It Depends on More Than You Think

When a high-performing professional is struggling with substance use, the question often asked - by themselves or someone close to them - is:

“What’s the best treatment option?”

It’s a good question. But the real answer depends on a range of personal, professional, and psychological factors - not just the substance in question.

This blog explores the core treatment types available in Australia, what high performers need to consider, and how to determine the most aligned option for lasting change.

Treatment Options Available to Professionals in Australia

While every person’s situation is unique, there are four broad types of addiction treatment models available:

1. Residential Rehab (Inpatient)

Residential rehab typically involves a 28–90 day stay at a facility with full-time supervision, group therapy, and structured daily routines. Some also include medical detox.

Who it works for:

• People who require 24/7 supervision or are in immediate crisis

• Those without pressing work or family obligations

• Individuals who benefit from physical separation from their environment

Things to consider:

• Time away from work and life

• Potential stigma or concern around confidentiality

• Cost (often $20,000–$80,000 depending on duration and amenities)

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the average cost of treatment varies depending on whether the program is publicly funded, privately operated, or residential in nature.

2. Outpatient Programs

Outpatient programs allow people to live at home while attending regular therapy or group sessions.

Who it works for:

• Individuals who are still functioning in their work or personal life

• Those needing flexibility to maintain daily responsibilities

• People looking for longer-term integration rather than a time-out

Things to consider:

• Requires internal motivation and self-management

• Effectiveness depends on the structure and skill of the program

3. Medically Supervised Detox (Standalone)

These are short-term services focused purely on physical withdrawal, often led by a GP or detox specialist.

Who it works for:

• People dependent on substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids

• Individuals who already have psychological support in place

Things to consider:

• Detox is not treatment - it’s a starting point

• Without behavioural or emotional strategies, relapse risk is high

4. Coaching-Based or Peer Support Models

Programs like SMART Recovery or other behaviour-focused frameworks often focus on peer-led or coaching-style support.

Who it works for:

• People who don’t align with traditional rehab or 12-step models

• Individuals seeking flexible, low-pressure entry points to change

Things to consider:

• Peer-led programs vary in structure and consistency

• Coaching models may lack the clinical depth needed for complex addiction patterns

What High-Performing Professionals Should Consider

For ambitious professionals - executives, entrepreneurs, leaders - there are a few extra layers to think about:

• Privacy and discretion: Is confidentiality built into the service model?

• Impact on career: Can the program be completed while continuing to work?

• Style of delivery: Is the tone collaborative and professional, or directive and restrictive?

• Flexibility: Does it fit into your lifestyle, or require your lifestyle to stop completely?

• Depth of support: Is it focused only on stopping the behaviour, or does it build emotional, strategic, and leadership resilience?

These deeper psychological needs are often overlooked in standard models.
You might also find our recent blog post helpful: Why Traditional Rehab Doesn’t Work for High Performers

A Structured, Private Option That May Fit

If you are looking for an outpatient, high-performance approach that blends evidence-based psychology with identity-led growth, The TARA Clinic may be a strong option to consider.

We offer a 3-Step Blueprint to Lasting Recovery that starts with a confidential Personal Recovery Assessment and, if aligned, progresses through a structured outpatient framework:

1. Recovery Kickstarter (4 weeks) - Fast, focused strategy and clarity

2. Recovery Essentials (12 weeks) - Foundation-setting and behavioural alignment

3. Empowered Recovery® (15 months) - Long-term identity-based transformation

It’s entirely online, discreet, and tailored for people who need a solution that aligns with an ambitious, high-performing life - not one that asks them to walk away from it.

Where to Start

If you’re unsure what path is right for you (or someone you support), start by answering a few simple questions. We’ve created a free, confidential quiz to help you understand your personal recovery style:

👉 Take the Find Your Recovery Style Quiz

If you're ready to speak with someone directly about whether The TARA Clinic could be a fit for you:

👉 Book a free Personal Recovery Assessment

You don’t need to rush a decision - just begin exploring what’s possible.
The best recovery pathway is the one that works with your life, not against it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is inpatient rehab better than outpatient?

Not necessarily. The best model depends on the person’s needs, life demands, and goals. Inpatient is useful for crisis intervention. Outpatient models work well when structured correctly for high-functioning individuals.

2. How do I know if I need medical detox first?

If you use alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids daily and feel physical symptoms when stopping, medical detox may be needed. Always consult a GP or detox specialist before withdrawing from these substances.

You may also find this helpful:
👉 Can I Get Addiction Help Without Going to Rehab? (coming Friday)

3. What if I don’t want group therapy?

That’s okay. While group support works for some, many people prefer 1:1 or identity-based approaches. The key is finding a model that builds sustainable emotional and behavioural strength - not one that relies on a single format.