For years, residential treatment was the only way for people to seek addiction treatment. Other options exist that allow people to live at home while seeking treatment. Such options include attending outpatient programs or receiving telehealth services. However, though these alternatives are essential for some people, residential treatment has many benefits.
As time has gone on, addiction treatment has advanced. The number of treatment options available today can be overwhelming. However, residential treatment remains the highest tier of care, making it the best choice for many people.
While outpatient and telehealth services have unique benefits, consider residential treatment for yourself or a loved one today. Depending on your situation, the advantages of a residential program may be the perfect fit for your needs.
The gold standard for addiction treatment across the country was residential programs for decades. This ubiquity was mainly because residential programs can offer individuals more intensive and hands-on services. However, these programs were also very rigid and lacked flexibility. As time has passed, we better understand the importance of individualized treatment plans and allowing people to continue their daily lives while seeking treatment.
More accommodating programs were created as professionals became increasingly aware of the importance of individualized treatment and flexibility. Such programs include outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, and the more modern approach of telehealth services. These programs utilize similar tactics as those used in residential treatment, such as evidence-based modalities, group therapy, and holistic practices. However, programs like these may not offer the same level of support as a residential treatment program.
Additionally, not every situation will benefit from outpatient or day programs. Some individuals struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) so severely that they require around-the-clock support and 24/7 monitoring. In such circumstances, residential treatment may be the most effective path to addiction recovery.
As mentioned, alternative programs to residential are not always practical for every situation. Many require the intensity and increased level of support only a residential program offers. It can help to learn the benefits of residential care if an individual is debating whether to enter residential treatment. Some of the benefits include:
Residential treatment facilities are the perfect place to heal and achieve recovery. That includes a staff of clinicians, case managers, and others offering around-the-clock care throughout treatment.
When living with fellow individuals in recovery, they get built-in support from others at the facility. Connecting with peers is vital, whether they bond in group therapy or while on an afternoon hike. Individuals can learn many things from their peers, especially if some have been in treatment longer than they have.
As mentioned, individualized treatment is the bread and butter of addiction recovery. While in a facility, therapists and clinicians can dedicate more time to creating an individual care plan for each client. Additionally, constant contact and support with a therapist make it easier to adjust the client's care plan to account for progress or updated goals.
Daily routines are another integral part of residential programs and recovery. Upon leaving treatment, life will throw many challenges at recovering individuals. Having a structured routine helps them tackle these challenges and maintain recovery long-term. A structured routine throughout treatment can help them learn how to maintain one when it is time to return to everyday life.
Lastly, another benefit of a residential program is the variety of treatments it can offer. Outpatient or day programs may be limited by what they can do because clients only spend so much time each day with the program. Individuals can experiment with different therapies, holistic practices, and relapse prevention programs in a residential program.
Despite the benefits, there are also potential cons to consider regarding residential treatment. There is no one size fits all approach to addiction treatment. That means all programs have pros and cons depending on the situation.
Some of the potential cons of a residential treatment program are:
Inpatient treatment requires individuals to spend time away from friends and family. This can pose a problem for those who are the sole breadwinner for their household or those who otherwise can commit that much concentrated time to treatment.
Certain facilities can be expensive. Speaking with a professional can help individuals learn about what an insurance company will cover and other ways residential treatment can be more affordable.
The transition from intensive treatment back to normal life can be challenging. Going from around-the-clock support to being on one's own can be difficult. Individuals need a strong relapse prevention program, local resources, and a strong support network to handle the challenge.
Our residential treatment program at NorthStar Transitions offers personalized treatment paths. Additionally, our program provides several amenities, like a luxurious facility, mountain views, and transportation to and from appointments or meetings. These amenities are in addition to evidence-based modalities and alternative practices our clients can experiment with during their time here. Contact NorthStar to learn more today.
Individuals who need addiction treatment have more options today than at any other point in history. However, despite the advances in addiction treatment, residential treatment still proves effective for many people. Residential programs have many benefits, including around-the-clock support, monitoring services, and several therapies and evidence-based modalities to experiment with. Unfortunately, there are also cons to consider, such as being away from family or financial concerns. Nevertheless, many require the intensity of a residential program to obtain and maintain recovery long-term. If you need a residential addiction treatment program, consider NorthStar Transitions. Our modalities and amenities can help you create a life of recovery for yourself. Call (303) 558-6400 today.
