Residential Substance Use Treatment

3 min read · 10 sections
Residential substance use treatment can be a strong option for individuals with ongoing recovery needs who may not require the round-the-clock medical monitoring of inpatient care. These programs offer structure, support, and evidence-based therapies in a live-in setting—helping many people start and sustain long-term recovery. Spanish Version
What you will learn:
Residential substance use treatment information
Residential drug treatment programs
Long-term residential treatment options
Where to find residential treatment programs near you

What is Residential Rehab?

Residential addiction treatment programs provide 24/7 support for people in a non-hospital setting. Patients in these programs may benefit from various forms of behavioral therapy, peer support, psychoeducation, medications for substance use disorder, and more, all in a safe, sober environment.

What Can Residential Substance Use Treatment Offer?

Many comprehensive residential drug treatment programs offer:

Personalized Care at American Addiction Centers

At American Addiction Centers, we offer both residential and outpatient treatment options to meet a range of recovery needs. Patient care is primarily influenced by a detailed and personalized treatment plan, carefully crafted through collaboration between the treatment staff and the patient. This plan is designed to be flexible, allowing for adjustments as needed to meet the evolving needs of the patient. It not only serves as a roadmap for current treatment decisions but also anticipates future choices, ensuring that the care provided is responsive and tailored to the individual’s specific circumstances and preferences. This dynamic approach emphasizes the importance of continuous communication and partnership between the patient and their care team, ultimately leading to more effective and compassionate treatment outcomes.

If you believe you may need help for a substance use disorder (SUD), we encourage you to reach out to one of our admissions navigators at (866) 303-3953 for confidential guidance.

The Benefits of Residential Rehab

Residential rehab programs offer structured substance use services, some of which include:

  • A safe, supervised environment for detox and early recovery, with 24/7 care.
  • Support for co-occurring issues such as mental illness/mental health conditions, trauma, and codependency.
  • Access to a variety of evidence-based therapies.
  • A peer community to process recovery alongside others on a similar path.

While residential treatment offers unique advantages, all levels of care can be helpful—depending on a person’s individual needs.

To learn more about residential and inpatient programs at American Addiction Centers, call (866) 303-3953 for confidential support.

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How Long Do People Stay in Residential Treatment?

Residential treatment services can vary significantly in length. However, research shows that a longer time spent in treatment (90 days or more) is generally associated with more successful outcomes. 

The length of stay for long-term drug rehab programs will depend on your personalized situation and treatment plan. Patients often supplement residential programs or inpatient treatment with outpatient care.

Learn more about:

Medical Detox and Withdrawal Management

The physical components of treatment involve freeing the body of its dependence on the addictive substance.

When people enter drug treatment, one of the first crucial tasks is to detoxify the system and get through the often challenging and sometimes dangerous process of withdrawing from the addictive substances. In residential treatment, this is best performed through medically supported detox and withdrawal that can help ease the symptoms of withdrawal while keeping individuals safe.

Withdrawal usually involves at least some discomfort, which can be lessened through various medications administered by doctors and other medical professionals.

Managing withdrawal symptoms is vital to a successful residential program, as the person is more likely to remain in rehab if withdrawal symptoms are kept under control.

In the case of addiction to certain substances, such as alcohol, opiates, and benzodiazepine drugs (benzos), withdrawal can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Even low-dose benzos, if used over a long period of time, can result in severe withdrawal symptoms that must be managed under the care of a professional who can administer medications to help prevent the worst symptoms.3 In most instances, individuals addicted to alcohol, opiates, and benzos should not attempt to detox cold turkey on their own.

Addressing Mental and Emotional Factors in Treatment

In addition to detox and medical support, effective treatment for substance use disorder often includes psychological and social therapies. These approaches help individuals understand and manage the underlying factors contributing to addiction, such as past trauma, emotional regulation challenges, or unhealthy relationship patterns.5

Recognizing Co-Occurring Disorders

For individuals with a dual diagnosis—when a substance use disorder occurs alongside mental health conditions like depression or anxiety—it’s essential that both conditions are addressed at the same time. This integrated approach improves treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of relapse. Long-term mental health care can be vital for many in maintaining long-lasting sobriety.

A skilled treatment team that understands the interplay between mental health and substance use is key to providing the right level of care.

Why Individual Therapy Matters

Something as simple as a strong therapeutic relationship between patient and counselor can significantly impact a person’s recovery journey.⁴ While most programs include group therapy, individual therapy often allows for deeper, personalized work that supports lasting change.

Through therapy, patients learn to:

  • Identify and understand emotional triggers.
  • Explore and challenge thought patterns tied to cravings.
  • Navigate relationships that may increase relapse risk.
  • Build healthy coping mechanisms to support long-term recovery.

These tools can help individuals break the cycle of addiction and maintain progress after leaving treatment.

How Much Does Residential Rehab Cost?

The cost of residential rehab and inpatient rehab will vary based on your location, the particular services offered at your rehab facility, your insurance coverage or method of payment, and various other factors. 

To discover whether your health insurance may cover the full or partial cost of treatment at any American Addiction Centers facility, enter your information in our form below.

Check to see if your insurance is in-network
at one of our rehab facilities.

  • Insurance can be confusing; strategies can include follow-up interviews to check in and provide motivation for continued commitment or encouragement to join mutual recovery groups and fellowships, such as 12-step. Let us handle it instead.
  • American Addiction Centers has years of experience in the addiction space and is in-network with many big-name insurance providers.
  • Your insurance provider will not be notified or contacted by completing this form.

Post-Residential Recovery Program Tools and Resources

A practical component of residential treatment is setting patients up for success after they leave their treatment program. If patients are able to practice and begin using skills and resources while in treatment, they are more likely to be able to maintain their recovery in the months and years following rehab.

These strategies can include follow-up interviews to check in and provide motivation for continued commitment or encouragement to join mutual recovery groups and fellowships, such as 12-step or alternative support programs.

Finding an Effective Residential Treatment Program

Treatment is more likely to help those struggling with addiction when it is customized to meet the specific individual’s physical, psychological, and practical needs.

Residential treatment facilities that offer evidence-based treatments and therapies like the ones discussed above offer their patients a fighting chance at sobriety and recovery.

Call 

(866) 303-3953

 to speak to a compassionate admissions navigator and learn more about residential treatment at AAC facilities. You can also verify your insurance using the confidential form below.

Check to see if your insurance is in-network
at one of our rehab facilities.

  • Insurance can be confusing, let us handle it instead.
  • American Addiction Centers has years of experience in the addiction space and is in-network with many big-name insurance providers.
  • Your insurance provider will not be notified or contacted by completing this form.
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