Residential treatment programs are an integral part of the recovery process for many people. Despite their overall effectiveness, there are still many misconceptions surrounding what “residential treatment” entails.
These misconceptions can create unnecessary barriers for those seeking the most effective treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol. Understanding residential treatment can help break down these barriers and help those seeking to continue on their sober journey set appropriate expectations and goals for this phase of their ongoing recovery.
What Is Residential Treatment?
Residential treatment is a program where an individual lives on-site at a recovery facility. While this can be intimidating, it is vital to embrace the need for a change in scenery to facilitate a shift in mentality.
One’s time in residential treatment may be scheduled with a plethora of therapeutic programs and experiences. That does not mean that everyone will be engaged in the same programs entirely or that one will be wholly cut off from the world around them. Such misconceptions create an inaccurate, even detrimental, perception of residential care.
Residential treatment can provide the support of peers, constant medical and therapeutic supervision from professionals, and an environment to build a new routine and lifestyle in sobriety. Making the most of one’s time in residential treatment means preparing to deconstruct barriers and preconceived notions.
Residential Is Not Like Living in a Hospital
One of the most familiar images of residential care comes with thoughts of a wholly sterile environment, devoid of any stimuli at all. Especially when paired with medical services available at a residential facility, it can be easy to confuse residential treatment with an extended stay in a hospital bed. This is not reflective of what residential care is like.
A change in environment is beneficial, and residential treatment involves amenities and activities to help fill one’s day. Individual and group activities, excursions, and more are all promoted, and one will still have opportunities to personalize their time and experiences while in treatment.
Residential treatment also focuses on providing an individual with a comfortable living space to explore their recovery. Pacific Sands even curates an atmosphere based on natural imagery, comfort, and opportunities to embrace a supportive, homey atmosphere.
Residential Treatment Is Still Flexible
Addiction recovery is always a personal experience, and residential treatment is still capable of providing a nuanced approach to each individual’s journey. While one may be in residential care alongside peers, that does not mean that any particular facility will adopt a universal approach to one’s treatment.
There is always space to personalize recovery based on an individual’s needs, goals, and effectiveness of any particular approach. Residential treatment continues these opportunities for personalized care.
Residential Treatment Includes Family and Friends
While individuals may be living on-site at an addiction recovery facility, they are by no means ostracized from the world around them, and they still have access to their friends, family, and loved ones in many ways. While some may be able to call and otherwise contact loved ones through digital mediums, it is also possible to schedule visits and continue to build on these important relationships.
Rebuilding and strengthening relationships with family is not just allowed but often encouraged. Many facilities will take these opportunities to educate loved ones on continued support strategies to engage in family programs. Others will reinforce the need for these relationships and provide resources to communicate with family for a healthy, sober life.
Residential Treatment Isn’t Only for the Rich
There are undoubtedly luxurious addiction recovery programs available. Yet, residential treatment as a program is not exclusive to any social class and can be more affordable with the right resources. Depending on one’s insurance plans and other support, many of these costs can be covered under medical expenses and can even be tax-deductible. Discussing with insurance providers can inform an individual how much of their residential treatment can be covered through insurance.
Residential treatment programs provide a host of advantages. This allows an individual to thrive in a sober environment while providing a social network of peers and professionals to build on new hobbies, interests, and recovery strategies.Although, this does not mean that residential treatment is not without its hardships, and an individual will still have to tackle their emotional needs and sober identities throughout the process.
The support provided in residential treatment can provide the most holistic, immersive approach to developing a sober lifestyle. Understanding residential as the supportive, impactful, and effective programs they are is just the first step in embracing a more effective recovery plan for oneself.
Residential treatment is an effective treatment that can help you separate your daily life from your developing sober identity while practicing sober strategies, coping techniques, and more in a safe and recovery-curated environment. Dismissing the misconceptions or barriers that may surround residential treatment is crucial in taking your next step towards a sober future with confidence and an open mind. Despite any misconceptions, talking with professionals and facilities can provide the unique benefits of residential treatment. Pacific Sands Recovery Center in Orange County, California, is ready to help you understand our involved residential treatment program’s amenities, comforts, and advantages. We offer an array of therapeutic modalities that can be personalized to fit your unique needs and goals. For more information on how we can help you, don’t hesitate. Call today to speak to a caring, trained staff member about residential treatment at (949) 426-7962.
