Rehab Hospitals vs Clinics vs Centers for Addiction Treatment

The Difference Between Rehab Hospitals & Centers

Addiction is a chronic disorder in which relapses are common. It can cause severe damage to a person’s brain. It’s the final and the most severe form of substance use disorder (SUD). There were more than 63,000 deaths by drug overdose in the U.S. in the year 2016, while 88,000 people died from alcohol poisoning.1

In the year 2017, there were around 14,000 rehab facilities in the U.S. that provided help for individuals struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. More than 1,3 million people asked for help in some of the rehab facilities. However, before seeking help, it’s important to understand the difference between rehab hospitals, rehab clinics, and rehab centers.2

What Is a Rehab Hospital?

Rehab hospitals are there to provide basic addiction treatment services for people suffering from severe SUD. They are usually not meant for long-term stay, and most programs last 30 days to a few months.3

There are several types of addiction hospitals depending on the primary care they provide, such as drug detox or simply treatment hospitals. They help patients not just with their SUD, but also provide medical services, such as nursing care.3

Substance abuse hospitals are considered providers of post-acute care. They usually take in patients who have been treated in traditional hospitals but require some additional care. Some people are admitted directly from their homes or from another setting. They usually provide people with inpatient rehab programs, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and some might even help by offering intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and providing a setting for the outpatient meetings.3

Rehab Hospitals Near Me Versus Travelling out of State

Drug rehab hospitals mostly provide inpatient care for their patients. As such, it might be better to look for the best rehab hospitals regardless of their location. You won’t have to travel every day to get to it, so it shouldn’t be an issue if it isn’t near your area.4

However, treatment at drug addiction hospitals might not last as long as programs in facilities of another type, so it might not pay off if you go to the distant parts of the country.3,4

Rehab Clinics for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

A rehab clinic is generally an outdated term initially used to denote facilities that are now referred to as rehab centers. Nonetheless, this general type of facility offers two types of care: treatment for the physical effects of SUD and mental health treatment. This treatment setting offers dual diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.5,6

What were once clinics, but now are rehab centers and similar facilities help teach people struggling with substance abuse how to lead a normal life and may include some aspects of the 12-step program. Because of that, many teach clients to be independent by making them clean after themselves or even cook their own meals. However, some centers have additional amenities and leisure facilities that can help patients relax between therapy sessions.7

Rehab “Clinics” Near Me Versus Travelling out of State

As mentioned, rehab clinics are no longer the preferred term among treatment providers. However, this type of rehab facility usually offers long-term care. As such, they are a perfect choice for someone who isn’t satisfied with the quality of rehab options in their area. As most types of treatment at a facility that offers inpatient care last anywhere between 6 and 12 months, you can consider finding a rehab center in a different state.8

Rehab Centers for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Rehab centers offer treatment for SUD. While they are not affiliated with hospitals, some do offer comparable SUD treatments to regular hospital programs. They provide much more specialized care for a person struggling with substance abuse and usually have a larger number of treatment options available. This includes:3,5

• Inpatient rehab programs.
• Residential care and treatment programs.
• Partial Hospitalization Programs.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs.
• Regular outpatient rehab programs.

Different rehab centers provide different types and levels of care. For example, there are residential rehabilitation centers that provide inpatient treatment, while other rehabilitation centers may provide IOPs. Many will also offer treatment for any related co-occurring disorders.6

Rehab Centers Near Me Versus Traveling out of State

Whether you should travel out of stay or join a local facility entirely depends on the type of treatment you require and the available options in your area. It also depends on the type of substance you’re struggling with.4

For instance, you may need alcohol or opioid rehab centers, so you can explore options close to you, as well as facilities out of state. However, if you spend too much time commuting, you may need to invest more energy, dedication, and patience. On the other hand, if you require an inpatient program, going out of state for the best resort rehabilitation center for your needs might be a better option.4

How Are Rehab Facilities Different from Rehab Hospitals and Centers?

Rehab facilities have similar goals to rehab hospitals and centers, but there are many differences between them, including:5,8

• Price: While the cost of treatment depends on many factors, such as the type and the length of treatment, rehab hospitals are typically more affordable than rehab facilities.
• Staff credentials: While all have professional and qualified staff, staff at rehab hospitals can seem less approachable compared to the staff at rehab centers and facilities. Also, most of the time professionals from hospitals have more education in the medical field, compared to behavioral treatment and psychology.
• Treatment methodology: Rehab facilities may have a different treatment methodology compared to rehab hospitals and centers. They may also provide various levels of care depending on each setting and offer even holistic therapy options.
• Drugs treated: Hospitals for drug users might not offer care to patients whose life isn’t endangered by their SUD. Since not all drugs cause significant health damage, they may not treat all forms of SUD. Rehab centers and facilities will usually treat all drugs, except those specialized in one particular substance. Also, many rehab centers focus on all forms of addiction, and not just SUD.

Which Rehab Type Is Best for Me?

To understand which type of rehab is the best for you, you should get assessed at one of the local treatment centers. The exact treatment will greatly depend on your unique circumstances, as well as your individual needs. You might also want to call some of the alcohol and drug rehab hotlines to learn more about your options.8

In general, long-term treatment at one of the residential rehabilitation centers may benefit a patient struggling with more severe addiction more than outpatient programs, and the chance of relapse is smaller. However, you should consult a professional who will advise the best course of action for you.8 

Does My Insurance Cover Drug Rehab Treatment?

This entirely depends on your insurance plan and provider. Overall, most insurance packages will cover treatment, no matter if you’re getting treated at a rehab hospital or center. However, there are some private pay rehab facilities or luxurious resort rehabilitation centers that may not work with all major insurance carriers. Still, most will accept two of the largest ones, Tricare and Medicaid.4

There are also many state-funded rehabs that offer free services for people who cannot afford their treatment.4

Fortunately, American Addiction Centers is in contact with all of the largest insurance providers. Additionally, you can verify whether your insurance will cover the cost of your rehab, no matter if you’re going to one of the state or private drug rehabilitation centers. While on the phone, you may also discuss other payment options available. 

Frequently Asked Questions