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Finding Addiction Treatment
Learn about levels of care for substance use disorders — from outpatient counseling to residential treatment — medications for addiction, and how to find reputable, evidence-based programs.
Levels of care
- Outpatient counseling: regular sessions while living at home.
- Intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization: several hours of treatment on multiple days a week.
- Residential treatment: living at a facility for structured care.
- Medically managed withdrawal (detox): supervised care when stopping a substance could be dangerous.
Medications for addiction
For opioid and alcohol use disorders in particular, FDA-approved medications can reduce cravings and relapse risk. Ask any program whether it offers or supports medication treatment.
Finding a reputable program
- Check state licensing and accreditation.
- Ask which evidence-based therapies are used.
- Ask about aftercare and relapse-prevention planning.
- Be wary of programs offering free travel, cash or “guaranteed” results.
In the US, search FindTreatment.gov or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).
Learn more about addiction.
When to seek professional help
Consider talking with a doctor or licensed mental health professional if symptomslast for more than two weeks, keep coming back, or make it harder to manage work, school, relationships or daily tasks. You don’t need to wait until things feel severe — getting support early often makes things easier.
If you’re thinking about harming yourself or are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).Crisis resources in other countries.
Explore care optionsReferences
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About this article
Written by
ExploreMentalHealth Editorial Team
Our editors research and write every article using government health agencies, professional medical organizations and peer-reviewed research, following our published editorial standards.
- First published
- September 18, 2026
- Last updated
- September 23, 2026
- Last medically reviewed
- Review pending