The information below was compiled from various websites and is intended to assist alcoholics/addicts and their friends and family to get the into recovery.
Level IV: Detoxification (“detox”)/ Inpatient treatment:
This is the highest level of care and individuals are placed in a locked unit generally in a hospital setting. Most addicts (alcoholic/drug abuse) are placed in this type of care to be medically monitored while they are detoxifying from alcohol/drugs.
They will meet with a therapist/case manager, psychiatrist and may attend minimal groups. This level is not treatment but is the beginning of the process to detox from alcohol/drugs in a safe and stable environment. It is the first step. Sometimes alcoholics/addicts end up in inpatient treatment as a result of suicide attempts or for safety. Alcoholics/Addicts are placed in these types of programs until they are physically and psychologically stabilized.
Private insurance (including MediCal) generally pays for this level of care and the length of stay is based on the medical necessity and insurance coverage after initial assessment.
Level III: Residential Treatment (Rehab)
Residential treatment programs require that an individual live at the program during treatment, but it is not “locked”. Alcoholics/Addicts can leave. There are a variety of rehab facilities to choose from and the care varies as does the cost. The Inpatient page has a list of programs and locations to choose from in Kern and Los Angeles counties.
Residential treatment programs usually involve attending group therapy much of the day, individual therapy and medication management (if needed). Some residential programs offer alternate forms of treatment such as equine therapy, wilderness excursions, acupuncture, yoga, massage, and expressive therapy. Some programs do not take insurance while others do, however, there may be limits of coverage and alcoholics/addicts must be able to self pay.
Many of the residential/rehab programs are 30 to 60 days in length and it is critical that comprehensive aftercare is arranged before the release from a residential/rehab facility. This to assist the alcoholic/addict to receive care after release but is not a “fix” for addiction.
Level II: Intensive Outpatient/Partial Hospitalization
This level has multiple options for the Alcoholics/Addicts. Partial hospitalization, transitional sober living programs and intensive outpatient therapy programs and Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotic Anonymous meetings can be combined depending on the needs of the alcoholic/addict.
Partial Hospitalization program (“day treatment”)
Partial hospitalization programs generally run out of clinics, hospitals or behavioral therapy agencies. Individuals generally need to take off of work to attend the sessions as the hours often from from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Alcoholics/Addicts either live at home or are in a transitional sober living home.
Partial hospitalization programs may involve group therapy, along with individual therapy/case management and medication management (if needed). In this level, alcoholics/addicts step down to an outpatient treatment plan upon discharge from the program. If an alcoholics/addicts is continuing to relapse during or after attending a partial program, reevaluation may need to be done to determine if they need a higher level of care such as detox or rehab.
Sober Living Environment (SLE) Programs
Some Sober Living Environment SLE programs require that the individual has attended a rehabilitation program while others do not. Some are connected to residential (inpatient) programs and are the next step to independent living.
Sober Living Environment (SLE) Programs require that individuals will be living at the program and engaging in various forms of treatment outside of the house- such as individual, family and group therapy. Outside treatment can include Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), personal counseling and/or attendance at support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) on a daily basis.
Some SLE offer case management, vocational and educational services to assist in the transition to independent living. Insurance may not pay for sober living expenses, however, there are some free and/or sliding scale options as well as veterans programs.
Sober Living
Sober living is the lowest level of residential care in terms and generally no clinical services are provided within those houses, but alcohol/drug testing is standard. While clinical services are not provided in the house, sober living houses provide alcoholics/addicts to transition to real world and in some cases to “relearn” coping and management skills for life. These skills are life skills such as taking care of the house, cooking, cleaning and participating in house meetings.
Individuals will often be receiving therapy from an outside agency, attending AA/NA on a daily basis and some offer medication management. Some sober living environments do no offer medication management so individuals will need to arrange for that service outside the house.
Many sober houses require residences there will be engaged in at least 20-25 hours of activities outside of the house per week. This activity can be a part time job, volunteer work or academic engagement.
Houses are gender specific normally but there are houses that are offered for families and women/children.
Alcoholics/Addicts are generally expected to stay in the sober living environment of program for several months up to one year to assist the transition to independent living.
Insurance does not pay for sober living, and there are a range of prices for this type of housing. There is a page for Kern/LA counties on this site.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
An Intensive outpatient program (IOP) usually operate out of a clinic, hospital or treatment facility and sessions range from 3 to 4 hours per day. This allows individuals to also attend part time work or school. IOP programs are also available in the evening, which allows alcoholics/addicts to work full time.
IOP generally involve mainly group therapy, along with individual therapy/case management and medication management as well. IOP range in length from weeks to months depending on the progress and needs of the individual. Insurance (including MediCal) and self-pay programs are available.
Intensive Case Management/Community Outreach Programs
Intensive Case Management or Community Outreach Programs have a variety of structures to their program. Some come directly to the client and provide services.
They are able to meet in various locations (apartment, coffee shop, college, etc.). These programs range in services/intensity depending on the clinical needs of the individual and the cost is often determined by the hours of weekly clinical contact.
The services may include individual therapy and case management, medication management, vocational/career counseling and family meetings, etc. Insurance may cover some of these services.
Level I: Outpatient Services
Outpatient Services is the lowest level of care and some alcoholics/addicts deem this the most desirable as they want discreet addiction care.
Outpatient care may involve receiving treatment from a therapist, psychiatrist (prescribe medication), psychiatric nurse practitioner, or addiction counselor in private practice or who may be part of a clinic. Insurance may or may not cover all the cost.
There are outpatient clinics may also provide therapy groups and alcohol/drug testing, which can lead to a more comprehensive treatment plan. In the Outpatient Page on this site, there are a variety of options available.
Alcoholics/Addicts are encouraged to attend support groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to provide addiction support and provide the 12-step program for recovery. There is a page that lists the programs and links to meeting times.
Ridgecrest Recovery Portal 