Start here: it's okay to not know where to begin

Finding substance use treatment is genuinely confusing. There are multiple levels of care, varying philosophies, dramatically different cost structures, and a treatment industry that doesn't always put patient needs first. This guide gives you a clear framework for finding care that's actually right for your situation.

Step 1: Understand the levels of care

Substance use treatment exists on a continuum. Higher levels of care provide more intensive support and structure.

Medical detox — for people who need medical supervision during withdrawal. Not a full treatment program — a first step for those whose withdrawal could be medically dangerous (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids).
Residential treatment — 24-hour structured care, typically 28–90 days. Appropriate for severe disorders or when home environment is not conducive to recovery.
Partial hospitalization (PHP) — intensive day program (typically 6 hours/day, 5 days/week) with return home in the evenings.
Intensive outpatient (IOP) — 3 hours per day, 3–5 days per week. Allows maintenance of work or family responsibilities.
Standard outpatient — individual and group therapy, 1–3 times per week. Most flexible level of care.

Step 2: Consider medication-assisted treatment

For opioid and alcohol use disorders, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) — FDA-approved medications combined with counseling — is the gold standard. MAT reduces overdose deaths by more than 50%. Any treatment program that refuses to offer or support MAT for opioid use disorder is not following current evidence-based standards.

Step 3: Evaluate programs carefully

Ask any potential treatment program: Are you licensed and accredited? Do you offer MAT if appropriate? What is your approach to co-occurring mental health conditions? What does aftercare look like? What are your outcomes? Programs that can't answer these questions clearly deserve scrutiny.

Step 4: Check insurance and costs

The Mental Health Parity Act requires most insurance plans to cover substance use disorder treatment. Call your insurance company and ask specifically about your substance use disorder benefits — inpatient, outpatient, and medication coverage. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) provides free, confidential help navigating treatment options and financing.

Find verified providers

BehavioralHealthGuide.org lists verified substance use treatment providers and addiction counselors across all 50 states. Filter by location, specialty, and insurance accepted to find providers near you.

How to Find Substance Use Treatment