If you are considering options for drug and alcohol addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, a residential recovery program is definitely worth considering. This treatment approach offers clients a number of advantages that make it a good choice in many situations. Consider this option carefully to determine whether it would be a good fit.
Why Choose a Residential Recovery Program
A residential treatment program allows clients to focus entirely on their recovery.
For clients who want or need to get away from distractions in their “everyday” life, a residential recovery program allows them to take time to immerse themselves completely in an environment dedicated to wellness. They can stay in a place far removed from familiar landmarks and people who may act as triggers for them to continue using and drinking.
Residential treatment programs offer a highly-structured environment.
Once a client has checked in to a residential treatment program, much of their day is scheduled. The downtime built into the schedule allows clients to reflect on the insights they are gaining from individual and group therapy sessions. Quiet times in the schedule allow residents to be still and learn how to be comfortable with who they are.
A residential treatment model is appropriate for clients with a mental health disorder and an addiction.
Within a residential facility, a client with a dual diagnosis (mental health concern and an addiction) can be properly assessed by mental health clinicians and addiction experts. Once a proper diagnosis has been reached (or confirmed), the treatment team can devise a plan that addresses both issues concurrently.
Medications may need to be prescribed to treat the mental illness. The client’s response to the medication can be monitored while they are at the residential facility. The medical staff can make any necessary changes to the medication in a convenient environment
A residential treatment program includes elements for living a healthy, sober lifestyle.
Clients who choose a residential drug and alcohol treatment program also get the benefit of eating healthy, well-balanced meals while they are staying at the facility. For many addicts, eating well is something that falls to the wayside as they get more involved in their cycle of addiction. A person’s drug of choice becomes more important to them, as does satisfying their urge to use, and eating well (or at all) is simply not a priority.
Part of the healing process from addiction involves providing a selection of well-balanced meals so that the body gets well, just as counseling is offered to heal the mind. Treatment programs are tailored to meet each client’s individual needs, and may also include physical activity and recreational activities.
For clients in early recovery, participating in these activities helps to improve physical fitness levels, gives them new (or renewed) interests and allows them to have fun. Sober fun may have been missing from their lives for quite some time.
Family counseling programs are often available.
Addiction affects the entire family, not just the person who has a substance abuse problem. Unless the family dynamic changes, an addict will return home to the same issues that likely contributed to the addiction, increasing the likelihood of a relapse.
Family programs help the family to understand the disease of addiction. They also teach the family members how to improve communication skills. Group therapy and other techniques are used so that the family can understand and heal from their own issues.
Residential recovery programs prepare clients for life after leaving the treatment center.
One of the goals of treatment is to prepare a client for returning to the community. For this reason, treatment programs address relapse prevention planning. This is not because the treatment center expects clients to fail; instead, the training helps clients identify circumstances where they may be vulnerable to slipping into their previous behavior. This knowledge may help them “catch” themselves before they slip and take a drink or use again by giving them tools they can go to instead of chemicals.
Residential treatment is usually covered by insurance.
Your health insurance plan probably covers addiction treatment. Check your policy for details to find out how many days of treatment are covered and the percentage of coverage your insurer will pay. You or your loved one may need to be evaluated by a doctor before you can access this benefit under your policy.
English Mountain Recovery Program
English Mountain Recovery offers residential recovery programs for men and women in a serene, distraction-free facility in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains.
By Jodee Redmond
