Do you know that the difference is between residential vs. outpatient addiction treatment centers?
Some experts believe that residential addiction treatment programs support addiction recovery more comprehensively. However, these programs are often longer and less affordable. Inpatient treatment may help make inroads for addiction recovery, but any form of professional treatment can help clients overcome their substance use disorders.
However, residential treatment does provide some of the highest levels of rehab services for clients working on their substance use disorders. Residential addiction treatment programs usually include medical detox and other integrated services. And as clients are discharged, they receive rehab aftercare planning that outlines follow-up care and specific recovery support services that will help them stay sober.
Looking for a residential addiction treatment program? Reach out to Midwest Detox Center by contacting our team online or calling 833.647.0392.
What Is a Residential Addiction Treatment Center?
Residential addiction treatment programs — sometimes also called inpatient recovery programs — require clients to check themselves into a controlled environment. Clients stay at a facility with 24-hour mental and physical health support.
Before going into a residential addiction treatment program, a client needs to have their affairs settled. Some of the things they should take care of before entering rehab include the following:
- Talking to their employer or school about time off
- Planning living arrangements for children or other family members
- Finding out what personal items are allowed in the facility
During inpatient treatment, clients focus on getting well without the distractions of everyday life. A typical day for clients in residential treatment is carefully structured and scheduled. Trained professionals meet with clients individually and in groups to guide inpatient recovery. A typical inpatient program runs anywhere from one to six months.
The first step of treatment is medically assisted detox. Physicians monitor clients’ vital signs as the addictive substances exit the system. Substance cravings are common during this period and can be challenging to overcome. Clinicians can provide necessary medicine to lessen cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.
These symptoms aren’t pleasant for any drug, but some drugs can be life-threatening if stopped without medical supervision. Lethal withdrawals are linked to drugs like alcohol, synthetic opiates, benzodiazepines, and heroin. During inpatient rehab, clients have access to 24-hour medical attention — which may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in the form of prescribed drugs.
What Are the Benefits of Residential Addiction Treatment?
While clients certainly receive adequate treatment in outpatient settings, some clients will require benefits of residential addiction treatment, which may include the following:
- 24-hour medical support and supervision
- Addiction education
- Being around a community of peers
- Couples counseling or family therapy
- Individual therapeutic care, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) during detox and withdrawal
- Nutritional care
- Privacy and security while healing from addiction
- Referrals to support groups or other needed treatments
- Skill-building workshops
When clients enter addiction treatment, the first step is detox. This process can be challenging and sometimes dangerous due to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
In residential treatment, MAT will help ease the symptoms while keeping clients safe. Trained professionals may even administer slowly tapering doses of the addictive substance or a prescribed drug for a longer but safer detox process. Because these medications must be administered under the care of a medical professional, they are more easily managed in a residential program.
Residential vs. Outpatient Addiction Treatment: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to residential vs. outpatient addiction treatment, the most significant difference is where the clients reside and sleep at night. In a residential treatment program, the client lives in a controlled, supervised setting and undergoes highly structured treatment. Outpatient addiction can vary in levels of care and intensity, but there is more autonomy as the client sleeps in their own bed. This increased flexibility of schedule means a person has to have the coping mechanisms to operate outside of a supervised treatment center and manage any temptations or distractions that could interfere with their recovery.
Outpatient rehab can be a good standalone option for someone with a mild addiction that can’t get out of their work or school responsibilities. Residential treatment may be vital for clients with severe addictions that have long given up on maintaining a regular life that includes work or school. However, inpatient treatment programs typically cost more than outpatient rehab.
12-Step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be used as part of outpatient treatment. Many clients that go through residential treatment also turn to outpatient treatment like 12-Step options after completing their inpatient program.
Ready To Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Residential Addiction Treatment Program?
If you’re looking for a residential addiction treatment program, reach out to Midwest Detox Center. Contact us online or call 833.647.0392.
