If you are considering beginning addiction treatment, congratulations! You have overcome denial and fear, common factors that deter many people from recovery. That is a feat and one you should be proud of. But, at this point, you may ask: What comes next? When choosing a treatment program, start by getting acquainted with the differences between residential treatment and outpatient treatment. If you suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit at home or need more structure and intensive care, entering a residential treatment program can greatly boost your chance of success.

The Design of Residential Treatment

People with acute or severe addiction will likely find the most benefit from entering a residential-level treatment program. Residential treatment takes place at a treatment facility that also provides living spaces for clients while they get treatment. This kind of program offers an intensive level of care in a home-like environment.

In a residential treatment facility, individuals will be provided with 24-hour supervision and support. They can also expect to live in a supportive group environment where they can interact with and learn from other recovering individuals. This full-time community can help individuals focus on a new sober beginning that lasts a lifetime.

Benefits

There are many benefits to choosing a residential treatment program over an outpatient program. Some of these include the following:

Benefit #1. Structured Routine for Healthy Habits

One of the most critical factors that influence addiction recovery success is reshaping bad habits, negative thought patterns, and old tendencies into a healthy, balanced daily routine. Because old habits are powerful, it can be challenging to change them in a home environment without structure and support. A residential treatment center provides the necessary environment to implement and practice these changes. 

Entering a residential treatment center is like pressing the reset button on life. Along with clinical treatment, individuals will experience holistic assistance through a wide range of tools provided by the staff. Health professionals will help residents integrate nutrition, sleep, and exercise into their daily routines to reinforce healthy lifestyle modifications. 

Residents live by a daily schedule that keeps their life organized throughout the day and week. Such structure teaches them time management and self-management, two essential skills that will benefit them in the long term. Regular therapeutic interventions and support group meetings provide mental and emotional support to help stabilize individuals and prevent relapses.

Benefit #2. Personalized Plan With a Holistic Approach

Although residential treatment can be a highly routinized experience, each resident’s treatment plan will be personalized and tailored to their needs. Usually, health professionals integrate holistic methods to help heal each person fully — mind, body, and soul. They use traditional treatment methods such as detox, medications, and psychotherapy alongside holistic methods such as creative therapies and meditation.

Because substance addiction harms every aspect of an individual’s health, a holistic approach is necessary to treat all of these negative impacts. This includes the mental, emotional, physical, relational, and social implications of addiction. A personalized treatment plan is like a sample platter with a variety of treatment methods. The purpose is to help each client achieve whole and sustainable wellness.

Benefit #3. Concentrated Focus on Well-Being

Residential treatment frees individuals from the obligations of work, family, and school. It allows them to spend concentrated time just on their health and well-being. This may sound selfish, but getting their health in order is necessary for fulfilling these obligations properly. Many people with an addiction perform poorly in their daily responsibilities. Residential treatment gives them a chance to reset and approach these obligations from a place of wellness and healthy ability.

This concentrated, specialized treatment has advantages over outpatient treatment because the home environment can have too many distractions and insufficient structure. At residential treatment, one can dedicate their entire focus to recovery. There will be minimal distractions because individuals are separated from their regular duties and have limited time with television and social media. This can seem strict, but it helps individuals adopt these lifestyle changes and learn coping mechanisms for when they return home and must work through distractions. 

Preparing for Residential Treatment

There are many things individuals need to prepare before entering residential treatment. Those who have a job must speak with their employer so that they can make accommodations. Next, they may need to gather support from friends or family members who can take over some responsibilities like childcare. Lastly, they should contact their treatment center to see what to bring with them.

Throughout this preparation stage, individuals may benefit from reading and learning more about the science behind addiction treatment. Becoming more informed about treatment methods can help them better collaborate with health professionals during treatment. They may also learn about what continuing care their treatment center may provide. This is where outpatient treatment can come in handy.

In residential treatment programs, individuals benefit from being a part of a therapeutic community, with people in treatment who support one another by offering encouragement and accountability. This camaraderie based on empathy and shared experiences is available around the clock whenever anyone needs someone to lean on.

Residential rehab programs are a good option for those who need more monitoring and intensive care. People who suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms may also benefit from the 24/7 medically monitored inpatient program. If you are considering effective intervention and treatment, make sure you find a residential facility that offers a wide range of programs, including medical detox, individual therapy, medication management, family or couples counseling, addiction education, and life skill classes. Each of these components is critical to achieving sobriety and preventing relapses. Laguna Shores Recovery has helped many individuals achieve and maintain long-term recovery. We offer a wide range of treatment programs. Our approach is science-based and holistic. Call us today at 954-688-5806.