Washington D.C. Rehab Centers | Detox, Inpatient Drug Rehab, FAQ

Thousands of Washington D.C. residents struggle with substance abuse issues. In 2020, the district experienced record-breaking numbers of opioid-related deaths.

Luckily, Washington D.C. is making every effort to combat the area’s growing substance abuse problems by supporting widespread access to addiction treatment services. If you or a loved one love struggles with addiction, learn more about your treatment options in D.C.

How To Find & Choose Addiction Treatment In Washington D.C.

In Washington D.C., the Department of Behavioral Health promotes widespread access to substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services throughout the district. 

If you live in Washington D.C. and need help with a substance use disorder, you can explore your treatment options by: 

• using SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Locator
• calling the national substance abuse helpline at 1-800-662-HELP
• contacting substance abuse treatment providers directly
• visiting the Department of Behavioral Health’s Substance Use Disorder Assessment and Referral Sites page

As you explore your treatment options, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of programs available. To ensure you enroll in a treatment facility that can meet your unique needs, consider the following factors: 

• accreditation: national or state accreditation signifies a treatment facility adheres to strict standards of care and employs licensed counselors
• individualized treatment plans: your struggle with addiction is unique and your treatment plan should be designed around your unique needs, situation, and goals of rehab 
• family involvement: if your family is one of your primary sources of support, look for rehab facilities that allow family involvement throughout the treatment process
• evidence-based services: these services have documented evidence demonstrating their efficacy in substance abuse treatment
• co-occurring disorders: if you have a dual diagnosis of addiction and mental health issues, you’ll benefit from specialized treatment for co-occurring disorders

In your search for the right treatment facility for your needs, other important considerations include the cost of care, insurance coverage, length of treatment, and whether the programs align with your personal goals.  

Washington D.C. Drug & Alcohol Treatment Programs

Several levels of care for addiction treatment are available to Washington D.C. residents, including: 

• assessments and treatment referrals 
• detox and stabilization 
• residential treatment 
• outpatient services 
• medication-assisted treatment 
• recovery support services 

When you’re ready to seek treatment, the first step in the rehab process is an individualized assessment. This evaluation helps determine the level(s) of care necessary for your unique situation and needs.  

Medical Drug & Alcohol Detoxification

Withdrawing from drugs and alcohol can be dangerous when done alone. That’s why it’s so important that you undergo a supervised detoxification program with licensed healthcare professionals.  

Medical detox provides a safe, monitored environment for you to work through the withdrawal process. Your medical team will work around the clock to keep you comfortable.  

Learn more about Medical Drug & Alcohol Detox

Residential/Inpatient Drug Rehab

Residential drug and alcohol rehab programs offer the most intensive form of addiction treatment available. When you undergo inpatient rehab, you’ll live at the treatment facility and have access to 24-hour medical and behavioral support.  

Inpatient programs typically implement multiple clinical and therapeutic approaches to addiction treatment, including counseling, education, evidence-based services, and family involvement.  

Learn more about Residential Drug Rehab Centers

Outpatient Addiction Treatment

Outpatient treatment is generally less intensive than residential rehab and requires you to travel to and from treatment sessions several days per week.  

If you struggle with serious substance abuse, you may benefit from an intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization program, both of which offer similar services as inpatient treatment.  

Learn more about Outpatient Drug Rehab Centers

Medication-Assisted Treatment

If you struggle with an alcohol or opioid use disorder, your treatment provider may recommend medication-assisted treatment (MAT). 

This specialized form of care is designed to augment your individualized treatment plan with FDA-approved medication that can help you sustain long-term recovery.

Learn more about Alcohol Rehab Centers

Aftercare Support

After you complete your dedicated rehab program, you’ll have long-term access to a variety of support resources to help you stay strong in your recovery. These may include:

• transitional services, such as sober-living housing and vocational assistance
• 12-step programs
• individual and group therapy
• community support groups
• alumni support groups 

Learn more about Aftercare Support Services

Using Insurance For Addiction Treatment In Washington D.C.

Your health insurance policy may provide partial or full coverage for addiction treatment services in Washington D.C. Many rehab facilities throughout the district accept private insurance, as well as Medicaid and Medicare, to help cover the cost of treatment.  

If you’re ready to seek treatment and plan to use your insurance to help pay for your care, you can learn more about your benefits by:

• calling your insurance provider to discuss your plan’s coverage details
• calling treatment centers directly to ask if they take your insurance and whether they’re in your network
• review your policy documents to learn more about your deductibles, co-pays, and in-network providers

If You Don’t Have Insurance

If you don’t have insurance, you can still access addiction treatment services in Washington D.C. by choosing a community-based or non-profit rehab facility. These facilities offer low-cost or free services based on each individual’s income and ability to pay.  

If you need help locating a low-cost or free rehab facility, your assessment and referral provider can connect you with the resources you need.  

Washington D.C. Substance Abuse Facts

Before 2020, counterfeit prescription pills weren’t very prevalent in Washington D.C. After 2020, however, fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills have become a significant issue in the area, increasing the risk of drug overdose in D.C. residents.

Other substance use facts from Washington D.C. include:

• In 2020, 411 opioid overdose deaths occured.
• The 2020 opioid-related deaths are a significant increase from 2018, when 191 opioid-related deaths were confirmed.
• Emergency medical services (EMS) administered naloxone more than 1,790 times in 2018.
• In 2020, Fentanyl-related deaths outnumbered any other drug-related overdose deaths.

Addiction Treatment At Ark Behavioral Health

Ark Behavioral Health operates four fully accredited addiction treatment facilities in Massachusetts, which are available to Washington D.C. residents. 

We offer a full continuum of care from detox and residential treatment to outpatient programs and recovery support services.  

If you’re interested in undergoing treatment with our highly qualified addiction experts, check out our facilities: 

• Bedrock Recovery in Canton, MA
• Spring Hill Recovery Center in Ashby, MA
• Recovering Champions in Falmouth, MA

Please contact us to learn more.  

Washington D.C. Addiction Treatment FAQ

How Do I Access Treatment In Washington D.C.?

When you’re ready to reach out for help for a substance use disorder, there are several ways you can access treatment in Washington D.C. You can start by:

• contacting treatment providers directly
• visiting the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health’s Substance Use Disorder Assessment and Referral Sites
• requesting a treatment referral from your primary care provider
• using SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Locator 

What Does Addiction Treatment Look Like In Washington D.C.?

Addiction treatment in Washington D.C. looks different for every individual who needs help for a substance use disorder. However, an initial needs assessment is the first step in the rehab process for everyone. 

After completing a needs assessment, you may move on to detox, residential treatment, or outpatient treatment depending on the recommendation of your provider.  

Does Insurance Cover Addiction Treatment In Washington D.C.?

Yes, both public and private insurance can help pay for the cost of addiction treatment in Washington D.C. To learn about the specifics of your plan and the amount of coverage you have, contact your insurer for more information about your benefits.  

Can I Go To Drug Rehab In Washington D.C. Without Insurance?

Absolutely. There are several community-based and non-profit addiction treatment programs throughout the district that provide low-cost or free services based on your income. 

If you know you cannot afford rehab, don’t let that deter you from seeking help. Your assessment and referral provider can connect you with the resources that meet your needs.  

Are There Walk-in Opioid Clinics In Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are several walk-in opioid clinics throughout Washington D.C. The district is adamant about combating opioid addiction and providing access to preventive resources.  

Are There Free Or State-Funded Rehab Centers In Washington D.C.?

Yes, there are state-funded rehab centers in Washington D.C., as well as non-profit treatment centers, both of which provide sliding-scale and free services for low-income individuals.  

How Long Does Drug Rehab Last In Washington D.C.?

Most drug rehab programs last for 30, 60, or 90 days. Some long-term programs may last up to six months. Your treatment provider will determine the length of the program that’s best suited to your needs based on the results of your initial assessment and your progress through treatment.