Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

Residential substance abuse treatment programs provide services to anyone with drug or alcohol problems. The primary purpose of a residential substance abuse treatment program is to provide a safe place to change your life. Locating a program can be as simple as making a phone call to a state agency or conducting an online search. The decision about which residential substance abuse treatment program to enroll in depends on your drug of choice, whether you need medical care and the length of time you can spend in treatment.

Function

• A residential substance abuse treatment program provides education about substance abuse and recovery through individual and group sessions. Through education, counseling and peer support, participants learn to live sober. They also learn how to develop relationships, make informed decisions, deal with stress and manage emotions.

Time Frame

• The length of time varies, residential substance abuse treatment programs typically last from three to 12 months (see Resources).

Geography

• The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) website provides a map of the United States this includes Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands and District of Columbia, listing the various programs.

Cost

• Residential substance abuse treatment programs vary in price. County-funded residential substance abuse treatment programs offer sliding scale fees and will not turn away patients for the inability to pay. Private programs cost approximately $5,000 to $8,000 per month.

Making a Choice

• For patients being sentenced to treatment, options may be limited. For others, location, cost, program structure, type of addiction treated, and other services are considerations. Some facilities offer psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors and spiritual advisers. Medical facilities also have nurses and physicians available.

Insurance

• Medical residential substance abuse treatment programs are covered through most insurance companies, you need to verify with your insurance company.