An Arizona residential treatment center is a live-in health care facility that provides therapy for substance use disorders, mental health disorders and other behavioral problems. As a client, you’ll be expected to live at the facility while you receive treatment.
Since this type of care offers a high level of monitoring and supervision, it’s ideal for those with severe substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. If you’ve already received some treatment or are responding well to medication-assisted therapy (MAT), you can likely start with an intensive outpatient or outpatient program instead.
Let’s explore the pros and cons to seeking care at a residential treatment facility so that you can make an informed decision.
What is Residential Treatment?
Inpatient treatment is the highest level of rehab for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Residential programs typically provide medical detox as well as integrated mental health services to get individuals on the path to recovery.
However, it’s important to understand that residential treatment is not the final step in the recovery process. The goal is to ‘step down’ to lower levels of care so that you can gradually transition to the real world with strength, resilience, confidence and healthy coping skills.
Most people spend one to three months in a residential facility and then step down to outpatient treatment. During your time in residential care, you can expect:
- Around-the-clock supervision and monitoring
- Group therapy, individual therapy and family therapy
- Mental health treatment services
- Medical appointments
- Nutritional assessments
- Wellness and fitness activities
- Educational and experiential workshops
- Continuing care planning
The Pros of an Arizona Residential Treatment Center
A residential facility is a good option for individuals who are struggling with a severe addiction and co-occurring mental health condition. Let’s take a look at the benefits.
Safety and containment
If you are a danger to yourself or others, it may be necessary to have 24/7 monitoring. This is especially important during the detox process, as the withdrawal symptoms can be distressing – and even fatal in some cases. Having a safe, contained environment can set the stage for a successful recovery.
As a client, you will also have access to a wide range of treatment professionals under one roof, including physicians, nurses, licensed addiction counselors, nutritionists, psychiatrists and psychologists. They will make sure that you are receiving the right medications and therapies to manage your symptoms.
Removal from stressors and temptation
Another benefit to choosing an Arizona residential treatment center is that you get to remove yourself from your current environment, which likely holds a lot of stress and triggers. Some individuals have a difficult time staying sober when their environment doesn’t change and the same friends, family, triggers, etc. are present.
Inpatient treatment centers are located throughout the U.S. People often prefer warm, sunny environments like Arizona because they offer plenty of sunshine and Vitamin D, endless opportunities to be outdoors and beautiful scenery that is perfect for meditating, journaling and connecting with a higher power.
By the time you return home, the hope is that you will have a strong foundation that makes it easier to fight temptation and stay sober.
Stabilization for co-occurring conditions
If you are experiencing serious withdrawal symptoms, such as psychosis or mania, you may need residential care or hospitalization until the symptoms resolve. A residential treatment program offers a safe and compassionate environment where you will be stabilized, preparing you for the transition to outpatient care.
Structure and stability
Even though it can be stressful to leave your family, residential programs are worth the short time away. They offer far more structure and stability than outpatient programs, minimizing time gaps that allow for boredom and cravings. Some of your time will be spent in therapy and counseling, and some will be spent engaging in healthy activities and learning about addiction.
Considerations for Residential Treatment
There are really no ‘cons’ to seeking residential treatment. Instead, there are certain considerations to keep in mind as you choose the proper level of care for your needs.
Higher costs
Generally speaking, inpatient programs are more costly than outpatient programs. You are receiving a higher level of care with around-the-clock support, so you’re paying for more treatment. Your insurance may be able to help with some of the costs, but it will likely not pay for all of it.
When looking for treatment centers, whether inpatient or outpatient, try to pick rehabs that accept your insurance. You can verify your insurance with the rehab directly, or you can call your insurance carrier. This will help you understand what is covered, along with what you can expect to pay out of pocket.
Must reside at the facility
Another consideration for residential treatment is that you will have to live at the facility for an extended period of time. While you’ll be able to see/talk to your family, you won’t be returning home to spend time with them. This can be difficult for some individuals, especially those with young children at home.
Harder transition
It’s highly encouraged for individuals to step down to an outpatient program after completing inpatient treatment. This gives them more time to work on their recovery so that they are better able to handle everyday stressors and triggers. However, some people go back home after inpatient treatment, thinking they have recovered. Unfortunately, this quick transition can be overwhelming and stressful, causing relapse.
Full Continuum of Care at Wolf Creek Recovery
Residential treatment is a high level of care best for treating serious substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. However, not everyone needs this high level of care. With local detox centers and medication-assisted therapy, many people are able to get sober and then start therapy and counseling without having to leave home.
In fact, many individuals benefit more from outpatient care, as they’re able to stay close to their support system. Being close also allows family to participate in therapy sessions, having the opportunity to rebuild bonds, improve communication and identify harmful behaviors like enabling and codependency. And, as you learn these important coping skills, you can apply them in the real world almost immediately.
Wolf Creek Recovery is located in Prescott AZ. We can refer you to a local detox center and then you can start counseling at our facility, which is broken down into Phase One, Phase Two and Extended Care. Contact our admissions department to learn more about our treatment services and how they can help you succeed at sobriety.
