Addiction is a complex brain disease requiring intensive professional treatment to undo the physical, psychological, and social effects. Patients suffering from substance abuse can choose from various treatment options. Still, residential therapy over an extended period is needed for some individuals to provide long-term recovery. Residential treatment is composed of several therapy options in a setting with 24-hour supervision to ensure the most effective results.
The Basics of Residential Treatment
Residential programs for addiction involve complete immersion in treatment on a 24/7 basis and over a more extended period than other types of programs. Residential care may be indicated when individuals have been unsuccessful in outpatient or short-term inpatient treatment programs. Residential programs may extend for 6 to 12 months. Residential programs help patients identify and modify unhealthy thought patterns and behavior.
Detoxification
The first step in addiction treatment is often detoxification to remove the addictive substance from the body. This process can often be complex, with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that can sometimes be severe. Residential treatment can provide 24/7 medical supervision during the detox process and medications to reduce the severity of symptoms.1
Individualized and Group Counseling
Individual counseling helps patients to explore the underlying issues that caused them to abuse alcohol or drugs. In some cases, mental health problems underlie substance abuse, and these conditions must be diagnosed and treated to succeed in recovery.
Group counseling sessions help patients to understand their behavior and how their addiction has affected other people in their lives. Sharing personal stories helps these individuals confront their addiction and can motivate them to succeed in their treatment efforts.
Relapse Prevention Training
Relapses are common in individuals recovering from addiction. Training in relapse prevention helps patients to recognize the unique triggers that can cause them to fall back into substance use. The training also teaches them valuable strategies to implement to prevent a relapse from occurring.
Aftercare Strategies for Success
Aftercare is an essential part of addiction treatment because it creates a framework of support for the individual after they return to the outside community. It consists of counseling agencies that can provide support for the individual and support groups that can provide practical advice and encouragement from those who also struggle with substance abuse issues.
Specialized Care
Many women need special care for domestic abuse problems, employment training, ongoing mental health care, and other issues. Family therapy is often necessary to help other family members understand how to provide the most supportive environment for addiction recovery.2 Residential treatment programs offer various services for these women to provide the best preparation for returning to everyday life.
Residential treatment offers concentrated therapy on an around-the-clock basis, improving the odds of addiction recovery success. If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, contact a professional treatment center to discuss how residential treatment can help you return to a healthy life.
References
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states/types-treatment-programs
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64269
