Have you ever wondered what really goes on inside an addiction treatment center? Many people picture a hospital-like setting with long halls and rows of rooms with unhappy people. Others believe that residential treatment is like boot camp with troubled individuals and strict leaders that yell orders. We can thank the media for these not-so-positive images.
Are you happy to know that a residential treatment center is not any of these things? In fact, it’s more like a home than anything else.
Our Treatment Centers
At The River Source, we have two campuses in Arizona: one is located in Mesa (closer to the city), while the other is located in Casa Grande, farther out in the desert. We enjoy having two locations so that our clients can select the one that suits them best. Some clients like being closer to the airport, train station and shopping centers, while others prefer the quiet and secluded environment that Casa Grande provides.
Even though our campuses are in different locations, they are very similar on the inside. We have a peaceful exterior with landscaping and walkways, as well as common areas where all clients can watch TV, read or write in their journals. Our rooms are shared by two people, with comfy beds, large dressers and ample closet space. Our cafeteria is also homey. It has a cluster of tables that each seat four people. Even our counseling rooms are warm and inviting, with couches and chairs that line the perimeter of the room.
From the start, our goal was to offer residential treatment centers that were both comfortable and quaint. We want our clients to be able to focus entirely on their recoveries, so we also keep out the distractions. Some luxury treatment centers go above and beyond with their amenities, but we believe that this can be distracting to recovery. At The River Source, we are more basic and simplified, but we can assure you that you will feel cozy, safe and secure in our setting.
Individual, Group and Family Counseling
Our treatment centers offer 30, 60 or 90 day treatment programs, so your schedule will vary depending on the program. The first 30 days for any client are the most rigorous. Each client needs to be fully detoxed before starting recovery, and this can be done at our treatment center as well. All clients receive a treatment plan that includes a certain number of individual and group counseling sessions each week. We also incorporate family therapy, which can be done in person or over the phone.
The counseling sessions take up a lot of time in the first few weeks, and these sessions are more than just an opportunity to talk or listen. Clients are coming to terms with their addiction, uncovering feelings from deep down and working through their inner struggles. This is all emotionally exhausting, so it’s important to be prepared for the energy it takes both before and after therapy.
In addition to individual, group and family counseling, clients also have the chance to work with one of our life coaches. Life coaches focus more on practical, real-world skills rather than feelings. They work with our clients to teach them meaningful coping skills and strategies for living a full life without the need for self medicating.
Alternative Therapies and the 12-Steps
Clients also have access to a variety of alternative therapies that can help them deal with the stress of recovery, such as neurofeedback, nutritional IV therapy and dry sauna detox. Clients are also encouraged to write in their journals to track progress. This practice is a great model for clients who aren’t ready to open up yet during their counseling sessions. We also support the 12-step approach and encourage our clients to immerse themselves in these steps. Clients must complete worksheets on the first three steps and then present the final product in group counseling. This sets clients up on the right path to attending 12-step meetings and having a sponsor.
Personal Time
As you can see, being in a residential treatment center includes a lot of meetings and support groups. We also leave room for clients to have their own personal time. As long as the client isn’t on suspension, they are allowed to use their cell phones and laptops for one hour a day. On the weekends, friends and family can stop by for a visit as well. We also have a TV room where clients can relax. Just about every hour in the day is accounted for, as this is what teaches our clients to build healthy schedules that don’t leave room for boredom.
Residential treatment centers may feel isolating or intimidating, but The River Source is the complete opposite. We understand that it may be scary to commit to a residential treatment program, but it doesn’t take long for clients to adapt to our setting. We have a large staff, many of whom were addicts once themselves. The whole experience can be humbling and provide addicts with the fresh start they so desperately need.
