Individuals who make the important, life-saving decision to find drug treatment have two primary choices in terms of format: residential and outpatient. Outpatient drug treatment is designed to help those individuals who want to return home at the end of each treatment day so that they can be with family, friends or other members of their support structure.

But while outpatient drug treatment allows the individuals to remain in their home environment during treatment, residential drug treatment programs provide a truly immersive experience where men and women can focus exclusively on their recovery.

How long does Residential Drug Treatment Last?

The length of a residential drug treatment program varies, with most taking between one and two months to complete. Some long-term residential rehab programs can last a full year and are designed to help those with the most serious drug addiction problems.

What Happens During Residential Drug Treatment?

In addition to the day-to-day activities found at residential drug treatment centers (exercise, meditation, three meals a day, etc.) there is a core program made up of three components: detox, counseling and aftercare. Each of these components addresses a different element of addiction – and aid the individual in a unique way.

• Detox. Residential drug detox takes place onsite at the facility and has the individual ceasing drug activity while in the presence of medical and counseling professionals. The health care professionals are present to help the individual stay on track while going through the withdrawal symptoms that often accompany detox.
• Counseling. Individual and group counseling provide an opportunity to talk openly about one’s addiction. Counselors help create a new way of thinking that keeps the individual from turning to drugs as a response to “triggers” that exist in their environment.
• Aftercare. Aftercare programs are designed to ease the transition back into daily life once residential drug treatment is complete. These programs include 12-step meetings for support, sober living homes for structure and follow-up counseling for “tune-ups” that help individuals continue to implement the lessons learned during treatment.

If you are struggling with drug addiction and need help, contact our free hotline today at and speak with a caring representative who can help make the right decisions about your recovery.