Detox vs. Inpatient vs. PHP vs. IOP:
Which Level of Care Do You Need?

The ASAM Continuum of Care

ASAM defines treatment intensity levels from 0.5 (early intervention) to 4 (medically managed inpatient). Most people enter at the level appropriate for their current clinical presentation and step down as they stabilize.

Medical Detoxification

24/7 medically supervised withdrawal management. Required for alcohol, benzo, and sometimes severe opioid withdrawal. Duration: 3-10 days typical. This is the entry point for people in medical danger — not a treatment program in itself.

Residential / Inpatient (30-90 days)

Structured daily programming — group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, meals and housing included. Best for people who need to remove themselves from their environment or who have tried outpatient and relapsed.

Partial Hospitalization (PHP)

Full days (6 hrs), 5 days/week, returning home or to sober living at night. The intensity of inpatient without the residential component. Best for people stepping down from residential or who have stable housing.

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

3 hours/day, 3-5 days/week. The workhorse of addiction treatment — allows people to work, parent, and live at home while receiving structured support. Available in morning, afternoon, and evening tracks.

Standard Outpatient

Weekly or biweekly therapy, medication management. Best for early-stage issues or maintaining recovery after completing higher levels of care.