Choosing to pursue professional treatment for addiction recovery is a feat of its own. However, as there are many treatment programs available, it can be challenging to narrow down options. The main two treatment types include inpatient and outpatient treatment. Outpatient programs offer flexible treatment options for clients while they reside at home. Inpatient programs, similar to residential treatment, offer live-in care for clients while they participate in treatment. Both treatment types offer many benefits for individuals seeking recovery.
However, for those struggling with moderate to severe symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction, a residential treatment program may be a better fit than either of those two. Stepping into the unknowns of any treatment program can seem overwhelming. It can help to become familiar with what residential treatment is, what to expect, as well as how to prepare before entering a program.
What Is Residential Treatment?
In a residential treatment program, clients will receive intensive care and support for their SUD, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders. Within these programs, residents will live with other peers who are also seeking long-term recovery. Every treatment facility that offers residential treatment has different policies and treatment options specific to its residential treatment program.
Inpatient Treatment vs. Residential Treatment
The term “residential treatment” is often used synonymously with inpatient treatment, but these are two different treatment options. It is important to know the differences between these programs, as each offer different treatment services. The first main difference is the intensity of care that is offered in each program. Inpatient treatment programs provide 24/7 monitoring for clients. While individuals in residential programs do have access to psychological and medical support around-the-clock, they are not being monitored on a 24/7 intensity.
Another difference lies in the environments where treatment is being provided. Inpatient clients can expect to live in a secure, hospital-like setting. With residential treatment, clients can expect to live in a more comfortable, home-like setting with other peers working to establish their sobrieties.
Lastly, inpatient and residential treatment options differ in duration. Inpatient programs are typically short-term, while residential treatment programs have the potential to be ongoing. Residential programs often require a minimum stay of at least one month but can last up to a year or more.
What to Expect From a Residential Program
Every residential recovery program will offer unique treatment specialties for clients. However, nearly all programs offer a combination of individual and group therapy options. This ensures that there is a balance of healing through introspection and social support.
Individual Therapy
During individual therapy sessions, clients will work one-on-one with a therapist to explore the connections that lie between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapists will often utilize a number of therapeutic approaches to help a client address underlying problems that may be contributing to their recurrent substance abuse. Likewise, various approaches will also help a client learn SUD triggers and coping mechanisms for appropriately managing those triggers.
Group Therapy
Led by a therapist, group therapy sessions bring together a group of peers who are also working to establish their recovery. Clients can expect to find encouragement and support from these other peers within group sessions. Group therapy sessions offer a safe space for clients to work through interpersonal conflict from their past and present while gaining new perspectives from other group members. Also, depending on the type of group therapy, they can practice their new skills with others.
Medication Management
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), also called medication management, is offered by many residential treatment programs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) explains that MAT is “the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a ‘whole-patient’ approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.” Medications may be used in treatment to treat symptoms of SUD and drug withdrawal as well as to sustain long-term recovery. Medications can be especially important for the treatment of co-occurring disorders.
Additional Therapeutic Opportunities
Residential treatment facilities also often offer additional therapeutic opportunities to increase the effectiveness of treatment overall. For some, this may involve the use of a 12-Step or 12-Step alternative option. Others may use holistic treatment services.
Holistic treatments incorporate full-body healing. For example, wellness programs attended to all aspects of wellness: the mind, body, and spirit. Holistic and wellness services may include various mindfulness practices, nutritional evaluations and planning, and more. There are also opportunities for physical fitness, which aids in a well-rounded recovery.
Preparing for Residential Treatment at Sage Recovery
Sage Recovery offers a residential treatment program known as Sage Recovery Villa. This program is a 35-day, 15-bed residential center for individuals seeking recovery from SUD and co-occurring disorders. What sets Sage Recovery Villa apart from other residential treatment centers is its focus on providing trauma-informed care. This program uses evidence-based treatments, in addition to 12-Step and 12-Step alternative approaches, to ensure an array of individualized treatment approaches available for every client.
Additionally, Sage Recovery Villa prioritizes the use of holistic treatment. This perspective addresses SUD as a symptom of a greater physical, emotional, and/or spiritual issue, rather than solely addressing substance abuse as a problem behavior. Clients have a number of different treatment options to choose from in this residential program, which grants them the autonomy and motivation to self-direct the life that they want to create for themselves in recovery.
Beginning residential treatment and stepping into the unknown can be intimidating. At Sage Recovery, our residential treatment villa is available to help you establish your sobriety and sustain lasting recovery. To get started, contact us today to schedule an assessment. From there, our staff can gain a better picture of your personal needs and goals for treatment. We can also better understand how we can kickstart your recovery journey. Our facility offers a wide range of treatment programs and options to ensure that treatment is individualized and tailored to your personal needs and goals. To learn more about your treatment options, call us at (512) 306-1394. Start your healing with us today.