9 Pros And Cons Of Residential Addiction Treatment

Addiction has become a major social issue today. In the US alone, 14.5% of the population is struggling with alcohol and substance abuse. It also occurs in 20% of those who suffer from depression and anxiety as they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Getting help to overcome addiction is a tough choice. It requires acknowledging your problems and recognizing your power as an individual to change your ways and live a better life. Undergoing a suitable treatment plan is crucial for complete recovery.

Residential addiction treatment is one of the most effective methods of rehabilitation. The patient stays within the facility to get all the necessary help. Despite its proven efficacy, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Like any other treatment, residential addiction treatment has its pros and cons. Read on to know more:

Pros

Let’s talk about the pros of residential addiction treatment first. This method has worked for many individuals, that’s why it remains to be one of the most preferred treatment options.

1. Offers A Healing Environment

One of the key advantages of residential addiction treatment is the environment. By staying in the facility, one can stay away from toxic and abusive situations that trigger unhealthy habits. It provides a safe and relaxing place for both healing and reflection.

The environment significantly affects one’s behaviors. For instance, stimuli like social stress can lead to a cycle of self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. One may drink until they pass out to drown the emotional pain.

In-patient rehab facilities like Jackson House addiction treatment focus on creating an environment conducive to healing. They provide a serene setting for therapy, support group meetings, meditation sessions, and other treatments and activities. They keep the patients safe and secure, which is vital for recovery. Being in a new environment also helps patients feel that they can start over with a clean slate.

2. Better Detoxification Process

When starting the journey toward sobriety, withdrawal symptoms are always present. If the patient is struggling alone in an unsafe environment, these sensations may lead to relapse. For instance, fatigue, anxiety, and depression accompanied by hallucinations and delusions are common in methamphetamine abuse. These symptoms are extremely dangerous and can be deadly without professional supervision.

Staying in a residential addiction treatment ensures you get all the help you need anytime, especially during detoxification. A patient may take medications to manage the withdrawal symptoms better and eliminate other health risks. Medical professionals can closely monitor each patient to check their vitals and ensure their safety.

3. Provides Community Support

Having people who understand your struggles is essential in the recovery process. When a patient is surrounded by others who are struggling with similar challenges, they can have each other’s back. They can listen to each other’s stories without judgment and go through the healing journey together.

Residential addiction treatment facilities let patients interact with each other through different activities. They create a close-knit community with therapists and nurses to build trust. This way, everyone feels safe from the fear of being judged.

Moreover, the community they’ve built inside the rehab can still be their support group once they’re ready to go out. These support groups have weekly meetings to monitor their recovery and find assistance when necessary.

4. Accommodates Severe Cases

A regular therapy session may be enough for mild addiction cases. But signing up for residential rehab treatment is more suitable and effective for severe conditions. Since addiction is an illness related to a lack of self-control leading to self-destruction, patients need help 24/7 for at least a few months to get back on their feet again.

Rehabilitation facilities provide complete treatments for those struggling with more than one mental health problem. Addiction usually occurs with other conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. In this case, patients may need a combination of psychotherapy and medication to manage the condition.

5. Minimizes Relapse

Relapse is common in patients constantly exposed to environmental triggers. In residential addiction treatment facilities, the patient can stay away from toxic situations until they can finally overcome them without relapsing. This is one of the major advantages of in-patient rehab.

During rehab, the patient will undergo psychotherapy and develop healthy coping mechanisms to break the cycle. They learn positive life-changing lessons that strengthen their self-control and confidence. Therefore, when the treatment is finished, they can leave their comfort zone equipped with everything they need to resist temptations and remain clean.

Cons

While residential addiction treatment has been proven to be effective, it does come with several downsides.

6. Can Be Expensive

Although residential addiction treatment is highly effective, it is also very expensive. Staying in the facility for months means the patient cannot work and provide for their family. While some centers offer free help, they only provide outpatient services.

The cost of in-patient rehabilitation ranges from USD$6,000 to USD$20,000 for a 30-day program, excluding medications. For an average person, this can be expensive. In some cases, the price of rehab may push people away from getting the help they need since not everyone can afford it.

7. Challenging Transition

The transition from living outside to being an in-patient for weeks and months can be frightening for some. It means one needs to leave their normal daily life for a while to regain their sense of self and take control of their health.

Another tough transition is when the patient goes back to the real world. Having to function again at work and home can be stressful. The patient will also need to face old triggers and try to resist temptations. Peer pressure from friends who are still struggling with addiction can make the situation even more difficult.

8. Time Spent Away From Loved Ones

Signing into a residential rehab facility means spending time away from family, friends, and loved ones. Although there will be enough support for the patient during the treatment, some people cannot bear the thought of being physically away from their loved ones.

Family visits are only allowed after the detox, but it’s still subject to the center’s rules and regulations. Depending on the patient’s needs and progress, a 30-day program may be enough. In some cases, a patient may need 90 days to completely recover from addiction and other mental health conditions. Hence, it will take longer for them to see any family member.

9. Exposure To Other Patients’ Outbursts

Being in a residential addiction treatment facility means being with other patients who may experience outbursts. These situations are inevitable since those who suffer from withdrawal symptoms may lead to violent behavior and psychosis. For patients who are already past detoxification, observing these circumstances again may cause setbacks or triggers if not managed well.

Exposure to other patients’ outbursts can trigger trauma, especially for those struggling with PTSD and substance abuse. While the facility may isolate patients with severe conditions, these situations are inevitable since patients have varying mental health histories.

Conclusion

Addiction is an illness one can overcome with proper treatment and support. Going through rehab is an effective way to regain control over one’s own life. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol or substance abuse, help is always available.

Residential addiction treatment is always a great option for those who are seeking help. However, do take note of the pros and cons mentioned above to determine if it is indeed the right option for you and your family.