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Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Treatment

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Lewis, MD, Board Certified Addiction Medicine

We know you have questions. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or worried about someone you love, finding clear, trustworthy can feel overwhelming.

This FAQ is designed to answer common questions about treatment, admissions, insurance, privacy, and life during care at Yellow Wood Recovery.

If you don’t see your question answered here, call us at (916) 820-4747. Our admissions counselors are available and happy to help.

Getting Started

If you’re asking this question, that’s often a sign that something isn’t right. You don’t need to meet some threshold of “bad enough” before you deserve help. If substance use or mental health symptoms are affecting your relationships, work, health, or quality of life, treatment can help.

If you’ve tried to cut back or stop on your own and couldn’t, that’s another sign. The best way to know for sure is to call us for a confidential assessment. We’ll help you understand your situation and recommend the right level of care.

You’ll speak with one of our admissions counselors, a real person who’s trained to listen without judgment. They’ll ask some questions about what’s going on for you, such as substances involved, mental health concerns, previous treatment, and what your life looks like right now.

This isn’t an interrogation. It’s a conversation to help us understand how we can help. If you have insurance, we can verify your benefits while you’re on the phone or shortly after. There’s no obligation, and everything you share is confidential.

No referral is required. You can call us directly. If you are being referred by a doctor, therapist, or another provider, we’re happy to coordinate with them to support continuity of care.

Yes. Choosing a treatment center is a big decision, and seeing the space can help you feel more comfortable. Contact our admissions team to schedule a tour. We’ll show you around, introduce you to staff, and answer your questions in person.

In many cases, we can admit you within 24 to 48 hours of your initial call. If your situation feels urgent, let us know. We do our best to accommodate people who are ready to begin treatment right away.

 

Insurance & Payment

We accept most major PPO insurance plans and work with some HMO plans depending on the level of care. The fastest way to find out whether your insurance is accepted is to call us or submit your information through our online insurance verification form. We’ll check your benefits and get back to you quickly.

The cost of treatment depends on your insurance coverage and the level of care you need. Many of our patients have most or all of their treatment covered by insurance.

Before you begin treatment, we verify your benefits and clearly explain what’s covered, including deductibles, copays, and estimated out-of-pocket costs. We believe in transparency and don’t want you to face surprises.

We can discuss payment options and help you explore alternatives. Some patients choose to pay privately, and we’ll work with you to identify a realistic path forward. Don’t let concerns about cost stop you from calling, we’re here to help you understand your options.

Coverage varies by plan. Most insurance plans cover substance use and mental health treatment under federal parity laws, but deductibles, copays, and length-of-stay limits differ. We verify your benefits before admission so you know what to expect.

 

Levels of Care

Detox is the medical process of safely clearing substances from your body while managing withdrawal symptoms. IT typically lasting 3 to 7 days and focuses on physical stabilization.

Residential treatment comes after detox and addresses the underlying causes of addiction and mental health symptoms through therapy, structure, and skill-building. Detox stabilizes the body; residential treatment supports lasting change.

PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) is an intensive outpatient level of care that typically involves treatment 5 to 6 hours, 4 to 5 per week, while you return home in the evenings. PHP is often used as a step-down from residential care or for people who need intensive support but have a stable home environment.

IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) usually 3 hours per day, 3 to 5 days per week, allowing you to continue working, attending school, or caring for family. We offer morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. IOP may be used as a step-down from PHP or residential care, or as a starting point for those who don’t require full-time treatment.

We’ll help you determine that. During your assessment, we look at substance use, mental health symptoms, medical history, living environment, and support systems. We ucriteria, a nationally recognized framework, to help determine the most appropriate level of care to support your recovery.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Length of stay depends on clinical need and progress, not arbitrary deadlines.

  • Detox: typically 3 – 7 days
  • Residential: from a few days – a few months
  • PHP: commonly 2 – 4 weeks
    IOP: often 4 – 12

Medical & Safety

Withdrawal from certain substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines can be medically serious, and in some cases life-threatening without proper supervision. That’s why we provide medically supervised detox with 24/7 nursing care and physician oversight.

Detoxing alone at home from alcohol or benzos is not safe.

Medications depend on the substance involved and your symptoms. For alcohol withdrawal, medications may be used to prevent seizures and manage anxiety. For opioid withdrawal, we medications such as buprenorphine may be used to ease symptoms. Our physicians tailor detox protocols to your individual needs, prioritizing your safety and comfort.

Yes. MAT is an evidence-based approach that can reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal, and improve recovery outcomes. MAT is always voluntary. Our physicians will discuss whether it’s appropriate for you and answer any questions you have.

Yes. Treating substance use and mental health together is a core part of our approach. Our team includes board-certified addiction psychiatrists who specialize in integrated care for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, and others.

Life During Treatment

Days are structured but not rigid. A typical day might include individual therapy, group therapy, skill-building sessions, meals, free time, and evening programming. You’ll also meet with your physician or psychiatrist and your case manager.

Phone access varies by level of care. During inpatient treatment, including detox and residential, phones are not permitted for the first few days to support stabilization and adjustment. After this initial period, residential clients may use their phones during the day when not in groups or scheduled programming. IOP and PHP clients retain their phones.

Family involvement is encouraged when appropriate. We offer family therapy sessions and approved visitation designed to support, not disrupt, treatment.

What should I bring?

For residential treatment, bring:

  • Government-issued ID and insurance card
  • List of current medications (or the bottles themselves)
  • 7 to 10 days of comfortable clothing
  • Toiletries (we provide basics if needed)
  • Personal items such as books or a journal

Please leave valuables, substances, weapons, and alcohol-containing products at home.

We have designated outdoor smoking areas. While we encourage overall wellness, we recognize that quitting nicotine during early recovery can be overwhelming, and we don’t require it. If you’re interested in quitting smoking, we can provide resources and support.

We provide nutritious meals prepared on-site and accommodate dietary needs and allergies. Nutrition plays an important role in healing during recovery.

Privacy & Employment

Yes. Treatment is protected by HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, which provide some of the strongest privacy protections in healthcare. No information is shared without your written consent.

No, unless you choose to tell them. Many people use FMLA or CFRA to protect their job during treatment. These laws allow medical leave without disclosing the specific nature of treatment.

Treatment does not create a criminal record. Records are confidential medical files and do not appear on background checks.

For Families

Approach them with concern and compassion, not judgment. Set healthy boundaries and avoid enabling behaviors. If you’re unsure how to have the conversation, call us – we can help you think through the next steps.

Yes. Many calls come from family members. We can answer your questions, explain options, and help you prepare for a conversation with your loved one.

You can’t force recovery, but you can stop enabling, set boundaries, and stay supportive. We can help you think through next steps, communication strategies, and how to support change without making the situation worse.

 

We also offer family therapy sessions as part of treatment, which can help repair relationships and create a healthier home environment for recovery. Family involvement, when appropriate, improves treatment outcomes.

 

Yes. Addiction affects the entire family, and recovery is often more successful when loved ones are informed and supported. When clinically appropriate and with the patient’s consent, we offer family therapy sessions as part of treatment.

We also offer a weekend family education program. This program is designed specifically for family members and loved ones and focuses on education, communication, boundaries, and recovery support. It does not involve joint therapy sessions with the patient.

With your loved one’s written consent, we can provide appropriate updates about their participation in treatment and general progress. Many patients choose to involve family members as part of their recovery, and we encourage open communication when it supports treatment goals.

We also respect patient privacy and autonomy, so the level of information shared depends on what your loved one authorizes. Our team can help explain how consent works and what kinds of updates are typically available.

After Treatment

Before discharge, we create a comprehensive aftercare plan that may include step-down care, outpatient therapy, medication management, recovery support groups and relapse-prevention strategies.

 

Yes. Our alumni program helps you stay connected through events, groups, and ongoing support. Recovery is a long-term process, and connections matter.

 

Relapse is not failure. If it happens, reach out. We’ll help you get back on track without judgment.

Clinically Reviewed By

Daniel Lewis, MD — Medical Director
Board Certified Addiction Medicine

Stephanie Kvasager, LCSW
Vice President of Clinical Services

Reviewed January 2026