When you’re struggling with substance abuse or a mental health disorder, the first step towards getting healthy is realizing you have a problem and need help. Once you start looking for help, you may come across several different inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient treatment options.
If you’re thinking about inpatient or residential treatment, you could have several questions going through your mind. After all, residential treatment may feel like a big commitment. Is that something you really need? For some people, it most certainly is. But how can you know if it’s right for you? When is residential treatment necessary?
What is Residential Treatment?
To properly answer when is residential treatment necessary, you first need to know what residential treatment is all about. When you participate in residential treatment, you live at a residential treatment facility for a temporary amount of time. These residential treatment centers provide 24/7 care in a structured, supervised non-hospital setting to help you stay the course as you pursue long-term healing.
Residential treatment centers provide a pivotal step on your recovery journey that allows you to get away from any triggers or distractions and focus on getting healthy in a highly intentional environment. Here you have easy access to therapists, doctors, and various support staff and take part in a personalized, regimented plan of care involving holistic and evidence-based treatment, medical care, effective coping strategies, and ongoing community support. Typically, you’ll also participate in group and individual therapy, as well as various recreational activities like hiking, gardening, or yoga.
When is Residential Treatment Necessary for You?
Enrolling in a residential treatment facility for help can make a lasting impact on your recovery. However, depending on your situation and story, some people need to prioritize it more than others. Residential treatment centers are often necessary in the following circumstances:
You Need Detox Support
When you’re struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, breaking free from your substance dependence can be a difficult road initially. Overcoming your addiction usually requires a physical detox of the substance from your body. Because of the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms that can occur during detox, you should never do it alone. A residential treatment facility can provide professional detox and withdrawal management services, as well as help you avoid relapse—which can sometimes occur when people only participate in outpatient treatment.
You Require More Involved Care
If your condition is too acute for outpatient care but doesn’t require hospitalization, a residential treatment facility is usually the best place for you, as it provides the specialized, 24/7 care you need away from the intensity of a hospital. Often, people in these situations may be in the midst of a crisis, or their symptoms are worsening or becoming more frequent. Residential treatment centers can provide the focused care you need to get on the right track.
You Have Co-Occurring Disorders
When you’re struggling with co-occurring disorders, it means you have at least one substance addiction and mental health disorder simultaneously. Because of the complexity of co-occurring disorders, you’ll often require a comprehensive assessment to diagnose both conditions and determine how they’re connected. These situations will require integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders, which is best offered at a dual diagnosis residential treatment facility.
Outpatient Treatment Didn’t Work
While outpatient treatment may be the preferred choice for some, there can be certain scenarios where outpatient treatment isn’t effective for some people and their addictions or mental health disorders become more severe. If you’ve tried outpatient treatment and haven’t made progress, then residential treatment may be the necessary step you need to take in order to heal. Though it doesn’t offer some of the conveniences of outpatient care, residential treatment can provide more support, treatment options, and resources you need to finally overcome your struggles.
You Lack Support at Home
Community support is a key aspect of your recovery. If you live in social isolation from others, then residential treatment centers may be necessary for you to access the vital support you need. In some situations, your home environment may also be detrimental to your recovery, such as having a family member who uses as well or enables your addictions. Or, your at-home support may have become depleted, unreliable, or drained. In these circumstances, enrolling in a residential treatment program can provide the personalized, intentional care from others that you don’t receive at home.
There are Safety Concerns
Some conditions may require you to be hospitalized for a period of time. Once you’re no longer a danger to yourself, you still may be unable to live on your own in your current condition. That’s when residential treatment can be your next step in your recovery journey. Residential treatment centers provide a safe, secure setting for you to receive around-the-clock care away from situations that may lead to self-destructive behaviors.
Vermont-Based Residential Treatment at Sana at Stowe
Though necessary at times, there are several benefits of residential treatment. And when it provides what your circumstances require to get the help you need to heal, then it’s ultimately worthwhile. So if you’re in need of residential treatment, then consider Sana at Stowe. Our Vermont-based residential treatment facility provides individualized care for healing from substance abuse and any co-occurring mental health conditions. To learn more about what a typical day looks like in our residential programming, contact our team now.
