Addiction is a progressive disease that requires professional intervention to overcome. Meanwhile, accepting one’s need for treatment is often one of the most challenging obstacles to healing and recovery. Once an individual accepts their need for treatment, however, they must consider all of the different treatment options available and, more specifically, which option may be most effective for establishing and sustaining sobriety. Oftentimes, this leaves many people asking questions like, “Why should I consider residential treatment over outpatient treatment?”
At Renaissance Ranch, we believe that residential treatment offers individuals the best chance at securing lasting sobriety because it allows them to place their full focus on healing from the intense physical, social, and emotional consequences of alcohol and drug abuse. Still, we understand that residential treatment may not be realistic for every person working to recover from addiction, as some personal obligations and responsibilities can not be put on hold for treatment. In these cases, outpatient treatment can provide individuals with the stability and support needed to implement healthier behavior patterns while reducing the risk of relapse.
Nevertheless, there are many reasons one may consider residential treatment when working to recover from alcohol and drug addiction. Learning more about the benefits of residential treatment, especially when compared to outpatient treatment, can help individuals make the most informed treatment choice for their unique and individualized addiction recovery journey.
Understanding Residential Treatment vs. Outpatient Treatment
Treatment for alcohol and drug abuse exists in a continuum of care. As explained in the publication titled Substance Abuse: Clinical Issues in Intensive Outpatient Treatment by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Continuum of care” refers to a treatment system in which clients enter treatment at a level appropriate to their needs and then step up to more intense treatment or down to less intense treatment as needed.” In a continuum of care for addiction treatment, there are five main levels, which include:
- L0.5: Early intervention services
- L1: Outpatient services
- L2: Intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization services
- L3: Residential treatment and inpatient services
- L4: Medically managed intensive inpatient services
As one can see, outpatient and residential treatment make up the majority of treatment services that are offered for substance abuse and addiction. The main difference between outpatient and residential treatment is that with residential treatment, a client lives at the rehabilitation center while they undergo treatment. Meanwhile, with outpatient treatment, a client lives at home.
There are many different types of outpatient treatment, including general outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization. General outpatient treatment is the least intensive and involved. Intensive outpatient is considered a “step up” from general outpatient treatment, requiring a higher level of involvement and time commitment. Finally, partial hospitalization is the most intensive form of outpatient treatment and is often recommended for individuals who struggle with severe symptoms of mental health disorders or substance abuse but are unable to commit to a full-time residential treatment program.
Why Consider Residential Treatment?
For individuals who are considering undergoing addiction treatment for the first time, residential treatment can be a great program to start with because of the structure and stability that it can provide to clients. Residential treatment programs offer individuals a safe and secure environment that is free not only from alcohol and drug use but also from common environmental triggers. Additionally, they offer comprehensive care and professional support that is available to residents 24/7. This can be especially valuable for individuals working to detox from alcohol and other drugs and establish sobriety.
Another reason why someone should consider residential treatment over outpatient treatment for addiction recovery is that residential programs often offer a surplus of evidence-based therapies, holistic treatments, and other activities that support whole-person healing. Daily schedules are highly structured with a variety of therapeutic involvements, including individual and group therapy groups, blocked time to focus on physical health and wellness, peer activities, sober networking opportunities, and much, much more.
Aside from personal responsibilities that cannot be put on hold, two of the most apparent obstacles to residential treatment are stigma and costs. On the one hand, some individuals may feel ashamed about needing to commit to a residential treatment facility. Yet, getting help is never something that someone should be ashamed of. Additionally, as far as costs of treatment go, most residential treatment facilities accept a wide range of insurance plans. No one should ever feel that they cannot afford treatment.
Consider Residential Treatment at Renaissance Ranch
At Renaissance Ranch, we offer residential treatment, outpatient treatment, and sober living opportunities for adult men seeking recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Though these programs help provide a sense of structure for clients, our treatment programs are individualized to meet the unique needs, recovery goals, and aspirations of each client we work with. Our professional staff will work with each client to help determine which of our programs will be the best fit for their situation and recovery journey.
Deciding whether to pursue residential treatment or outpatient treatment for alcohol and drug addiction can be overwhelming. On the one hand, if you are struggling with severe symptoms of addiction and/or co-occurring disorders, residential treatment can provide you with a safe and secure environment to undergo treatment and establish sobriety. Meanwhile, if you have personal responsibilities that cannot be put on hold or your symptoms are less than severe, outpatient treatment can be a great option. At Renaissance Ranch, we assist clients in helping them understand the benefits of each treatment option and which type of treatment may be most effective for their unique recovery journey. Learn more about our programs and services by calling (801) 308-8898.