Substance abuse is one of the most common health issues in America for individuals, families and society at large. There are many different approaches to treatment for substance abuse, including detoxification, therapy, residential programs, and 12-step programs. This blog post will focus primarily on residential programs to establish an understanding of the process so you know what you’re getting into before deciding whether or not this is right for you or your loved one.
What Is a Residential Treatment Center?
Residential treatment centers offer a safe, structured environment to help people with addiction problems. The residential setting provides sustained monitoring and supervision by expert staff members as the patient progresses through their recovery journey, from detoxification up until they are ready for freedom outside of facility confines. They are popularly known as rehab (rehabilitation centers).
Types of Residential Treatment Programs
Depending on the duration of the program, residential treatment programs can be categorized into:
a) Long-term Residential Treatment Programs
This type of care provides round-the-clock monitoring and supports individuals who need it with an overall goal towards resocialization. The best-known residential treatment model is the therapeutic community (TC), with planned lengths ranging from six months to 12+ inpatient stays.
There is no universal rehabilitation program; this program utilizes its entire environment: other residents and staff members contribute their own personal stories, which add another layer to what someone might need during the rehabilitation process.
b) Short-term Residential Treatment Programs
Successful treatment of substance use disorders requires a supportive environment. Short-term residential programs are designed to provide that for patients, but more importantly, they help reduce the risk that once they leave these safe environments, their symptoms will return or even worsen.
These addiction treatment programs help patients overcome addictions by providing intensive but brief care. The residential rehabs were initially designed to treat alcohol problems, but many have seen an increased number of clients since the mid-1980’s cocaine epidemic.
What are the Benefits of Residential Treatment Programs?
24/7 Care and Support
Residential care offers 24-hour support, which is essential in helping patients who need help with substance abuse recovery. These centers provide an environment where patients receive round-the-clock care from trained professionals. The constant monitoring and availability make this form of treatment more effective than others. It also helps track their progress while identifying areas where things may get worse before they do.
Frequent Therapy Sessions
Residential treatment programs are a great way to get you on the right path for recovery. The frequent sessions offered by these facilities provide more opportunities throughout each day where patients can meet with their therapists and create an intimate relationship which is key when seeking out help or getting started in therapy.
Drug and Alcohol-Free Setting
It is important to be surrounded by people who want the same goals as you when entering recovery. The residential treatment setting removes external temptations like drugs and alcohol, making cravings more manageable in the early stages of sobriety while simultaneously providing support for addicts. A drug and alcohol-free setting is key to a successful drug detox.
Gives Patients Time to Heal
Residential treatment provides recovering addicts the opportunity to heal past hurts and work on repairing their relationships with their loved ones. Sometimes just some time away from stimulation can help someone feel better, whether they’re struggling physically or mentally.
Structure
Residential treatment programs are a great way to get a recovering addict back on track. Residential care gives them structure, which helps establish healthy routines and equips their lives with positive habits for sustainable change. It also provides an environment where patients can maintain their productivity early in the recovery process and work hard at building new good times ahead of time after getting out.
Distance
It is well-known that distance from your previous life can help you get away from toxic people, places, or things. Getting far enough that you are not reminded of what caused problems for you before will allow room for a new perspective and understanding of moving forward without relapse into old habits. A residential treatment center offers just that- a conducive environment where patients distance themselves from their past life.
How to Choose the Best Residential Treatment Center
Access to Emergency Services
A residential treatment facility should be able to provide emergency care in case of accidents, self-harm, or mental health crises. The best facilities work closely with urgent care facilities and local hospitals for this purpose.
Aftercare Planning
When looking for a residential treatment center, make sure that you find one with aftercare planning. Residential treatment centers are designed to get patients back on their feet, but what happens once they leave can be just as important. Aftercare planning offers hope for recovery and provides peace of mind that you’re giving your loved one every chance at success by providing them with resources outside hospital walls.
Research has shown that residential treatment programs for substance abuse recovery can also be an effective way to address addiction. If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug and alcohol dependency, it may be time to consider a residential program as an option. These programs provide 24/7 support and monitoring, as well as offer a conducive environment to help recovering addicts feel safe and healthy again.
