|  | Conditions Treatments | Drug Addiction

Definition of Residential Substance Abuse Treatment

Residential substance abuse treatment is an inpatient facility treatment that aims to treat addicts and assist them in making the necessary changes in their lives that will enable them to live drug or alcohol free.

  1. Atmosphere

    • Residential substance abuse treatment centers can be very different in appearance. Some resemble a hospital, while others look more like home. More people are turning to the centers that have a home like atmosphere and caregivers that are not dressed like clinicians or doctors.

    Detox

    • After a patient is assessed and referred to residential placement, most often he must go through a detox period to reduce the levels of substance in his body. This is done in a separate area because there is a degree of discomfort. The patient is given medication to alleviate the withdrawal.

    Regulations

    • After detox, which can last up to 5 days, the patient is moved into his room. There are strict rules that must be followed while in residential substance abuse treatment facilities. It is a group environment, and there are no cell phones allowed and no drugs, including over-the-counter drugs. All bags are checked before admittance.

    Counseling

    • It is required that each individual attend both group and self-help meetings and counseling sessions. There are daily 12 Step meetings offered as well. Each person is expected to keep his area clean and tidy.

    Time Frame

    • All of the counseling and mental health help is geared toward making better choices in life and how to live drug free. The average stay in residential rehab is dependent on insurance coverage but could be anywhere from 30 days to in excess of 1 year.

Drug Addiction - Related Articles