What Is Residential Treatment?

With 700,000 drug overdose deaths in the US since 2000, the need for substance abuse treatment is not going away any time soon. In fact, the Federal Drug Control spent $15.5 billion on addiction treatment in the United States in 2020.

If you have a substance abuse problem and have sought treatment, you might have completed 21 days of inpatient treatment. Perhaps you are now wondering what comes next? Where do you go now? Can you even afford it?

In this article, we will discuss what is residential treatment, what you can expect, and what dent it will make in your finances. So let’s get right into it, shall we?

What Types of Treatment Options Are There?

When dealing with addiction, we have to be realistic and understand that not everyone recovers the same way. Some who seek treatment may find success in recovery through an outpatient program or a 21-day inpatient program. However, others might need a bit more of a helping hand. This is where residential treatment can best be utilized.

Let’s briefly discuss each treatment option:

What Is Inpatient Treatment?

Inpatient treatment can last anywhere between a week to 21 days and typically occurs in a hospital or clinic setting. A primary service offered with inpatient treatment is a medically-assisted detox from drugs, alcohol, or both.

Inpatient treatment is usually short, intensive, and concentrated in its approach. However, it can also sometimes address mental health issues if it’s also a dual diagnosis residential drug treatment center.

What Is Residential Treatment?

Once you’ve completed your inpatient program, your options depend on how you responded to treatment during your stay. Your options are either to return sober to everyday life or move into residential treatment. The latter is where you will have access to multiple services to assist you in your recovery further.

Typically, most residential drug treatment programs include:

• 12 step meetings
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family counseling

Residential treatment can last anywhere around 3 – 4 months but ultimately depends on how the resident responds to treatment.

What Is Outpatient & Intensive Outpatient Treatment?

Outpatient treatment would be ideal for those who choose to resume everyday life but still want to remain connected to their recovery. The recovering addict returns to daily life but attends weekly sessions. This can be a combination of group or individual therapy, 12 step meetings, and continued drug abuse education.

Intensive outpatient requires around 10 to 12 hours of care a week, including visiting the substance abuse clinic three to five times a week.

As we see with residential treatment, the duration of outpatient treatment depends on the patient’s progress.

What to Expect During Your Stay

So you’ve decided to move from inpatient care to residential treatment. Congratulations! That’s another step in the right direction for your recovery success.

While inpatient treatment usually occurs within a hospital or clinical setting, residential treatment takes on a more homely feel. Typically, residential programs are run in a multi-room house. This house has all the comforts of home, but with expert medical staff on hand.

With treatment plans, some residential drug treatment centers have everyone in the same treatment program. Others will tailor an individual treatment program specifically for your needs. Once you’ve arrived at your treatment center, you will meet with a care coordinator to discuss the path forward.

Every day begins with a healthy breakfast, followed by group therapy, individual counseling sessions, or recreation time. Other services can include:

• Life skill classes
• Drug abuse education
• Assignments & recovery-related homework

Midday meals and dinner is also provided at set times. However, some residential treatment centers require residents to cook for themselves as a group.

Counseling and therapy can include prescribed medication for dual-diagnosis patients; assistance with medical conditions like bipolar disorder or depression, and codependency, as well as helping you understand, identify, and neutralize triggers that lead to your substance abuse.

Typically you cannot leave the facility, and access to personal items like laptops and cellphones might be monitored or limited. However, one is usually allowed to attend 12 step meetings at a location outside of the treatment home, so long as a supervisor accompanies you.

How Much Does Residential Treatment Cost?

Not everyone has the finances that allow for long-term addiction treatment, and unfortunately, treatment costs can run quite high. While costs vary according to several contributing factors, estimates are:

• Medical Detox: $250-$800 per day
• Outpatient Treatment: anywhere between $3,000-$10,000
• Outpatient Rehab: anywhere from $1,400-$10,000
• Residential Treatment: starting from $5,000 to $80,000 or more

Many drug and treatment centers offer flexible, affordable cash payment options for those without medical aid, so check in with the facility’s admissions coordinator to know your options.

The cost of medication also needs to be considered, should your psychiatrist recommend it. Medication can help with depression, anxiety, emergency detox, and long-term detox. However, you can expect to pay around $5,000 for a year’s methadone treatment for users coming off opioids such as heroin.

Does Insurance Cover Residential Treatment?

In the United States, substance abuse treatment is mandated under mental health services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Your health insurance plan will determine the type of care you’re entitled to claim and the duration of your treatment.

For most, this includes inpatient treatment, residential treatment, medically-assisted detox, and mental health counseling. It’s always wise to contact your insurance provider to double-check what you are covered for and any limitations.

Other options include looking for free or low-income rehab centers or looking into programs offering financing options. The money you spend on your recovery is an investment in your future, and getting sober will allow you to pursue more avenues in life.

Your Journey to Continued Recovery Success

Substance abuse affects thousands of people every day, and not everyone manages to recognize the signs and seek help. But for those who want recovery, there are options. Part of the reason people don’t seek help is that they don’t know what to expect or if they can afford it. Understanding what is residential treatment is key to furthering your recovery success.

If you are battling substance addiction, and need help in the Los Angeles area, contact us to discuss your treatment options so you can begin your journey to recovery success.