Many people have different views on addiction. A common theme is misunderstanding this disease. This is because life in active addiction is much more hectic and complicated than the average person may imagine.
Due to its accuracy, the saying “One is too many, and a thousand is never enough” often goes around in recovery rooms. A person who does not suffer from the disease of addiction can go out with friends for a few drinks and have the ability to realize when enough is enough. For an addict or alcoholic, it is much different. Once an addict takes that first sip, first hit, or the first pill, it’s all over. The choice is now out of their hands, and the disease of addiction takes the wheel. An addict is genuinely unable to stop drinking or using once they have started.
For those looking to make a permanent change in their lives, the steps to take will look different because of the individual impact of this disease. Although, the initial steps that can be taken to give them the best shot at a life in recovery can be quite similar. Residential treatment provides the opportunity to customize a treatment plan to an individual based on their life circumstances.
The stabilization period would begin with an inpatient detox. Next would be an inpatient residential level of care. Lastly, the aftercare planning for outpatient treatment begins. This offers a great chance of sustained abstinence from all substances.
The power of information is unbelievable when figuring out when residential treatment is necessary for someone in the grips of addiction. The thought of a multiple-step treatment process may be daunting to some. But, when the correct information is provided, the process necessary can be much less intimidating.
What Is Residential Treatment?
Residential treatment is an inpatient process that will include 24/7 monitoring in a secure and safe environment. This will allow a team of clinical and medical staff members to monitor and assess clients throughout their treatment process. Clients will have direct access to round-the-clock medical and psychiatric services in the residential treatment setting. There are a few levels of care that are associated with Residential Treatment. Detoxification and residential levels of care are two levels in which inpatient treatment is provided.
Residential inpatient treatment provides a structured environment where one can properly adjust to life without substances. When solely removing the substances from your life on your own isn’t working, inpatient services can be beneficial. This will provide a structured space to avoid temptation and deal with the thoughts and feelings that start to flow in once the substances no longer dull the real person hidden behind the addiction.
Residential treatment centers (RTC) can look different depending on the state requirements and regulations. Some states provide inpatient treatment in a hospital or hospital-like setting, and other states like California will allow treatment centers to operate out of a residential home setting.
During the residential treatment process, there are different forms of evidence-based therapy that will likely be utilized. Below are a few of the therapy models that are proven to be effective in the treatment setting.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy (MDFT)
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Benefits Of Residential Treatment
There are many benefits to residential treatment throughout its stages.
Detox provides a separation from the substances of choice and assistance to safely get to the point where substances are no longer controlling the thoughts and feelings of the patient.
Residential treatment begins with living in a structured environment with others, individual therapy to assess and work through issues that stem from trauma in the past, and the implementation of a daily routine that supports a life without dependence on substances.
Developing the ability to identify feelings and the processes necessary to work through them effectively.
Though the detoxification and residential programs are centered around life in sobriety, it does not only focus on substances and their effects. A large factor in sustained sobriety must include the development of a healthy routine, a structured lifestyle, and a productive thought process. Once these things begin to click and work together, the difference is night and day.
Addiction is not a battle that should be fought alone. The inclusion of supportive and healthy relationships with others in recovery can increase the probability of sustained sobriety for those struggling with addiction.
Impact Of Residential Treatment
Residential treatment aims to help guide those struggling with addiction to a life that is no longer controlled by substances. The impact of residential treatment can be life-changing. With the combination of a compassionate, reliable, encouraging, and determined treatment team and the willingness of those looking for treatment, the possibilities for improvement are endless.
Addicts go to all lengths to satisfy their addiction. The battle with addiction can significantly compromise the self-image of an addict upon admission to a treatment center. This begins to set in and becomes the only vision of themself that is present. Separating them from their substance of choice can enable them to start rebuilding that image and confidence.
Many other areas of life can begin to improve by identifying the underlying issues surrounding addiction. Once the treatment progresses, one can begin to reform relationships with family, loved ones, friends, and most importantly, with themselves.
Types Of Residential Treatment Programs
The initial level of care is known as “Detox.” Detoxification is heavily focused on the medical necessity to treat the withdrawal symptoms displayed by the individual admitted to a treatment center. Withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on the substance being abused. This is when one is stabilized and monitored closely around the clock. This period is critical due to the potential dangers one can face from the abrupt removal of certain substances. Modern medicine has made it possible to avoid many catastrophic issues when detoxification is done at an inpatient residential treatment center. Close monitoring and assessments of individuals upon admission allow medical teams to devise an immediate plan to relieve withdrawal symptoms and manage the risks associated with detoxing from substances.
Once the detoxification process is completed and the withdrawal symptoms have decreased to a manageable level, the members of a residential treatment center's clinical and medical teams will reassess a client's situation to confirm that they are ready to move to the “Residential” level of care. At this point, a client in this position would be exposed to individual and group therapy. In these settings, they will learn about emotional and environmental triggers, coping skills, and the importance of support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotic Anonymous. At the residential level of care, the individualization of the process will continue to suit the needs of those who attend the residential treatment program.
Visit us for more information on our inpatient services at LA Valley Recovery.
When Is Residential Treatment Necessary?
Here are some questions you can ask yourself or a loved one to determine if residential treatment is necessary.
Is my life being controlled by substances?
Do I find myself repeating the same actions that are negatively affecting my life on a regular basis?
Is my life unmanageable due to substance abuse?
Do I lack self-control?
Have I ruined relationships due to my substance abuse?
Am I unable to hold down a job and manage finances?
If the answer to some or all of these questions is yes, then it may be time to consider residential treatment as an option to help achieve a manageable, healthy, and sustainable life.
Different phases of addiction can be displayed by someone suffering from the disease. Depending on the stage they are currently dealing with, the signs and symptoms will look different. The best thing to do is to be mindful and watch out for the progression of stages in themselves or a loved one.
The stages of addiction will vary between individuals. Each person's brain and body react in various different ways due to the individuality of the disease.
The four stages of addiction, according to healthline.com are:
Experimentation: uses or engages out of curiosity.
Social or regular: uses or engages in social situations or for social reasons.
Problem or risk: uses or engages in an extreme way with disregard for consequences.
Dependency: uses or engages on a daily basis, or several times per day, despite possible negative consequences.
If you or someone you care for are; outside of the experimentation, and social or regular use stages, then this can be an informational tool to help answer the question, “When is residential treatment necessary?”
Taking a step back and surveying your life to analyze the issues is crucial. The more information you can gather on; what a residential treatment program is, the benefits of attending an inpatient residential program, the impact of recovery in an inpatient treatment center, the different types of programs available, and lastly, when it is truly necessary to take the leap of faith needed to begin the process, the better the opportunity to make a life-changing decision will be.
If you are looking to get help, you can fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you to provide more in-depth information about our treatment processes at LA Valley Recovery here.