Residential Treatment for Substance Abuse

In residential treatment, you live in an alcohol-free and drug-free setting while recovering from Reference addiction Opens New Window. How long you stay varies. You may stay for a number of months or more.

Residential treatment may be a good option if you have a long history of alcohol or drug use or crime, have a bad home situation, or don't have social support.

Most residential treatment programs involve the Reference 12-step program Opens New Window used by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). You'll have group therapy, Reference counseling Opens New Window, and medical care, and you will learn about addiction. Some programs also offer job or career training. Women may be allowed to bring their children.

Group therapy provides support and feedback from others who have struggled with addiction.

Some residential programs use a therapeutic community (TC) model. These programs allow you to be more accountable, responsible, and active in your community as your treatment progresses. This helps you stay committed to quitting.

At first, you may have limited contact with your family and others. This helps you adjust to your therapy. It also helps you make major life changes so you can quit drugs and alcohol.

Over time, you may go back to work during the day. You'll return to your program for evening sessions and to sleep each night.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.