What is a Residential Drug Abuse Program?

Posted By admin on July 16, 2010

A residential drug abuse program, also referred to as inpatient rehabilitation, is a type of rehabilitation service where the patients stay in a residential setting as opposed to traveling to the program’s clinic or center for appointments and therapy sessions. When some patients find that outpatient programs are not sufficient enough to support their extensive physical and emotional needs during rehabilitation treatment, many find residential programs to help much more.

Inpatient programs are offered in a range of venues, from remote locations, like camps and wilderness programs, to private, resort style clinics. There are also many physical rehab programs attached to area hospitals for those struggling with drug addition. This allows the resident to access quick medical attention if necessary. Being in close proximity to medical care facilities also gives the family of the patient peace of mind in knowing that their treatment is closely guarded.

Some inpatient rehab programs last as little as 28 days and some go on for as long as 12 months. The length of the program is determined by the patient’s problem and its severity and is further determined by the attending physician. These programs typically consist of very structured daily activities. Usually, the first step in treatment at the clinic will be supervised detox. Other forms of structured treatments will follow, such as group therapy sessions and personalized exploration.

Many addicts find that entering a residential drug abuse program alleviates the pressures they feel in their everyday lives in the outside world. This allows the patient to focus on recovering without the added stress from relationships, family, friends, and work. The structured parts of rehabs are also found constructive in creating long-term success for patients, helping them learn to cope with stress and pressure without the use of drugs.