When you are ready to seek help for a substance use disorder (SUD), it is essential to research treatment options to ensure you find a program best suited to your needs. The first question to ask is whether you need residential or outpatient treatment. There are several factors to consider when making this decision, the most important being where you fall on the spectrum of SUD, from mild to severe. This can help answer the question: When is residential treatment necessary?
There are numerous addiction treatment programs in Athens, Georgia. Athens Recovery is recognized as a leader in outpatient treatment. We collaborate with Serenity Grove to offer a complete continuum of care for SUD and co-occurring disorders. Need help determining what level of care you need? Call 844.959.4998 to speak with an intake specialist who can assess your needs and walk you through your options.
What Is the Complete Continuum of Care?
The continuum of care for addiction treatment typically includes a range of services and interventions designed to address the diverse needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUD).
Specific programs and services vary among treatment centers. Some may exclusively offer inpatient or outpatient programs, while others provide both. The following is a general overview of the complete continuum of care:
- Prevention
- Early intervention services
- Detox services
- Outpatient programs
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Residential or inpatient programs
- Transitional or sober living programs
- Continuing care services
- Peer support groups
The continuum of care for addiction treatment should be personalized to meet each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. It may involve a combination of different services and interventions at various stages of the recovery process.
What Is a Residential Treatment Center?
Treatment centers for substance use disorders (SUD) fall into two categories: outpatient and inpatient or residential. Both are equally focused on addiction recovery, but each offers different attributes and benefits. It is essential to understand the differences before choosing a program.
What is residential treatment? A residential treatment center requires clients to check into a controlled environment with 24-hour access to supervision, treatment, and support. Residential treatment is usually considered necessary when individuals need a highly structured and intensive level of care that cannot be provided in an outpatient setting.
Individuals with long-term or moderate to severe SUD typically do better in a residential treatment program. Some of the benefits of residential addiction treatment include:
- Around-the-clock access to care
- High level of accountability
- Being away from potential temptations and triggers
- Peer and community support
- Built-in structure and routines
Depending on the need, residential treatment programs can last weeks to months. They are more expensive than outpatient treatment and are not always covered by insurance. Residential treatment also requires individuals to take an extended period off work or school and away from home, which is impossible for everyone.
When Is Residential Treatment Necessary?
Outpatient addiction treatment is a suitable and effective treatment option for many. For others, outpatient programs do not provide a high enough level of structure and support. When individuals do not receive an adequate level of care for their needs, they may become stuck in a cycle of chronic return to substance use.
The following are situations and factors that can indicate the need for residential treatment:
- Having a moderate to severe level of chemical dependence
- A history of using drugs or alcohol for an extended time
- Lacking an adequate support system at home or in the community
- A pattern of being unsuccessful in maintaining sobriety through outpatient programs
- An unsafe living environment
- A need for inpatient medically supervised detox
- Being at high risk of return to use or overdose
Residential treatment can be especially beneficial in the early days of recovery when cravings are the strongest. Addiction causes a lot of damage, and being in residential treatment offers clients and their families the time, space, and support required to begin to heal and repair relationships.
Contact Athens Recovery to See If Residential Treatment Is Right for You
Athens Recovery is a family-owned outpatient treatment center in Athens, GA. When you are ready to seek addiction treatment, our experienced addiction specialists can help determine the best level of care. If you need residential treatment, we can work with our affiliate, Serenity Grove, to get you the necessary care. Contact us online or call 844.959.4998 to begin your recovery today.
