offices for individual therapy or family therapy and larger rooms for groups
• Structured schedules with therapeutic activities, visiting hours, leisure, and free time
• Therapists who make a treatment plan and offer regular therapy sessions
• Meeting with a doctor or prescriber for medication
• Case management services to arrange aftercare and plan for discharge
• Setting a designated discharge date based on progress made
• Working closely with therapists and other staff to make a transition plan and aftercare (i.e., IOP program, 12-step meetings, etc.)

2. Residential Rehab Treatment

Residential rehab is similar to inpatient rehab but occurs in a less structured and secure environment. While many inpatient rehabilitation facilities resemble hospitals, residential programs often occur in home-like atmospheres. These programs are for individuals working to establish long-term sobriety and more independence.⁴

Many programs require residents to get jobs, pay rent, do chores, and attend drug treatment programs. Individuals may stay for a year or longer if they follow these rules and remain drug- and alcohol-free. Each residential rehab center has a certain number of beds available, and patients typically share common areas and sometimes bedrooms with other residents.

Residential rehabilitation centers may include:^1,4

• Initial interviews with house managers or residents
• Residential settings with shared common areas and rooms
• Optional long-term stays in the residential program
• Expectations to follow the rules and guidelines related to remaining sober
• Expectations to seek and maintain employment and pay rent
• Structured and sober environments with random drug screens
• Expectations to remain in addiction treatment
• Sharing household tasks, chores, and responsibilities
• Staff member or manager overseeing the house
• Ability to leave the facility for scheduled appointments, work, or other activities

3. Intensive Outpatient Rehab

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are another example of rehabilitation facilities, and most IOP programs last three to six months. These centers offer treatment three to five times weekly, and clients must attend group therapy and skills groups at least nine hours per week.4 Groups are usually led by certified or licensed substance abuse professionals, and many IOPs also provide individual therapy, case management services, and psychiatric medication management.^3,4

Intensive outpatient rehabilitation centers may include:^1,3,4

• Multidisciplinary teams of licensed mental health and addiction counselors, a psychiatric medication provider, and certified substance abuse group facilitators
• Structured group therapy meetings where clients learn about addiction, coping skills, and ways to strengthen their recovery and prevent relapse
• Structured treatment programs with individualized treatment goals and plans
• Expectations to comply with regular drug screens and maintain sobriety throughout treatment
• Learning recovery and coping skills to manage urges and maintain sobriety
• Setting a discharge or graduation date with the expectation of stepping down to outpatient rehab or a lower level of care

4. Outpatient Rehab

OOutpatient rehab often involves regular online or in-person counseling sessions on addiction recovery.⁴ Many counselors have special certifications or secondary addiction counseling licenses, and some may work in specialty addiction rehab clinics or independently in group or private practices.

Outpatient rehabilitation is usually best for individuals with mild addictions or who have been sober for a sustained period.^1,4 Programs are often combined with services like 12-step recovery groups, psychiatric care, or sober living residential rehab facilities.

Outpatient rehabilitation centers may include:^1,3,4

• Individual, group, or family counseling sessions weekly
• Therapy sessions or medication management at less
• Individualized treatment plans with recovery-oriented goals
• Support achieving treatment goals through psychoeducation and skill-building
• Opportunities to work on underlying issues like trauma, grief, or mental illness
• Individualized treatment plans focusing on addictions and any other issues
• Being held accountable for recovery and using skills outside of sessions
• Less frequent sessions or stopping therapy after achieving treatment goals

Rehab & the Stages of Addiction Recovery

The rehab process accounts for differing individual needs throughout addiction treatment. Individuals will likely experience a succession of stages during recovery, each with different rehabilitation goals.

Below are the stages of recovery in rehab:¹

Treatment Engagement

In the first stage of addiction recovery, a person is usually in active addiction and has not yet taken steps toward sobriety. In response to this risk, rehab facilities provide clinical evaluations to determine the appropriate type of treatment necessary. Professionals may then recommend inpatient, residential, or intensive outpatient care based on levels of commitment and motivation. Physicians may provide medical support for withdrawal or detox before orienting patients to treatment practices and staff.

Early Recovery

Early recovery is typically the first 30-90 days of sobriety when relapse rates are still high. Individuals have engaged in some kind of treatment or self-help and have established early sobriety but need support and detailed maintenance.

Rehabilitation facilities aim to help these individuals maintain abstinence and prevent relapse while providing intensive outpatient or residential care. Patients and staff work together to identify triggers for relapse, coping skills, and healthy routines. Staff may also educate clients on establishing housing, financial, and legal stability.

Maintenance

In the maintenance stage of recovery, individuals have usually achieved early remission from their substance use disorder but haven’t reached sustained remission (1 year or more).⁵ At this point, the goals of rehabilitation include improving social and emotional well-being, building confidence in sobriety, and making sustainable lifestyle changes to support recovery. Patients and staff focus on addressing underlying trauma or mental healthy concerns as clients prepare for potential outpatient rehab care.^1,3,4

Community Support

In the final stage of recovery, a person has sustained remission from their addiction and may continue receiving care in an outpatient rehab center. Individuals may instead pursue self-help and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery. Clients focus on lessening their reliance on treatment, maintaining healthy relationships, and improving independence. They are encouraged to utilize the self-awareness skills taught in rehab to manage stress and overcome urges.^1,4

Common Questions About Rehab

You may have questions about the appropriate level of care necessary for your needs. As mentioned, different types of rehab offer different types of treatment. Therefore, knowing where to find a facility and what local programs are available is helpful.

Below are answers to common questions about rehabilitation facilities:

• How do I determine the kind of rehab I need: Inpatient or outpatient rehab centers require a clinical evaluation for admission. A licensed professional can assess the severity of your substance use and make recommendations based on your needs.^3,4
• Where do I find rehab programs: You can search for a rehab facility using an online therapist directory, online search engine, or insurance directory.
• How much does rehab cost: Rehab costs vary depending on program type, location, and treatments provided. The average monthly cost of a publicly funded inpatient facility is $6,000, while private stays may exceed $17,000.⁷
• How long does rehab last: The length of time you will need to remain in treatment varies depending on the program, the type of treatment provided, and your progress. Some research shows that staying in treatment longer leads to higher rates of long-term sobriety.⁸
• What if I relapse in rehab: Because over half of people in recovery will relapse at least once, many programs have built some flexibility into their protocols.^6,8 Staff reviews specific policies with each client before admission.

Final thoughts

There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment for people who struggle with addiction. People with more severe addictions or who need medical detox may require inpatient care before pursuing lower treatment levels.^1,3,4 Still, the most important aspects of recovery include a person’s commitment to sobriety, developing a support system, and working to make positive changes that improve their quality of life.^6,8 Most rehab centers support these goals, which is why they can all be effective options for people wanting to overcome an addiction.