Treatment programs

Every level of care, explained

Treatment isn’t one place. It’s a path, and most people move through a few stages of it. Here’s what each level involves, how intense it is, and how to tell where to start.

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Updated October 2026

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Levels of care

Treatment is a path, not a place.

Most people move through a few of these stages. We’ll help you work out where to start and what should come next.

Medical detox

3–10 days · 24/7 medical care

Doctors and nurses manage withdrawal safely, often with medication, so your body can stabilize.

Start here if you get sick, shaky or anxious when you stop drinking or using.

Care that starts with your body.Detox is medical. You’ll be monitored around the clock.

Residential treatment

30–90 days · live on site

Structured days of therapy, groups and rest, away from everyday triggers.

Good for severe or long-term use, or a home that isn’t safe for recovery yet.

Partial hospitalization

PHP · 5–6 hrs a day, 5 days a week

Hospital-level programming during the day. Home or sober housing at night.

Good for stepping down from residential care.

A sunlit counseling room with two armchairs

Real therapy, not a waiting room.Individual, group and family sessions.

Intensive outpatient

IOP · ~3 hrs a day, 3–5 days a week

Serious treatment that fits around work, school or family.

Good for people with steady support at home.

Outpatient care

1–2 sessions a week

Ongoing counseling and medication management for as long as it helps.

Good for long-term stability after a structured program.

Sober living & aftercare

Months to years

Recovery residences, alumni groups and check-ins that keep your momentum going.

Good for the first, most fragile year.

Compare the levels

Hours are typical ranges based on the ASAM Criteria, the standard clinicians use to match people to care. Every program is a little different.

Level of care	Where you sleep	Hours of care	Typical length	Often right for
Medical detox	At the facility	24/7 medical	3–10 days	Withdrawal from alcohol, benzos or opioids
Residential	At the facility	24/7 supervised	30–90 days	Severe or long-term use, unsafe home, repeated relapse
Partial hospitalization (PHP)	Home or sober living	20+ hrs a week	2–6 weeks	Stepping down from residential, or needing more than IOP
Intensive outpatient (IOP)	Home	9–19 hrs a week	6–12 weeks	Steady home support, work or school to keep
Outpatient	Home	Under 9 hrs a week	Months or longer	Long-term stability, mild disorders
Sober living	Recovery residence	Peer support, house rules	3–12 months or more	The first year, and anyone without a stable sober home

Approaches used at every level

Medication (MAT)Buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone and more, alongside counseling.Read more →Dual diagnosisMental health and addiction treated together by one team.Read more →For familiesWhat to say, what to avoid, and what to do if they say no.Read more →

Where most people start

Start with detox if

You drink heavily every day
You take benzodiazepines daily
You use opioids and feel sick without them
You’ve had seizures or DTs before

Outpatient may be enough if

Withdrawal isn’t a risk for you
Your home is stable and supportive
You can keep appointments several days a week
You’re medically and emotionally stable

Not sure? That’s exactly what a first call is for. We’ll ask a few questions, check your insurance and help you find the right starting point. Call (305) 701‑0439.

Questions

Questions people ask us.

Don’t see yours? Call or text (305) 701‑0439. There are no wrong questions, and nothing you tell us leaves the call.

See all questions

How do I know which level of care I need?

Clinicians use the ASAM Criteria, which look at withdrawal risk, physical and mental health, readiness, relapse risk and your home environment. In practice, a short call with us and an assessment by the program sorts it out.

Do I have to start with residential treatment?

No. Many people start in outpatient or intensive outpatient care, sometimes with medication. Residential treatment makes sense when withdrawal, safety or home life makes outpatient care too hard.

Can I change levels during treatment?

Yes, and most people do. It’s normal to step down from residential to PHP to IOP, or to step up for a while if things get harder.

Whenever you’re ready

Talk it through with someone who knows Miami’s programs.

(305) 701‑0439

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