Most clinical experts agree that, of the many types of drug treatment available today, residential programs yield the best outcomes for people struggling with severe addiction and/or co-occurring disorders. Residential treatment, also known as inpatient treatment, means that clients live in or near the facility in which they are receiving help. They live in resource-filled residencies, where they can heal and thrive alongside other peers in treatment. They also benefit from round-the-clock care and support as they work to overcome their addiction.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug rehab should do more than just put an end to substance use. “In addition to stopping drug abuse, the goal of treatment is to return people to productive functioning in the family, workplace, and community.” This is exactly what residential treatment centers aim to do. These programs focus on building each individual’s personal accountability, social responsibility, as well as new coping skills, to prepare for life after treatment.

There are several different types of residential treatment programs out there, as well as a variety of modalities and therapies used in each. And these continue to evolve. If you have a loved one who is struggling with detrimental drug or alcohol use, and considering inpatient treatment, know that not all programs are the same. Some are short-term, some are long-term. Some focus on medication management, while others use behavioral therapies. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. It is important to think about your loved one’s own, unique needs when making this important decision. 

Below are the different types of residential treatment programs you may find in Connecticut:

1. Long-term Residential Treatment

In long-term, residential drug treatment, clients live in comfortable, non-hospital settings (see: Turnbridge residencies here & here) and benefit from 24-hour support. Generally, long-term treatment programs have planned lengths of stay for clients, about 6 to 12 months.

There is great benefit to this extended, several-month stay. For one, those in recovery can get away from outside pressures and drug-using friends, and settle into a positive place to heal. In addition to getting away from (and stopping) drug use, they can also learn how to live a healthy, sober life. From the minute they walk into the doors, clients begin developing structured regimes which include meetings, therapy, exercise, recreational activities, and healthy meal preparation. They shatter destructive patterns of behavior and learn how to be present, to live harmoniously, and to productively interact with others. Through ongoing activities, meetings, and support groups, residents can also build lasting friendships in long-term treatment.

As cited by the NIDA, extended stays in treatment helps those in recovery to “stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning.”

2. Short-term Residential Treatment

Short-term, residential treatment programs offer intensive, but relatively brief, treatment services for those battling a substance use disorder. According to the NIDA, these short-term programs are usually based on the 12-step approach. Originally, short-term residential treatment programs for drug abuse lasted about three to six weeks, however, treatment lengths now vary. Some programs last 30 days, while some extend to the 60- or 90-day range.

Short-term residential rehab is usually found in an inpatient, hospital-based setting where clients can detox from their substance use and begin their road to recovery in a protected space, away from relapse triggers. Most short-term treatment programs are followed by extended outpatient or inpatient therapy in a non-hospital setting, where clients can continue to engage in their recovery. Some encourage clients to transition through halfway housing or sober living homes, combined with support groups and meetings, to reduce the risk of relapse once leaving the residential treatment setting.

3. Recovery Housing or Sober Living Homes

Recovery housing, also called sober living housing or transitional homes, offer supervised, short-term living situations for people in recovery. Generally, these homes are available to people following an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. As we discuss here, sober housing can help ease the transition between a formal rehab program and an independent life. It gives ex-users the ability to continue living in a drug-free space, away from drug-using influences, while still learning to live independently – for example, managing finances, finding work, taking classes, getting to meetings, and preparing meals on their own. While many sober living houses do not provide treatment services directly, they will often connect residents with support services in the nearby community.

Residential Treatment Services in Connecticut

Just as there are many types of residential treatment programs in Connecticut, there are many different therapeutic approaches that each program will use. The most important thing to consider when choosing a residential rehab program is to find one that will tailor its services to the unique needs of your loved one. What kind of program will he or she benefit from most? Will the program customize an individual treatment plan for your loved one? Below are some of the evidence-based therapies you might come across at a residential drug treatment program in Connecticut, such as Turnbridge.

• Behavioral counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy, to help patients recognize and handle situations that can prompt substance use
• Multi-dimensional family therapy
• Medication to treat withdrawal
• Skills-building sessions, to teach clients how to live responsibly, healthily, and self-sufficiently
• Dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression
• Group therapy, to help build meaningful connections and build a sober support network
• Follow-up care for relapse prevention

A study from the Australian Patient Pathways National Project showed that, of the various types of drug treatment programs, residential treatment was among the most likely to result in higher rates of continued recovery from addiction.

Residential treatment programs are right for adolescents and young adults, or anyone struggling with severe levels of drug addiction. It is also right for addicted individuals with mental health and medical needs that would benefit from a structured environment and watchful, round-the-clock care. If your loved one is need of residential treatment in Connecticut, please do not hesitate to reach out. Turnbridge is a recognized long-term, inpatient treatment facility for adolescents and young adults, specializing in co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. Call 877-581-1793 to learn more.