Residential

RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FOR ADDICTION AND DUAL DIAGNOSIS

When considering the continuum of care for treating substance use disorders or dual diagnosis, the residential rehabilitation program offers the highest standard of care. A residential rehab program includes the various treatment elements involved in addiction treatment, as well as on-site housing.

The length of stay will vary for each individual, determined by such factors as the severity of the addiction, whether there is a co-occurring mental wellness disorder, the client’s resources, and the client’s ability to take an extended leave from work and other responsibilities.

What To Expect at a Residential Treatment Program

Once an individual is committed to fully engage in an effort to overcome a drug or alcohol addiction, they will begin the admissions process at their rehab of choice. An intake interview with a clinician allows the incoming client to describe their substance use disorder in detail. This will include the substance abuse patterns, which drugs were abused, the length of time using drugs or alcohol, the amount consumed, and any other important details regarding the addiction or a co-existing mental wellness issue. This information will become useful in designing a tailored treatment plan for the client.

Most clients entering a residential rehab program will need to undergo drug or alcohol detoxification. This is the process that involves the body purging the toxins and chemicals associated with the substance. A client cannot enter rehab until detox and withdrawal is complete, as treatment requires the client to be stabilized and clear-headed. The residential detox programs will provide the expert support to assist in minimizing the withdrawal symptoms, and to intervene should any serious health risks arise.

Residential Rehab Treatment Elements

Residential treatment for addiction programs provide a daily schedule filled with various therapeutic activities that work in an integrated fashion to help the client make important changes in thought and behavior patterns. These treatment elements may include:

Individual psychotherapy sessions.

In therapy the client will discover how their disordered thought patterns led to the maladaptive behaviors that resulted in addiction. Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), clients are encouraged to create new internal messaging that is positive and self-affirming, which will lead to healthy, constructive behaviors. Clients can also explore past trauma or emotional pain that may have contributed to using drugs or alcohol as a means to self-medicate.

Group therapy.

Peer support and input is an essential element in addiction treatment. Small group therapy sessions, facilitated by a clinician who directs the discussion, allows an opportunity to share and learn from others in the program. In group therapy, important recovery tools can be taught and practiced, such as conflict resolution, communication skills, and stress management techniques.

Family group.

Because addiction causes strife and pain for family members, rehabs often provide family therapy sessions. These sessions provide opportunities for families to heal and learn to trust again. Family therapy teaches family members how to set appropriate boundaries for their loved one, how to communicate more effectively as a family, and how to support their loved one in recovery.

12-Step or non 12-Step recovery group.

Depending on the guiding philosophy of the rehab, an appropriate style of recovery group will be incorporated into the weekly schedule. Meetings revolve around working through the tenets of the program, such as A.A., N.A., or SMART Recovery. There may also be inspiring guest speakers invited to the meetings.

Addiction education.

It is important for clients to have a clear understanding of how addiction develops, and how it impacts the brain. This knowledge will also help in making a relapse prevention plan, identifying triggers, and creating a strategy for recovery.

Adjunctive therapies.

DBT Skills training with trained provider

Holistic activities.

Holistic or experiential activities can compliment therapy by helping clients discover new personal insights about what might have contributed to the addiction. These activities might include mindfulness art therapy, and journaling.

Recreational activities and exercise are an important aspect of restoring health and fitness in recovery, and can contribute to improved mood, better sleep quality, and improved overall wellness.