When I meet a new patient seeking help for addiction, the first thing I focus on is helping them understand what addiction truly is: not a moral failure, but a learned response to emotional pain. Addiction is about turning outward to cope with what’s happening inside. When we start from that place of compassion instead of judgment, we create real opportunities for healing.
In another article, I explore the current of addiction that flows from emotional pain, to craving, to addictive behavior, and ultimately to the illusion of pleasure.
But the good news is, there are opportunities to intervene at every stage. And we don’t just have to swim in the current – we can actually get out of the river altogether. That’s what recovery is really about.
Weighing Your Options for Addiction Help
There are many paths to addiction recovery and health. No one can promise healing, and no single path works for everyone. If someone claims to have the answer or guarantees success, that’s a red flag. Recovery is deeply personal, and your journey should reflect your individual needs, circumstances, and goals.
When weighing your options, one useful piece of research to keep in mind is this: a 30-day residential program is roughly equivalent to 12 outpatient therapy sessions in terms of therapeutic exposure. That doesn’t mean one is better than the other – just that the level of intensity differs.
Factors to Balance When Exploring Recovery Treatment Options
It’s also common for people with addiction to make decisions quickly or impulsively – jumping into a program because it sounds good, feels intense, or was recommended in a crisis moment.
Try to step back. Breathe. Take time to reflect on what you really need and what type of help will allow you to grow – not just survive.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you consider what approach might be right for you:
- Your motivation and energy levels
- Time commitment (e.g., weekly therapy vs. full-time treatment)
- Finances and insurance coverage
- Personal style preference (Do you prefer structure or flexibility? Talk therapy or holistic approaches?)
- Ability to take leave from work or school
- Family responsibilities or caregiving roles
- Safety concerns, including risk of overdose or self-harm
- Legal or court-mandated requirements
- Your support system (Do you have people you can rely on while you recover?)
- Need for privacy or anonymity
- Proximity and access to treatment providers
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution – and that’s okay. Making a decision can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone in this. The next topic will walk you through some concrete options to help you find the path that fits you best.
The Most Common Forms of Treatment For Addiction Help
The most common types of addiction treatment include both inpatient and outpatient programs, along with therapy and support groups.
Get a downloadable PDF of the main treatment options here.
1. Individual and Group Counseling
This is one of the most accessible and flexible forms of treatment. Sessions typically last about 50 minutes and occur once per week, though frequency can vary. You may work one-on-one with a therapist, participate in group counseling, or both.
Cost: $75–$250 per session (often covered by insurance)
Best for: Ongoing support, personal insight, emotional regulation, and behavior change
2. Self Recovery: An Online Self-Paced Program
A flexible, therapist-designed online course that guides you through the psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction recovery – all from home, on your own schedule. Built around evidence-based practices, the program focuses on real, lasting change through small, consistent learning experiences.
Format: Self-paced online lessons with optional live support groups and interactive exercises
Includes:
- Video lessons on emotional regulation, cravings, behavior change, and root causes
- Guided mindfulness series to increase awareness and control over urges
- Weekly optional live support groups led by experts
- Reflection prompts after each lesson to deepen integration
- Curated music to enhance emotional processing and engagement
Cost: $99 per month, with full access to all program features
Best for: People seeking a private, flexible, and affordable alternative to traditional treatment; ideal for those with busy schedules or those who prefer to work independently
Learn more at selfrecovery.org
3. Inpatient Program / Residential Treatment – “Rehab”
Involves living full-time at a treatment facility for a structured period, often 28 to 90+ days. Programs typically include daily group therapy, wellness activities, and 1–2 individual counseling sessions per week.
Cost: ~$27,000/month on average (varies by setting, amenities, and staff qualifications)
Includes: Room and board, full-time support, detox services (if needed), and immersive treatment
May require: Medical leave or short-term disability from work or school
When Residential Care Might Be Needed: If you’re currently struggling to meet basic needs – like food, hygiene, or housing – or if you’re in a situation where your safety is at risk (due to self-harm, overdose, or unsafe environments), a residential or inpatient program is often the safest and most supportive choice.
Similarly, if your social situation is highly unstable, or you’re at serious risk of relapse, a structured, immersive setting can provide the foundation you need.
4. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
This structured program allows you to live at home while attending treatment several days a week. It typically includes group therapy 3 days per week (2-4 hours per day), plus one individual counseling session weekly.
Duration: Usually 8–12 weeks
Cost: $5,000–$10,000 for a typical 10-week program
May require: Medical leave or reduced work hours
Best for: People who need more structure than weekly therapy but don’t require full-time residential care
5. Peer Support Groups
These are non-clinical, community-based support groups led by people in recovery. The most well-known are 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, but other options like SMART Recovery and Refuge Recovery are available.
Format: Group meetings, often daily or weekly, in-person or online
Cost: Free or donation-based
Best for: Ongoing mutual support, accountability, and connection—especially after formal treatment
6. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A highly structured, short-term program that serves as a middle ground between inpatient and outpatient care. Participants attend intensive treatment 5 days a week (4–5 hours per day) but return home in the evenings.
Includes: Daily group therapy, weekly one-on-one counseling, and psychiatric support
Cost: Around $350/day (varies by location and services)
May require: Short-term disability or time away from work/school
Best for: People needing intensive daily support without overnight
Addiction Help Resource Guide
Here are some useful links for addiction support:
- The most complete online addiction recovery program available: selfrecovery.org
- How to choose the right therapist: psychologytoday.com or goodtherapy.org
- Online therapy: betterhelp.com or talkspace.com
- Addiction and mental health treatment program finder for the US: samhsa.gov
- Rehab treatment locator: sobernation.com
- List of online addiction treatment and programs: addictionrecoveryguide.org
Keep in Mind: Addiction Help Can Start at Home
Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. Our relationships play a huge role, and often, they bear the brunt of addiction’s impact.
I see a lot of blame on both sides. The person struggling with addiction may blame their partner for stress, while the partner may blame them for chaos, instability, or poor parenting.
But what we really need is teamwork. Healing means shifting from “you versus me” to “us versus the problem.” Here’s something I wrote about how to support a partner without it turning into a fight.
A healthy relationship supports healing, but it can’t do all the healing for you.
