Opens in a new tab

Plain answers about drugs, alcohol, withdrawal and treatment, from an independent educational resource.

Group of diverse adults seated in a circle during a counseling session in a bright, modern therapy room with a facilitator taking notes.

What Are the Levels of Addiction Treatment, From Detox to Sober Living?

In brief: Addiction treatment levels, from most to least intensive, are medically supervised detox, hospital inpatient or residential care, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, standard outpatient, and recovery housing. A clinical assessment matches a person to a level, and people often step down over time. Most people need at least 3 months of treatment in total.

Resources ·

Latest articles

Relaxed man smiling outdoors after drug detox and rehab, embracing a healthy lifestyle and recovery from substance abuse, happy and hopeful in a natural setting.

The Long History of Drugs: Rituals to Medicine

Explore a brief history of drugs, from ancient medicinal use to modern policy shifts. Understand the health, societal, and cultural impacts of various substances.

Resources ·

For families and friends

Worried about someone else's drinking or drug use? These guides cover what helps, what tends to backfire, and how to keep children steady while a parent is in treatment.

Need help now?

These are free public services. You do not need insurance to call.

  • 988

    Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text, any time.

  • 1-800-662-4357

    SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP). Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information.

  • 911

    Emergency. Call for an overdose, seizure, or if someone is unresponsive.

Drug Detox and Rehab is an independent educational resource. We summarize information from NIDA, SAMHSA, the CDC and peer-reviewed research. We are not doctors and we do not provide medical care.