When your loved one finally shows willingness to get help — or when the situation has reached a crisis point — you need to act quickly. Having done your research before that moment arrives makes all the difference. This guide walks you through finding the right rehabilitation programme for your loved one.

Types of Rehabilitation Programmes

Medically supervised detox

For alcohol, opioid, and benzodiazepine addiction — often the required first step before rehabilitation. Not a standalone treatment, but the necessary bridge to it. Always seek medically supervised detox for these substances. See: How Long Does Drug Detox Take →

Residential (inpatient) rehabilitation

The person lives at the facility for the duration of treatment — typically 28 days, 60 days, or 90 days. Provides the most intensive support and removes the person from their using environment. Best for: severe addiction, multiple failed attempts, co-occurring mental health conditions, unsafe home environment.

Partial hospitalisation (PHP)

Intensive daily treatment (typically 5-6 hours per day) while living at home or in sober living. A step down from residential or an alternative for people who cannot access inpatient care.

Intensive outpatient (IOP)

Structured treatment for several hours per week while living at home. Suitable for less severe addiction or as a step-down from residential. Allows work and family commitments to continue alongside treatment.

Standard outpatient

Weekly therapy sessions. Suitable for mild addiction or as ongoing support after completing a higher level of care.

What to Look For in a Rehabilitation Programme

• Accreditation — look for Joint Commission (JCAHO) or CARF accreditation in the US
• Evidence-based treatment — CBT, motivational interviewing, and medication-assisted treatment where appropriate
• Dual diagnosis capability — can they treat co-occurring mental health conditions?
• Family involvement — good programmes actively include families in treatment
• Aftercare planning — what happens when they leave? A good programme plans aftercare from day one
• Staff qualifications — licensed addiction counsellors, clinical staff, medical support

Questions to Ask When Researching Programmes

• What does a typical day look like?
• What therapy approaches do you use?
• Do you offer medication-assisted treatment?
• How do you involve families?
• What does your aftercare programme include?
• What is the cost and what does insurance cover?
• What is your staff-to-client ratio?

How to Find a Programme

• SAMHSA Treatment Locator: findtreatment.gov — searchable by location, type, and payment method. Free.
• SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 — free guidance 24/7, helps navigate options
• Your GP or family doctor (UK): Can refer to NHS drug treatment services or provide guidance on private options
• Frank (UK): talktofrank.com or 0300 123 6600 — confidential guidance on local services
• Your insurance provider: Call the number on your insurance card and ask specifically about “substance use disorder treatment” coverage

Cost and Insurance

In the US, the Affordable Care Act requires most insurance plans to cover substance use disorder treatment at the same level as other medical conditions. Call your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage before committing to a programme.

If insurance is insufficient or unavailable, options include:

• State-funded treatment programmes (searchable via findtreatment.gov)
• Sliding scale fees — many programmes adjust fees based on income
• SAMHSA grants for treatment (ask your helpline adviser)

Be Ready to Act

Windows of willingness can be brief. Have at least one programme researched and a plan in place before you need it. When they say yes, the goal is to move within hours — not days.