Five Reasons to Choose Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment

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As you research options for drug and alcohol treatment for yourself or a loved one, you will soon discover just how many different options available today. A selection of options will focus on treatment that allows you to stay at home and follow your normal daily schedule around your treatment sessions. Another selection of options will bring you to a home-away-from-home location where you will spend a period of time focusing more intensively on just your recovery process. There are a number of different levels for away-from-home treatment, but the term most frequently used is “residential treatment.” This short article contains helpful hints about why residential treatment is a popular choice for others in recovery.

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You Can Focus Fully on Recovery

Perhaps the number one reason to select a residential drug and alcohol treatment is simply this: it is much easier to make fast progress in recovery when you are free from distractions. Distractions can include loved ones, friendships, work and of course the stressful scenarios that in the past perhaps have caused a desire to drink or use drugs. Sometimes these patterns are also much easier to see when you can retreat from your daily life and have a bigger picture perspective on what is not working.

You Receive Multiple Types of Care

 Residential care options by nature will be more comprehensive than at-home care options. For instance, you may receive a period of detoxification (“detox”) that supports you to eliminate immediate and residual toxins from your body. If you have certain health issues, you can often receive inpatient care during residential as well, which equates to a level of hospitalization that ensures your health is monitored throughout your course of treatment. You will also have access to a variety of support options, including individual and group therapy – often some group options will be 12-step based as well.

You Gain Education about Your Recovery

 Far fewer individuals who struggle with cravings to use drugs or drink alcohol truly understand the biological as well as psychological and sociological origins of those cravings. One of the true valuable offerings of residential treatment is the chance to learn from experts about what causes drug and alcohol cravings and how to combat them from a scientific perspective.

Loved Ones Can Get Involved

 Most residential programs will include a time for families and loved ones to participate in treatment and recovery. These times are often called “family week” or “family weekend.” These special times give your extended network an opportunity to look at how the dynamics of the relationship may affect the individual’s desire to use drugs and/or drink alcohol.

You Receive Aftercare Support

 “Aftercare” is simply a fancy word for “ongoing post-treatment” support. Residential aftercare programs may vary by the program, but essentially there will be ongoing contact between the program staff and the individual after the formal program period ends.

 These five reasons can make investing in residential treatment the smart decision to achieve sustained, long term recovery from drugs and alcohol.

About the Author:

 Dawn Hayes evaluated several treatment options for her son. She ultimately opted for residential care and her son has now been in sustained recovery for three full years.