Residential Drug & Alcohol Rehab Programs
What Is Residential Addiction Treatment?
When you’re in residential rehab, the goal is to help stabilize you and support your recovery.1 For many people, residential addiction treatment is just one step in the path to recovery.
Residential addiction treatment involves living onsite, usually in a treatment center not associated with a hospital.2 It’s a good option for people who don’t have a lot of outside support and for those who may have had struggles remaining drug- and alcohol-free in other environments.2 It’s also a good option for individuals who lack stable housing or employment.2
Residential rehab facilities may vary in terms of treatment offerings.2 The process of attending residential treatment depends on the specific substance you are admitted to residential rehab for.2 Depending on the facility, there may be different phases or expectations of treatment in a residential program.2 Some residential treatment programs have different activities than others.2 If you’re searching for residential drug rehab, it’s important to find one that meets your needs.
What Happens During Residential Treatment for Drugs & Alcohol?
When you live in a residential addiction treatment facility, you may wonder what to expect. Residential treatment lasts an average of one month to a year or more.2 Each facility may have different programming depending on the type of facility.2
Some residential facilities offer detoxification services as part of treatment. Detox within a residential treatment program is suitable for people who have moderate withdrawal symptoms and don’t require 24/7 medical monitoring while stopping drugs or alcohol.3 Some residential treatment centers offer medical detox services.3 During this phase, there are medical staff available to help you manage the withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping drugs and alcohol.3
Residential vs. Inpatient Rehab
While there are many similarities between residential and inpatient rehab, there are also many differences.5 Residential treatment often lasts longer than inpatient treatment. Because you live in a facility for a long-term stay, residential treatment may have a more home-like atmosphere.5
Residential treatment can also feel less clinical than inpatient treatment. Inpatient care often occurs in a hospital setting, unlike living in a treatment facility; it is a short-term intensive level of care. The atmosphere in residential rehab can feel more comfortable since you’re there for several months to a year.5
Residential treatment can help treat many specialized populations, such as adolescents, women, the homeless population, and those with special needs.5 Residential treatment communities provide an in-home treatment program that is structured and helps the person in recovery confront damaging beliefs and build skills over time to help them prevent relapse.5
What Happens After Residential Rehab?
In the continuum of care outlined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria, residential treatment occurs before intensive outpatient treatment and after medically managed inpatient treatment.6 When you transition to outpatient treatment, you no longer live at the facility that you receive treatment in.6 You attend treatment sometimes multiple times per week at a facility but sleep at home.6
When you first leave residential rehab, you may attend groups and other therapy services multiple times a week and then step down to attending treatment less frequently. You may also participate in peer support recovery groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Peer support and recovery groups can be an essential part of treatment in many people’s recovery journeys.
Not Ready to Talk? Get Free Text Support
If you are not ready to talk but want more information about addiction, you can sign up for personalized text support. Receive 24/7 text support right away and at your convenience. There is no obligation to enter treatment and you can opt out at any time.
Does Health Insurance Cover Residential Addiction Treatment?
Yes, health insurance does cover residential addiction treatment.1 How much they cover and what they cover may vary depending on your insurance plan.1 You can call American Addiction Centers (AAC) at to get started today. Our admissions navigators can help you see what your plan covers. You can also verify your insurance coverage online to see what treatment your plan covers.
Finding a Residential Rehab Program Near You
If you or a loved one are seeking residential treatment for alcohol or drug use, you can take the steps to get started on your recovery journey right now. Starting recovery can help you improve your physical and mental health and overall quality of life.
If you need help locating a residential rehab program near you, the rehabs.com directory can help you find a local treatment program. You can also call our admissions navigators at who can help you locate a residential treatment that suits your needs. Make the call and get started on the path to a healthier life today.