Comparing Acute and Residential Treatment

     If you have never dealt with either residential treatment centers or acute treatment centers, you may not understand the difference between the two treatment options. If are considering either option, you may want to learn about the differences so you know who to contact and understand how your needs will be served.

Acute TreatmentAn acute treatment center deals with issues that are “acute”, which is to say the patient may be an immediate danger to themselves or others. There are several reason why one might seek out acute care. Suicidal plans, homicidal plans, dangerous behavior such as cutting on one's self or even and overdose. In cases like these, the treatment needs to be very focused and will include a more intense medical program.

For instance, a detox from drugs can be painful and dangerous, which is why it is done on an acute unit. Even the staff numbers differ on an acute unit since the issues are more intense and dangerous. Staff members on an acute unit also document the behavior of the patients on a more frequent basis than they do in a residential treatment center. Think of the acute unit as the emergency room of mental and/or behavioral health. The concept is to quickly stabilize the patient and make sure they are no longer a danger to themselves or others.

    Residential TreatmentA residential treatment center is completely different from an acute treatment center. For one thing, patients in an acute treatment center usually only stay for a matter of days, but in residential treatment centers they stay for weeks or months.

    A residential setting is a long term setting that can deal with acute issues, but is not in place to provide acute care upon admittance. This is why many patients are transferred from acute care to residential care. There are fewer staff members in place in a residential setting and the routine often includes activities that are not allowed in acute units because of safety issues. Contact with the outside world is still limited, but current events may be discussed and contact with the outside world is gradually increased.

    Both of these methods of treatment have their place and you may expect to be referred to one but end up being referred to another. Discuss your options with your intake counselor so that you can understand the reasoning behind the options presented to you. Ask all the questions you need to. Most intake counselors are very familiar with the anxiety that family members experience and are willing to help you develop your understanding with no pressure at all.

Advantages Of Residential Treatment Centers

     When considering residential treatment centers, some people may feel a little intimidated by what they might experience.  But getting residential treatment may be the best option for anyone who may need a considerable amount of help.  These centers are frequently used by people who are strongly addicted to different substances.  This treatment method is helpful, because it can provide people with the isolation that they need to get started on their recovery.  Many people have discovered that they can get the support that they need when they enroll in these different programs.  Of course, people will need to do a little preliminary research to understand which of these centers will be best for their needs.

     First, most prospective residents will want to set up an initial consultation with these residential treatment centers.  This will help people find the support that they need when it comes time to book these treatment programs.  They should talk to the staff to get an idea of the different types of treatment procedures that they will undertake.  This can go a long way towards helping people get the service that they need going forward.  It will also help people who just want to learn more about the different types of treatment modalities that they could pursue

     Some residents may want to learn about some of the challenges that they may face during their recovery.  It will be important for them to talk to the doctor on staff to learn more about the medical issues that they may be dealing with as they go forward.  They should try to disclose the substances that they have been using over the years.  This will help people find out more information about the different types of complications that could occur.  The medical staff will want to make sure that they are ready to provide a whole host of treatment methods in case they are needed.

     Finally, many people will want to learn a little about the results that they can expect from these residential treatment centers.  Many of these centers will be able to disclose the success rates that they have had over the years.  This is an important consideration for many people out there.  This is because they can track down the different types of residential treatment that will just work for their substance needs.  They may be interested in how they can actually prepare for improving their life when the leave the residential treatment center as well.

Benefits of Residential Treatment Centers

     Residential treatment centers are a very valuable, specialized type of hospital that assists people who struggle with addiction and other issues. An RTC is an inpatient facility where a person lives for a length of time, usually longer than 30 days, where they receive individualized therapy and coping skills so they can overcome their problems in a controlled setting.

     There are many rehabilitation focuses for residential treatment, usually an RTC is specialized for a specific purpose or the facility is broken down into special wings for different uses. RTCs are used to treat:

-Drug/alcohol addiction-Eating disorders-Child/teen behavioral problems-Severe psychiatric disorders

Among many other difficult issues people have a tough time facing on their own. Inpatient care is usually viewed as a last resort when outpatient care has proven unsuccessful.

     The decision to enter residential treatment centers can be a voluntary choice or in some cases, an involuntary decision. Usually in cases of criminal activity that stem from a drug addiction or a dangerous psychiatric condition, a judge may order an inpatient facility stay as opposed to jail time. The length of stay can vary, a voluntary patient can usually leave at will, although it is heavily encouraged to remain until doctors feel that the patient is ready. Involuntary patients will usually have a predetermined length of stay, or may be ordered to stay until they are cleared by their caregivers. RTCs vary in intensity as well, with some being relatively low maintenance facilities with a lot of freedom of movement whereas others may be heavily monitored and more strict. The higher intensity facilities are usually reserved for individuals with dangerous disorders who are at risk of harming themselves or others.       

     While some people find that an outpatient program effectively helps them overcome their problems, others find that they need a more focused, more intense program. For someone who has a major addiction and may go through dangerous withdrawal symptoms, medical care and a short inpatient stay may be absolutely necessary. Others may find that daily life has too many distractions and temptations and may need a more structured treatment plan. For these people, inpatient care will be very beneficial.       

     Most doctors will give referrals to reputable residential treatment centers if they are asked or they observe signs that their patient may be in need of some help. Many of the larger hospitals have wings dedicated to inpatient care or may have programs that assist people in finding the right course of treatment for their specific needs.