According to the National lnstitute on Drug Abuse, residential rehab is a very effective form of treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, especially for individuals with more severe problems. Residential rehab facilities provide a structured environment where individuals live and receive treatment, typically for a period between 3 and 12 months. Individuals who enter residential rehab programs become part of a treatment community that includes staff members and other people in recovery. The goal of this community is to change the attitudes and behavior associated with alcohol and drug abuse.
Many people have heard about residential rehab through media stories about celebrity addiction, but they have limited knowledge about this form of treatment. They may not be aware that residential rehab is also an option for non-celebrities who are struggling with alcoholism or with serious addictions to heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and prescription drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin.
If you or a loved one needs help with addiction, these are some residential rehab facts to consider:
- Long-term treatment is proven to be the most beneficial form of rehab. Studies show that the longer an individual spends away from the influences that led to addiction, the greater are the chances for recovery.
- Residential rehab is more effective than outpatient treatment. The immersive environment provided in residential rehab helps individuals adopt a sober lifestyle and avoid relapse when treatment is complete.
- Residential rehab is one of the most expensive forms of treatment, but it is possible to find assistance with rehab fees. Private insurance companies may cover some of the costs of residential rehab. Additionally, there are residential treatment facilities that offer a sliding pay scale or financing options. There are also government agencies that may provide assistance with residential rehab fees.
- Intervention should be used when an addict refuses to enter residential rehab. Some family members and friends may feel that working with a trained interventionist and confronting their loved one about his or her addiction is too harsh. The high success rate of interventions show that this is not the case. For many addicts, the level of denial is so high that intervention is required before residential rehab treatment can begin.