Drug Addiction Treatment Centers: A Complete Guide to Rehab, Levels of Care & Dual Diagnosis
Drug addiction—clinically known as Substance Use Disorder (SUD)—affects millions of people worldwide. It impacts not only the individual but also families, workplaces, and entire communities.
Seeking treatment is one of the most important decisions a person can make. And finding the right rehab center, tailored to your unique needs, can significantly influence your long-term recovery.
This guide covers:
- Types of addiction treated at rehab
- Levels of care (Detox, Residential, PHP, IOP, OP)
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Signs and symptoms of drug & alcohol addiction
- When to seek rehab
- How to support a loved one
Throughout, you’ll find links to explore addiction-specific pages on RehabsNearMe.ai, helping users find a program that matches their needs.
Choosing the Right Drug Rehab Center
The journey to sobriety begins the moment you decide to seek help. Once you make that choice, selecting the right treatment center is crucial.
Every rehab program should be chosen based on:
- Type of substance use
- Severity of addiction
- Presence of mental health conditions
- Support system
- Treatment history
- Insurance coverage
Types of Substance Addictions Treated in Rehab
Most addiction treatment centers treat a wide range of substances, including:
Dual diagnosis is very common—about two-thirds of people struggling with addiction also experience co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
Explore all conditions here
Levels of Care in Addiction Treatment
Recovery often involves multiple levels of care. Each level supports a different stage of healing.
- Medical Detox (3–7 days) A medically supervised detox helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely—especially for substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids. Find detox programs near me
- Residential / Inpatient Rehab (28+ days) Best for individuals who need 24/7 medical and therapeutic support. You live onsite and receive structured daily treatment. Explore residential rehabs
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Also known as "day treatment," PHP offers full days of clinical care 5–7 days per week while living at home or sober living.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) IOP is ideal for those who need strong support but do not require full hospitalization. Treatment occurs 3–5 days per week for several hours per day.
- Outpatient (OP) Designed for individuals with mild SUD or those stepping down from higher levels of care. Offers flexible scheduling (1–2x weekly therapy sessions).
- Sober Living Homes Safe, structured environments that help individuals transition back into everyday life while maintaining sobriety.
Dual Diagnosis: Treating Mental Health + Addiction Together
Dual diagnosis occurs when someone experiences both SUD and a mental health disorder simultaneously. Common co-occurring conditions include:
Effective dual diagnosis treatment requires integrated care addressing both conditions at the same time.
Recognizing Drug Addiction: Signs & Symptoms
Drug addiction occurs when your brain becomes dependent on the substance for normal functioning. Warning signs include:
- Feeling unable to stop using
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Intense cravings
- Hiding or lying about drug use
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Prioritizing drug use over responsibilities
- Continuing use despite consequences
If these signs resonate, it may be time to find help.
How Drug Addiction Affects the Body
Drug addiction harms nearly every organ and can lead to:
- Cognitive decline
- Memory loss
- Organ damage
- Increased overdose risk (especially with fentanyl)
- Weakened immune system
- Increased mental health symptoms
The longer addiction continues, the greater the risk.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) has its own unique symptoms, including:
- Cravings
- Shaking or sweating when not drinking
- Blackouts
- Using alcohol to cope with stress or emotions
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Risky behaviors while drinking
Learn more about alcohol addiction
Effects of Alcohol on the Body
Chronic alcohol use can damage:
- Brain – affects communication pathways
- Heart – causes arrhythmias and high blood pressure
- Liver – leads to fatty liver, fibrosis, or cirrhosis
- Immune system – weakens immunity
Heavy or long-term drinking can also worsen depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
When to Seek Drug or Alcohol Rehab
You may need rehab when:
- You experience withdrawal
- You cannot cut down on your own
- You feel out of control around substances
- Your substance use disrupts your work, family, or health
- You feel emotionally or physically dependent
If you're questioning your drinking or drug use, that alone is a sign to seek help.
Supporting Someone with Addiction
Helping a loved one struggling with addiction can be challenging. Some effective approaches include:
- Offering compassion and a non-judgmental space
- Asking open and gentle questions
- Helping research treatment options
- Encouraging them to talk to a doctor or therapist
