Substance Use Treatment and American Addiction Centers

At AAC, we believe that recovery from substance use is possible, and that you shouldn’t  have to do it alone. Our mission is to connect individuals and families suffering from substance use disorders (SUDs) with high-quality, evidence-based treatment options across the nation. Whether you or a loved one is looking for detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient care, or aftercare resources, we are here to help every step of the way.

What Is Substance Use Treatment?

Addiction treatment refers to a range of therapeutic interventions designed to address physical dependence, psychological triggers, and underlying behavioral or environmental contributors to addiction. No one method works for everyone; effective treatment often involves a personalized combination of medical care, behavioral therapy, counseling, support, and long-term relapse prevention.

Why Individualized Substance Use Treatment Matters

Addiction is rarely a one-size-fits-all condition. The best treatment plan depends on many factors: the substance(s) used, duration of use, withdrawal symptoms, co-occurring mental health issues, social supports, personal circumstances, and more.

Because of this variability, effective substance use treatment rarely relies on a single approach. Instead, successful recovery typically combines:

• Medical care (especially for detox or managing withdrawal)
• Behavioral therapies and counseling
• Emotional support, education, and relapse prevention
• Aftercare support and community reintegration

Evidence-Based Therapies & Treatment Modalities

Some of the common therapeutic modalities include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) ,  a widely used approach focused on identifying and changing harmful thought patterns and behaviors that fuel addiction. CBT develops coping skills, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention strategies.
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) / Motivational Therapy (MT) ,  for individuals ambivalent about change, MET/MT supports motivation to reduce or quit substance use through a non-judgmental, client-centered approach.
• Behavioral reinforcement programs, such as Contingency Management (CM), which use stimulus control and positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence and engagement in treatment.
• Holistic and complementary therapies ,  including mindfulness training, stress reduction practices, meditation, yoga, and other mind-body modalities to support emotional wellbeing, reduce cravings, and build healthy coping mechanisms.

Many high-quality programs integrate several of these modalities, combining medication (if appropriate), therapy, peer support, and holistic care ,  tailored to each participant’s needs.

Levels of Care in Substance Use Treatment

Substance abuse treatment is often delivered in stages ,  based on the individual’s needs, readiness, and progress. The most common levels of care include the following:

Medical Detox

Safe, supervised management of alcohol and drug withdrawal. 

Inpatient Rehab

Live-in treatment for individuals needing intensive therapy, support, and 24/7 supervision. 

Partial Hospitalization (PHP)

For those who needg intensive, structured care but do not need a 24/7 live-in program. . PHPs are a step down from residential care and a great way to transition into outpatient treatment. 

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

For those who benefit from frequent therapy sessions but are stable enough to live at home and maintain daily responsibilities.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient therapy occurs at a frequency that works for the patient and allows flexibility for work, school, and family obligations.

Because recovery is often not linear, many people step up or down between these levels based on progress or relapse risk. A good treatment provider will reassess regularly and adjust care accordingly.

Substance Use Treatment FAQs

Is outpatient treatment as effective as inpatient rehab?

Outpatient treatment can be highly effective ,  especially for those with less severe addiction or strong social supports. It offers flexibility, allows you to maintain work/school/life commitments, and can be very cost-effective.

However, for individuals with heavy physical dependence, unstable living situations, or high relapse risk, inpatient or more intensive programs may offer better chances of long-term recovery.

Why are multiple therapies often used at once?

Addiction is multifaceted and complex, and effective programs utilize multiple therapies to address the full array of a patient’s needs and experiences.

What if the first treatment attempt doesn’t work?

Recovery isn’t always linear. Many people need multiple rounds of treatment, mixing levels of care and therapeutic approaches, before achieving stability. A successful program will regularly reassess and be flexible enough to adapt your plan ,  from detox to long-term aftercare.

Identifying that you have a problem is the first step towards recovery. We at American Addictions Centers (AAC) can help with all types of drug abuse. Learn more about specific drug addiction and treatment options below.

Addiction Information by Substance

Which Substances Does My Insurance Cover?

Depending on your specific insurance plan and coverage, which substances are covered by insurance can vary. Use our form below to check if your provider typically covers rehab for substance abuse. You can also call our admissions navigators at and they can check your specific plan coverage.

Can I Check My Insurance Coverage for Addiction Rehab Online?

Yes, you can check your insurance coverage for addiction rehab online. Start by clicking the “Check Your Coverage Online” button below and filling out the form. We’ll be able to tell you if your insurance is in-network with one of our American Addiction Centers (AAC) facilities.

How much does treatment cost at an AAC facility?

The cost of rehab varies depending on the patient’s level of treatment, length of stay, insurance coverage, and other unique factors. The amount of coverage or insurance acceptance is based on the insurance policy that each patient is covered by. This means out-of-pocket expenses will vary.

Can I choose which AAC facility to go to?

Our admissions navigators will help make the best recommendation for you, based on your needs, to determine which of our treatment facilities will be the right fit. Contact an admissions navigator today at .

Taking the First Step Toward Recovery

If you or someone you care about is struggling with addictionsubstance use the most important step is reaching out. 

Your path to recovery could begin with:

• A medical detox to safely clear substances from your system.
• An inpatient rehab program for structured support and therapy.
• An outpatient or intensive outpatient program that lets you maintain daily life while receiving care.
• Aftercare services and sober living support for long-term stability and relapse prevention.

No matter how long you’ve been struggling, or what your background is, help is available, and recovery is possible.