Alcoholism is a progressive disease that cannot be cured. However, it can be managed. An alcoholic who goes through treatment will eventually learn to no longer want to drink alcohol or keep going beyond the point of wanting to stop. Alcoholism treatment centers offer a safe environment for recovering alcoholics. They provide medical and therapeutic care that helps the patient recover from their addiction and lead a sober life. The two main types of alcohol rehabs are residential and non-residential. A non-residential program usually takes place within the patient’s home, while a residential program usually takes place in an institution such as an extended stay hotel or halfway house.
What is the difference between alcohol rehab centers and treatment facilities?
There are many similarities between alcohol rehab centers and treatment facilities, but the two environments have some key differences that can help guide your decision about which one is best for you. First, alcohol rehab centers and treatment facilities are different entities. So, someone who is sober and goes to a treatment facility as an outpatient might be sober enough to enter a residential treatment facility.
On the other hand, someone who is sober and goes to an outpatient alcohol rehab center as an inpatient might not be sober enough to enter a treatment facility. Another key difference is the cost. Treatment facilities are more expensive than alcohol rehab centers, and the cost for inpatient and residential treatment is much higher than the cost for outpatient treatment, which includes therapy and daily living skills. In addition, an outpatient treatment facility usually has fewer available treatment slots than an alcohol rehab center.
Residential Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers
A residential alcohol rehabilitation center (or rehab center) is an exclusive environment where people with a substance use disorder can receive comprehensive medical and therapeutic care under one roof. The center is staffed by physicians and therapists who help the patient recover from their substance abuse. A residential rehab center offers several advantages for those who choose it.
First, it offers a safe and comfortable environment for recovering alcoholics who can live in a supportive, sober environment surrounded by people who are sober. This type of program allows people to focus on their recovery without having to worry about going to work, managing their finances and attending meetings with other recovering alcoholics.
There are a number of advantages of a residential alcohol rehab program, including:
- Residential program allows patients to maintain a greater degree of privacy.
- Provides structure and daily activities outside of the treatment center that can help prevent relapse.
- Patients are usually able to continue living at home with their families while going through treatment if they choose to.
- Provides a structured, medical environment that most non-medical and outpatient treatment facilities cannot offer.
- Residential rehab programs are more expensive than non-residential programs, but they are also more effective.
- Residential rehab programs are most effective for patients who are ready to fully commit to the program and have a long-term goal of staying sober.
- Patients who live at an alcohol rehab center can choose to continue working, attending school or remaining active in their community. They will have access to 12-step meetings and therapy at the facility.
- Residential alcohol treatment programs are most effective for patients with a severe alcohol use disorder.
- Patients who live at a residential rehab center can continue drinking alcohol at home.
Non-Residential Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers
A non-residential alcohol rehab center is usually a public or private facility that provides outpatient care for substance use disorders. It may be a medical practice or rehabilitation center that serves patients who are not close to the facility. Outpatient programs typically have fewer treatment slots than residential programs, which means they will not take as long to fill. Some outpatient programs offer intensive outpatient services that focus on quickly detoxing patients and getting them back on their feet.
While outpatient programs do not allow patients to live at the facility, they usually offer the same level of care as residential programs, including medical supervision, therapy and group counseling. Many non-residential programs have fewer treatment slots than residential programs, which means the wait time for treatment slots is longer. Also, non-residential programs do not accept people who want to live at the facility, so they are not able to maintain the same level of privacy and structure as residential programs.
Treatment Facilities
A treatment facility or boarding house is an environment designed to help people who struggle with addiction. These facilities usually have a sliding-scale fee system that allows people who cannot afford the fee to get in for free.
People who struggle with addiction may go to a treatment facility as an outpatient to receive outpatient treatment for their addiction. This type of treatment allows addicts to attend group counseling sessions and continue with their daily lives. Most treatment facilities have fewer treatment slots than residential or outpatient programs, so treatment may take longer to fill. Also, some treatment facilities do not allow patients to live there, which means they will have to continue living at home while going through treatment.
Those dealing with alcoholism can obtain help before this disease causes irreversible problems. Our Columbus, Ohio facility has helped countless individuals from diverse backgrounds conquer this demon. Call us at 833-820-2922.