Nowadays, many people seek the knowledgeable guidance of a counselor or therapist to help them navigate through the complicated thoughts, feelings and emotions we face on a daily basis. Because of this, it’s pretty safe to say that we all have some idea of what therapy entails.
Other levels of care, however, may be less familiar. When more intensive treatment is needed for mental health disorders, including substance abuse, it’s good to know what kind of treatment options are available. One such option that many individuals find appealing for its home-like, community-focused nature is residential treatment centers.
What are residential treatment centers?
Levels of care for addiction treatment range from inpatient to outpatient care. Residential programs provide the highest level of care, offering round-the-clock support for participants.
Participants of residential substance abuse or mental health treatment programs will temporarily move into the treatment center (often home in a suburb or city outskirts) in order to focus on recovery without the distractions of everyday life. This can be especially beneficial for those whose home does not offer a good place to recover, or who require more supervised care.
Residents will stay anywhere from 30-90 days, meeting with their therapist, participating in support groups and living as active members in the community of the home.
Who needs residential treatment?
Not everyone needs the structured, supervised environment of a residential treatment center. Those who are more likely to benefit from this level of care include:
- Those who are a danger to themselves or others and require the highest level of supervision provided in residential treatment
- Someone too impaired to live independently, such as a patient recovering from a psychotic episode who needs treatment to recover psychologically and socially
- Anyone whose addiction has worsened and needs close supervision and round-the-clock support
- A patient who has tried an outpatient treatment and seen little improvement
- Someone whose support systems (mental health professionals, friends and family) have been exhausted – Consequently, the patient is left with inadequate support to rely on, resulting in stresses that exacerbate mental health conditions or increase the risks of relapse
- A patient requiring close observation for diagnostic purposes to determine if behavioral disturbances are due to psychological disorders or substance abuse
It’s best to speak with either your current therapist or a residential center admissions counselor to see if you or someone you know would be a good candidate for this kind of treatment.
Benefits of residential substance abuse treatment
Men and women who seek residential treatment often have a specific reason for doing so, as many of the other levels of care offer equally thorough, professional help. However, the benefits specific to residential substance abuse treatment are what make this treatment option so appealing.
These benefits include:
- Complete removal from your familiar environment – This may seem intimidating, but if your home environment was chaotic, stressful or full of triggers (people included) that often led to substance abuse, being in a new environment could be most beneficial to your recovery
- The ability to detox in a safe place – Residential facilities that include a detox facility give you access to medical care, 24/7 support from a counselor and a controlled environment in which to detox; this is especially helpful for anyone likely to suffer from extreme withdrawal symptoms
- A like-minded community – In residential treatment, you will live and grow with other members of the program, giving a familial, community-based vibe to the entire experience
- A slow transition – Some people are not ready to reintroduce themselves right back into the realities of work/school or social commitments during this time; residential treatment gives you the chance to slowly transition back into these things while still returning to the supportive environment of the treatment center at the end of the day
- Structure – Residential treatment centers are big on routine and structure as a crucial element of recovery; this will allow you to build a routine that not only helps prevent relapse but that you can take with you once you’re ready to leave inpatient care
And each individual is likely to benefit in additional ways as their experience in residential treatment progresses.
How can I find a residential treatment center?
Once you’ve determined that residential treatment is best for your situation, it’s crucial to find a treatment facility that will ensure your recovery long-term, but also provide the care you need today. The better the match between you and the treatment center, the better the chances of successful long-term recovery.
When weighing the options, keep in mind that high-quality residential treatment facilities are accredited and licensed with a fully credentialed staff. Look at the overall treatment philosophy of the facility, their treatment methods and the features and amenities the facility offers to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
Treatment duration is also a critical factor in choosing the appropriate program. Many facilities recommend stays of at least 30 to 90 days, and some facilities offer stays ranging from six months to several years. Additionally, check what the facility offers for aftercare, such as support groups and alumni gatherings.
Looking for a treatment facility?
Whether you want to address a substance use disorder or a mental health condition, Silvermist Recovery is here to help. With various residential treatment homes on our campus, you’re sure to find one suitable to meet your needs. To get started today, contact Silvermist to learn more.