In the United States, there are two “core” types of alcohol and drug addiction treatment:  outpatient and residential.   While outpatient treatment offers quality care for those individuals who need to maintain a presence at home during their recovery, it is residential addiction treatment that provides a truly comprehensive program for those who need help the most.

What are the Benefits of Residential Treatment?

Although the choice between residential and outpatient care is a personal one, there are some things that only a residential facility can offer.  Among the benefits of residential treatment are:

• Round-the-clock care. Individuals suffering from a drug addiction often need someone in their corner 24/7.  Residential treatment features a staff that either lives onsite at the facility, or works in shifts so that there is always a caring person present to help.
• General well-being.   In addition to detox and counseling, most residential treatment programs offer activities to enhance the overall well-being of the individual.   These can include everything from exercise regimens and daily hikes to yoga and nutritional counseling.
• Support structure.   Living side-by-side with other recovering addicts helps build a support structure that greatly aids the recovery process.   Attending group counseling sessions, or even living in the same room, gives recovering addicts a chance to learn from one another’s experiences and help each other with the challenges they face.
• Comfort. The best residential treatment centers are equipped with the best personal amenities.   Individuals can expect to live in a comfortable bedroom, lounge in luxurious living quarters and even enjoy top gourmet cuisine provided by an in-house chef or catering service.

How long do Residential Treatment Programs Last?

The length of a residential treatment program varies according to the facility and the seriousness of the individual’s condition.   Count on no less than a 30 day stay for starters.   From there, some individuals (especially those with a history or relapse or a particularly intense addiction) may need to stay for several months, or even a year or longer.

Residential Treatment Costs

Paying for some luxury residential treatment programs can be a burden.   The most exclusive of these programs can cost families several thousand dollars per month or more.   At a time when the family finances are likely in disarray as a result of one’s drug addiction, this can become a difficult burden to bear.    Luckily, there are payment options available for those families who qualify.   Some residential treatment centers offer generous financing options to help spread payments out over time.   And now many insurance companies actually cover some or all of the cost of treatment as part of their coverage plans.