Residential Treatment for Substance Use

Treatment Overview

In residential treatment, you live in an alcohol-free and drug-free setting while recovering from substance use disorder. How long you stay varies. You may stay for a number of months or more.

Residential treatment may be a good option if you have used drugs or alcohol for a long time, have had legal problems because of your use, or don't have good support from other people.

Your doctor or counsellor can help you find a residential treatment program. When choosing a program, consider cost and payment options. Find out if your provincial health plan or private health insurance will cover the cost.

There are different types of residential treatment programs. Treatment may include group therapy, one-on-one counselling, drug and alcohol education, medical care and family therapy. Some programs also offer job or career training. A small number of programs allow parents to bring their children.

Group therapy provides support and feedback from others who have struggled with substance use.

Some residential programs use a therapeutic community (TC) model. These programs allow you to be more accountable, responsible, and active in your community as your treatment progresses. This helps you stay committed to quitting.

At first, you may have limited contact with your family and others. This helps you adjust to your therapy. It also helps you make major life changes so you can quit drugs and alcohol.

Over time, you may go back to work during the day. You'll return to your program for evening sessions and to sleep each night.