Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
In this article
Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
Residential treatment centers offer a safe and structured environment to detox from drugs and alcohol. They also offer intensive therapy and counseling.
A residential treatment program provides 24-hour care and medical supervision for people recovering from substance use disorders.
Residential programs typically provide both individual and group therapy. They also offer activities and programs designed to help residents recover from addiction. Some common features of residential treatment centers include:
A residential treatment center is appropriate for anyone who:
This type of treatment can be very effective for those committed to recovery and are willing to put in the work.
If outpatient care or 12-step programs fail, residential treatment is an option. This type of treatment provides a higher level of care and supervision than other methods. This is beneficial for those who need extra help recovering from their addiction.
This type of treatment can provide a safe and secure environment for those struggling with addiction. It can also provide the support and resources necessary for those building a sober life.
Residential treatment is best for people with co-occurring disorders. They have access to addiction treatment, mental health services, and mental health professionals.
As of 2022, the average cost of residential treatment is $9,766.1
Sometimes. Not all insurance companies cover the full cost of residential treatment programs. If you're considering a residential treatment facility, check with your insurance company to see if they offer coverage.
Legally, insurance must cover the cost of treatment for addiction. However, what’s included in that coverage varies from policy to policy. Coverage might only pay for a portion of a residential program.
There are a variety of therapies and treatments used in residential addiction treatment. These include:
Substance use treatment is typically tailored to individual needs and varies depending on the severity of the addiction. Residential treatment can last anywhere from 30 days to 90 days, and sometimes longer. The goal of residential treatment is to help you safely detox from drugs or alcohol and then begin the process of recovery.
Often, detox is the first step in treatment. It occurs in a hospital or medical facility. Detox can be uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous, so it’s best to do it under medical supervision. After detox, you can begin therapy and other treatments to help with recovery.
Individual therapy is a key part of treatment. It helps you understand the underlying causes of your addiction. Therapy can also help you develop healthy coping mechanisms and learn how to avoid triggers and temptation.
Residential treatment is typically less expensive, offers more amenities, and provides more individualized care than inpatient treatment. However, inpatient treatment may be more effective for some people. It offers 24-hour medical supervision and access to detoxification services.
There are many pros and cons to consider when it comes to residential addiction treatment. For example:
It’s important to weigh all of the pros and cons before choosing a treatment program.
If residential treatment isn’t right for you, there are several alternatives. For example:
Outpatient treatment allows people to receive treatment while still living at home and continuing to work or go to school. Treatment typically consists of individual therapy, group therapy, and/or medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Outpatient treatment can be a great option for those who:
Outpatient services vary in terms of intensity and length of care. Some programs offer a few hours of therapy per week, while others provide daily care. Treatment typically lasts for several months. But some people may need to stay in treatment indefinitely.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are available to people struggling with addiction. PHPs provide a structured environment for people in early recovery. They also allow participants to live at home while still receiving therapeutic care during the day.
PHPs typically involve group and individual therapy and educational sessions on topics related to addiction and recovery. PHPs can be an effective step down from inpatient treatment or be used alone.
PHPs typically last for a few hours each day, several days per week. The length of time someone spends in a PHP depends on their individual needs and progress in treatment.
There are many different types of community-based support groups for addiction, but they all share a few key features. First, they’re typically led by a peer facilitator who can help keep the discussion focused and on track.
Second, they usually involve some sort of structure. For example, sharing in turn or breaking into small groups for discussion.
Third, support groups are confidential. Everything said in the group stays in the group. This is important because it allows members to feel safe sharing their personal experiences and thoughts.
Finally, support groups are usually free of charge, so they’re accessible to everyone.
The most well-known addiction support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Support groups can be an invaluable resource for people in recovery from addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, consider reaching out to a support group in your area.
In this article
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