SAN DIEGO, April 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For many people who are struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, residential treatment is an excellent route to go if they truly desire a life of sobriety. Any type of substance abuse or addiction can wreak much havoc in your life, adversely impacting relationships, work, finances, and health to at least some degree. In the most severe cases, one or several of these areas can be destroyed by addiction.
Residential treatment can be the ideal setting to finally overcome both your physical dependence as well as the psychological dependence one has developed on drugs or alcohol. Unlike outpatient treatment, residential treatment allows you actually to live at the location where you receive treatment. This type of treatment is often recommended for those who have been battling their addiction for a long time, and have been unsuccessful with other types of treatment.
If you are considering this level of treatment for yourself, or perhaps for a loved one, there are several factors you must take into consideration. Like most things in life, there are both pros and cons to residential treatment for substance abuse and addiction. Understanding those will help you make the most informed decision.
Pros of residential treatment
- Participating in a residential treatment program gives you the opportunity to take a “time out” from the demands and stressors of your day to day life. One of the dilemmas with outpatient treatment is that as soon as you leave, you have to go right back to the same environment with all the stress and distractions which go with it. These can make it hard to stay focused on your treatment goals, and if they are particularly overwhelming, you will be very vulnerable to relapse.
- Residential treatment provides round the clock support. Most programs have staff there 24/7. Addicts and alcoholics often don’t have very good support systems. If they haven’t alienated their friends and loved ones, they may have people who care still in their life, but who are also enabling them. Enabling only serves to perpetuate the problem
Also, along with support, you will be in an environment surrounded by other individuals with like-minded goals. This can be very empowering, and help you feel that you are not alone with regards to the challenges you face every single day. It will also help you not feel so isolated, which is something with which many addicts struggle.
- You are in a safe environment which is free from alcohol and drugs. It is next to impossible to become clean and sober if you are frequently or continuously exposed to your substance of choice. And if there are people in your life – especially at home – who are encouraging you to use, or sabotaging your efforts to quit, you are doomed to fail.
- You can focus on your recovery while learning valuable skills which will help you avoid relapse once you leave the residential program. Many programs incorporate a wide range of therapeutic approaches targeting both your physical and emotional/spiritual needs.
Most residential treatment programs include individual, group, and family therapy; medical and mental health services; exercise regimens; education focused on relapse prevention; nutritional support and guidance; vocational services or training. Some programs incorporate equine therapy, yoga, and meditation. Learning new coping skills, developing healthy life habits, and preventing relapse are all crucial and very valuable components of a good residential program.
Cons of residential treatment
- The cost of residential treatment can be costly, especially if it is a program which lasts for several months. While it is much cheaper than inpatient drug and alcohol treatment, it can still easily cost several thousand dollars a month, depending on the program. If you have health insurance, it may not cover residential treatment, or if it does, it may be very limited depending on your policy. Some programs do, however, have scholarships or payment plans which can help make them more affordable.
- Taking time off from work and other responsibilities can be difficult for many people. Not all jobs allow for lengthy medical leave. If you are a single parent, it may be impossible to participate in residential treatment.
While there are other pros and cons, these are some of the most typical. It is important to weigh them when deciding on a residential treatment program. That being said, the price of addiction is very high and residential treatment is extremely beneficial when compared to outpatient treatment for many individuals. It is worth considering and just starts with a phone call.
Contact Info:
Author: Kevin Leonard
Organization: TheRecover.com
Address: 27420 Jefferson Ave, Temecula, CA 92590
Phone: (888) 510-3898
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