What Level of Treatment Do You Need?

The right level depends on substance type, how often you use, withdrawal risk, mental health needs, and your living situation. Severe daily use with dangerous withdrawal (alcohol, benzodiazepines, heavy opioids) often requires medical detox followed by residential care. Moderate use with some stability may fit intensive outpatient (IOP) or partial hospitalization (PHP). Mild or early-stage use may be appropriate for standard outpatient counseling. A professional assessment at intake is the gold standard — our tool provides a starting point, not a diagnosis.

Medical detox is strongly recommended for alcohol, benzodiazepines, and heavy opioid dependence. Withdrawal from alcohol and sedatives can cause seizures and delirium tremens, which can be fatal without supervision. Opioid withdrawal is rarely fatal but is extremely uncomfortable and often leads to relapse without support. Stimulant and marijuana withdrawal are primarily psychological. If you are unsure, err on the side of medical supervision — call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 for guidance.

Inpatient (residential) rehab means you live at the facility 24/7 with structured therapy, meals, and medical support — typically 30–90 days. Outpatient means you live at home and attend sessions at a clinic. Intensive outpatient (IOP) requires 9–19 hours per week; standard outpatient is weekly counseling. Inpatient offers the most structure for severe addiction or unsafe home environments. Outpatient works when you have a strong support system and lower withdrawal risk.

No. This tool is an educational guide based on publicly accepted treatment guidelines (including ASAM criteria). It does not replace evaluation by a licensed clinician. Treatment centers conduct their own intake assessment — often free and confidential — to determine the medically appropriate level of care. If you are in crisis, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

We search our directory of 12,000+ verified facilities using your answers: state, recommended level of care, substance type, insurance, and whether you need dual diagnosis or medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Results are sorted to show facilities with photos and complete profiles first. You can browse the full filtered list or call our helpline for personalized placement help.

Free and low-cost treatment exists in every state through Medicaid, state-funded programs, SAMHSA block grants, sliding-scale clinics, and nonprofit or faith-based centers. Select "No insurance" in the assessment to see self-pay cost estimates and facilities that may offer financial assistance. Call SAMHSA's free helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to find state-funded options near you.