Those who are severely addicted to drugs or alcohol may opt for a residential long-term treatment facility.  Programs such as these can address the needs of those who may require more than outpatient programs, short-term residential care, or the camaraderie of a support group.



Residential long-term treatment is defined as a program which lasts more than 30 days, usually several months or up to a year.  The length of stay will be determined by health-care professionals or court mandates.

Not unlike short-term programs, services are provided to residents at a program which is maintained and operated to provide 24-hour, residential, non-medical, alcoholism or other drug addiction recovery or treatment services. Services are provided in an alcohol- and drug-free environment and are meant to support recovery or treatment for alcohol and/or other drug-related problems.

Residents are encouraged to form support-type relationships with the counselors, staff, and fellow residents there and will participate in group and individual activities designed to promote recovery, as well as fun social activities. 

After the addict has become acclimated to the program, family and friends are often encouraged to visit and even to participate in group counseling sessions or other programs that assist them in understanding the needs and struggles of their loved one.  Such family interaction is designed to further support of the individual after release from the program.

Because these long-term treatment programs encompass several months and often tout a higher level of success for severely addicted individuals, at the completion of the program, most residents are referred to a less intensive level of services than those who’ve participated in similar short-term programs.