The term "residential" refers to a homelike setting or a long-term living environment. With a residential drug and alcohol treatment program, patients generally stay over a course of time to sober up and receive the proper physical and psychological care they need to succeed with day to day living. Some facilities may only offer either a drug rehab or an alcohol rehab, while others may combine the two for those who suffer from both addictions.
Drug Treatment
Residential drug treatment centers are generally facilities that offer a series of beds or individual rooms where the patients can stay and have individual privacy while receiving treatment. A physician and nursing staff generally remain on staff or on call to assist patients who are going through the detox period. Some facilities may even have hospital equipment such as intravenous units and heart monitors to keep track of vital signs as the patient goes through initial detox. Some detoxes from narcotics, painkillers and street drugs can cause some people to go into a coma, suffer a stroke or even a heart attack. Patients are observed closely throughout detox and follow up with individualized treatment and group therapy.
Alcohol Treatment
Alcohol treatment centers focus on helping the alcoholic through the initial recovery process. If the patient is unable to detox alone, an alcohol treatment center is the best option. Most alcohol treatment programs have the facility set up to assist patients with both long term and short term detoxification. A physician and nursing staff are generally on hand to help with initial detox, should medical help be needed. A nurse will remain on staff to distribute medications as needed under the direction and order of a physician. A behavioral therapist will help patients to work through withdrawal symptoms and help to point out triggers that could send them into relapse. Alcohol treatment centers also focus a great deal on group therapy. Group therapy allows patients to open up to their peers and gain insight to what others are going through. This is a huge step in the healing process.
Reasons for Stay
There are many reasons why those addicted to drugs and alcohol seek out residential treatment. The biggest reason is to go above and beyond traditional medical help for assistance with their addictions. When 12-step programs, medication prescribed by a family doctor or family interventions seem to be failing, the patient needs to relinquish control and seek extensive help. The extensive help at a rehabilitation center will give him structure, discipline, constant support and medical assistance with around the clock care. Most residential treatment centers are in a homelike setting so it is more comfortable for patients, giving them a greater chance of success.
Family Support
Looking for a treatment program that offers plenty of family support is crucial to the patient's recovery process. This means incorporating close family members into group and one-on-one therapy. Members of the household or immediate friends and family can attend meetings to learn coping mechanisms through talk and physical expression that may help them get through the recovery process. It will also teach them how to deal with emotions brought on by a relapse and how to deal with them constructively so that every situation stays under control. It may also educate families on how to work together and heal through the recovery process so they can lean on each other for support.
Length of Stay
An individual has to agree to receiving treatment at a residential treatment center, unless there is a court order. Most individuals are hesitant to participate and admit themselves for treatment unless they have hit rock bottom or are ready to get help. Most length of stays range between three weeks to 60 days. Some residential treatment centers also offer a sober living house, where the patient can spend his days with friends and family and carry on a job but then is responsible for checking in each night at the sober house.
