The process of recovery for each individual who experiences residential substance abuse can be quite a frustrating one especially when the person is trying very hard. The individuals that participate in continued recovery in a halfway house usually take some time to get well. However, if they have the right counseling and therapy, the process will be much easier. The process is longer because the counselor or therapist wants to make sure that the individual gets the most benefit out of the experience so that they can enjoy a life of full recovery. A recovering addict who has been just been introduced to a halfway house program will find the support and therapy to be a novel experience. Not many professionals are caring with regards to individuals who have abused drugs and alcohol. Some halfway houses treat these individuals like bums, but there are others that will care and will treat them with respect despite their destructive behaviors in the past. Their full recovery will also depend on how they are treated in a residential substance abuse program. Of course, a lot of it will depend on their own actions as well because if they continue to use drugs or alcohol while in the facility, they can either be kicked out or experience relapse. There are cases where the extremity of the counseling and therapy is inevitable in order to sustain that person in the program to display behaviors that are much more positive. The therapist or counselor will provide information for the addict that will help them to realize the reason for their destructive behavior patterns and find solutions. A distinct plan and objective will have to be made in order to fix the issue once and for all. Most residential substance abuse programs do call for compulsory counseling and therapy meetings to provide the individual with a solid grip on what is essential to initiate the appropriate changes. Therapy and counseling is incorporated into the agenda as well as into the guidelines. Those who do not obey the guidelines will be disqualified from the program. Residents are able to participate in activities that are well planned. This helps to foster interaction among the residents and helps them to form new relationships that are productive and inspiring. They support each other in the process as well as share their experiences to encourage each other. Sharing their experiences allows individuals in the residential substance abuse program to have more confidence in getting well. They realize that they are not alone. The primary objective for anyone who is ready to make a change is to find a program that administers structure and discipline because this is something that was lacking in the addict's life. They will be able to take the life skills learned in the program into their normal lives. Their success depends on how much they take advantage of all the tools and resources that is made available to them. They have to remain committed to their cause because if not, then they will go right back to doing drugs or abusing alcohol.
