For some people, residential treatment can be an essential, life-changing step on their path toward successful, long-term recovery from addiction. But not everyone who has become dependent on alcohol or other drugs needs this level of care. When is residential treatment necessary, and what can you expect if you enroll in a residential program?
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, call us or visit our admissions page at the Retreat of Atlanta today for compassionate support and effective treatment.
To understand when residential treatment is necessary, it can be valuable to briefly review what, exactly, residential treatment is.
Programming for people who have substance use disorders (addictions) can occur at several levels, across what clinicians commonly refer to as a continuum of care. Listed in order from most to least restrictive environments, this continuum includes:
- Inpatient treatment
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient treatment
Some patients step down to the residential level after completing a short-term inpatient program to address particularly acute symptoms. Others enter treatment directly at the residential level, or step up from a PHP or IOP if their needs exceeded the care they were receiving through those programs.
When you’re evaluating your options, remember that there is no “right” or “wrong” treatment path. All that’s important is finding the path that’s right for you.
At the residential level, you will live at the center where you are receiving treatment. Typical features of residential addiction treatment include:
- Round-the-clock supervision and support
- Personalized care from a team of experts
- Scheduled treatment seven days per week
- Detoxification (detox) if necessary
- Multiple types of therapies and support services
- Therapeutic leisure or recreational activities
- Three nutritious meals per day
- Private or semi-private rooms
Length of stay at the residential level can vary depending on your progress and continued needs, as well as the parameters of the center where you are receiving care.
Usually, residential patients remain in treatment for at least 10-14 days, with most facilities also offering stays of 28 days or longer.
Tour Our Georgia Addiction Treatment Programs
When Is Residential Treatment Necessary?
Every level of addiction treatment has benefits and limitations. Determining which level or levels are right for you is a personal decision that should be guided by a detailed review of your history, needs, and goals.
Speaking generally, a residential program may be necessary if you:
- Have an addiction to alcohol or another substance
- Need 24/7 care and supervision
- Can benefit from a highly structured and supportive environment
- Have not benefitted from prior treatment at lower levels of care
- Are not in crisis or experiencing the acute symptoms that would warrant inpatient treatment
As we noted in the previous section, residential programming can be an entry point for professional treatment, or it can be a source of either step-down or step-up support for patients who have received care at other levels.
One of the best ways to know if residential treatment is necessary for you is to schedule an assessment with a trusted addiction treatment provider.
Types of Care in Residential Treatment
Benefits of Residential Treatment
One of the many benefits of residential treatment is the opportunity to engage in a wide range of therapies and support services. While specifics can vary by center, common features at this level of care include:
Detoxification
If the distress of withdrawal has prevented you from ending substance use, detox may be the ideal starting point. After safely completing withdrawal, you’ll be ready to fully engage in all aspects of your residential treatment plan.
Medication Management
Prescription medications can help with withdrawal, maintain recovery, or alleviate symptoms of co-occurring mental health conditions. Medication management can be a vital part of residential care.
Individual Psychotherapy
Confidential one-on-one individual therapy sessions with a professional allow you to discuss personal matters, address progress and setbacks, and receive focused feedback from your treatment team.
Group Therapy
In a group setting, guided by a trained professional, you can gain insights into addiction and recovery, practice relapse prevention skills, and share mutual support with peers.
Family Sessions
This form of group therapy involves close relatives or loved ones. Family sessions help address the impact of addiction, repair relationships, and build supportive dynamics.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you identify negative thought patterns that may contribute to addiction. It focuses on developing healthier ways to think about yourself, your environment, and your future.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT emphasizes skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—key components for maintaining recovery.
Holistic Therapies
Holistic approaches focus on the mind-body connection to encourage healing. Examples include yoga, meditation, reiki, qi gong, and therapeutic massage.
Dual Diagnosis Services
Many individuals with addiction also struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. Dual diagnosis programming addresses both addiction and co-occurring disorders.
This is not a complete list of every service you may receive while you’re in inpatient treatment, nor is it meant to imply that that you will participate in every type of care described above. Your treatment team should work closely with you to understand how you have been impacted by addiction, then select the elements that will best prepare you for successful recovery. 
Learn More About Residential Treatment in Georgia
The Retreat of Atlanta offers medical detoxification and comprehensive residential treatment for adults who have become addicted to alcohol and other drugs. We also offer dual diagnosis services for patients who have also been living with co-occurring mental health disorders.
To learn more about our programs and services, or for help determining if residential treatment is right for you or a loved one, please visit our admissions page or call us today.
