Navigation: What is Long-Term Drug Rehab?, What Treatment Programs Can You Expect in Long-Term Rehab?, Benefits of Long-Term Rehab for Drug or Alcohol Addiction: Why Should You Consider it?, Drug Abuse Treatment: Who Needs Long-Term Drug Rehab?, When is Short Term Rehab Better than Long-Term?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines drug addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and drug use despite harmful consequences. Drug addiction is a type of substance use disorder (SUD) that often requires proper treatment in a rehab facility.
Drug rehab is a comprehensive treatment program designed to help individuals who are struggling with drug addiction or substance use disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the primary goal of drug rehab is to aid these individuals in achieving and maintaining long-term recovery from their drug dependence.
The duration of rehab may vary widely depending on a variety of factors such as the person’s individual needs, the length of the program they signed up for, the severity of their condition, and the existence of co-occurring health disorders such as a mental health disorder.
There are shorter treatment programs that only last for 30 days, but here we will be focusing on the longer programs. Generally speaking, treatment programs that last for at least 90 days have more advantageous results, meaning participants have a greater chance of maintaining their sobriety after completing treatment.
Let’s take a closer look at long term rehab treatment: what it is, what the benefits are, and what the goals of long term treatment programs are for people with drug addiction.
What is Long-Term Drug Rehab?
Long-term drug rehab refers to a comprehensive and intensive treatment program designed to help those who are struggling with substance abuse or addiction. Unlike short-term or outpatient rehab, long-term rehab typically involves an extended stay at a treatment facility, usually lasting anywhere from 90 days to a year or more.
A long term treatment program involves staying in a treatment facility for the duration of the program. This creates a controlled environment that minimizes their exposure to triggers and temptations. Patients get to focus on their recovery while surrounded by supportive people who can help keep them sober.
During addiction, people typically lose control over their daily life as the substance takes over. But the structured approach of drug rehab gives them back their ability to make the right decisions and develop healthy behaviors. Rehab is all about structure and routine. The days are scheduled around different treatment methods.
Throughout their stay, patients go through a variety of therapeutic techniques and interventions, including individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and holistic approaches such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy. These interventions are designed to teach patients healthy coping skills that will help them stay sober even after leaving the program.
Aside from picking up healthy coping mechanisms, patients also learn to recognize their triggers and address the underlying issues that keep them addicted. Long-term drug rehab aims to identify and address the root causes of addiction, such as trauma, mental health disorders, and environmental factors, in order to promote lasting recovery.
Patients often build strong connections with peers in rehab because these people understand their struggles and know what they are going through. The social aspect of rehab provides a sense of camaraderie and support during the recovery journey.
One of the most important elements of long term treatment is aftercare planning. As you may already know, rehab is only the beginning of a life-long journey to a healthy and sober life. It will give you the skills you need so that you can minimize your risk of relapse. However, a proper aftercare plan will help reinforce your sobriety and everything you learned in rehab. An aftercare plan may include outpatient therapy, sober living homes, 12-step programs, and ongoing support groups.
Long-term drug rehab is particularly beneficial for individuals with severe addictions or those who have relapsed multiple times after attempting shorter treatment programs. The extended duration allows patients to delve deeper into the recovery process, develop new coping strategies, and build a strong foundation for sustained sobriety.
It also offers a safer space to learn essential life skills, improve emotional regulation, and work on rebuilding relationships with family and friends.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of any rehab program depends on the individual’s willingness to engage in the treatment process and the quality of care provided by the rehab facility and its staff. Choosing the right program and seeking professional help is crucial for overcoming addiction successfully.
What Treatment Programs Can You Expect in Long-Term Rehab?
Earlier we mentioned things like family therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. But what do these treatment methods do exactly?
Long-term rehab employs a variety of therapies and services tailored to the specific needs of patients in recovery. Some common treatments and components you should expect from long-term rehab include:
Detoxification: Before entering the main rehab program, patients may undergo a supervised detoxification process to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and rid their bodies of drugs or alcohol. Also known as medical detox, this process involves gradually lowering the person’s intake while minimizing the impact of withdrawal.
Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling sessions with a therapist or counselor help patients explore the underlying issues and triggers of their addiction. During therapy, they can develop coping strategies and set achievable goals for recovery.
Group Therapy: Participating in group therapy sessions allows patients to share their experiences, offer support, and learn from other people facing similar challenges. Group therapy fosters a sense of community and can help reduce feelings of isolation.
Family Therapy: Family involvement is often encouraged in long-term rehab. Family therapy helps address dysfunctional patterns, improve communication, and strengthen the support system for the person in recovery.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a common therapeutic approach used in long-term rehab. It helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance use.
Holistic Therapies: Many long-term rehab programs incorporate holistic therapies like yoga, meditation, art therapy, music therapy, and equine therapy. These activities can promote relaxation, self-expression, and overall well-being.
Life Skills Training: Long-term rehab aims to equip patients with essential life skills that support their recovery and reintegration into society. This may include vocational training, financial management, and communication skills.
Relapse Prevention Education: Patients learn strategies to identify and manage triggers that might lead to relapse, as well as techniques to cope with cravings and high-risk situations.
Aftercare Planning: A successful long-term rehab program will focus on developing a comprehensive aftercare plan. This plan may involve continued outpatient therapy, support group attendance, and other ongoing services to maintain sobriety and support reintegration into daily life.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: If a patient has co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, the rehab program should address both the addiction and the mental health condition concurrently.
Medical and Psychiatric Services: Long-term rehab facilities typically have medical professionals and psychiatrists on staff to address any physical health issues and provide psychiatric evaluations and treatment if necessary.
Each long-term rehab program may have its own specific offerings and approaches. The treatment plan should be tailored to the individual’s needs and may be adjusted throughout the course of the program based on progress and challenges. Successful long-term rehab requires dedication, commitment, and active participation from the individual seeking recovery.
Benefits of Long-Term Rehab for Drug or Alcohol Addiction: Why Should You Consider it?
Longer periods of rehabilitation are associated with greater results because it gives patients enough time to absorb and apply everything they have learned in rehab. It also keeps them away from their drug of choice, their triggers, and their stressors for a longer period.
Addiction and mental health issues are complex and deeply ingrained in many cases. Long-term rehab provides patients with the necessary time and space for healing and personal growth. This extended period allows for more significant progress in recovery, increasing the chances of sustained sobriety or improved mental health outcomes.
This setup provides a structured environment with daily routines and responsibilities, promoting accountability and discipline, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who need support in rebuilding their lives.
While short-term rehab programs can be effective for some individuals, there are several benefits to considering long-term rehab for those who require more comprehensive and sustained care.
For starters, long-term rehab programs offer a more comprehensive and structured approach to treatment. They often include a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and other evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
This multifaceted approach allows individuals to address the underlying issues contributing to their condition and develop coping strategies for lasting recovery.
A lot of long-term rehab programs place a strong emphasis on relapse prevention. During the extended stay, recovering individuals can practice and reinforce the skills they learned in therapy, reducing the risk of relapse when faced with real-world challenges and triggers.
In long-term rehab, individuals are removed from the environments where their addiction or mental health issues may have developed or been perpetuated. This separation from negative influences and triggers can be instrumental in breaking destructive patterns.
Many individuals struggling with addiction also face co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Long-term rehab programs are better equipped to address both the primary condition and any co-occurring disorders simultaneously.
Long-term rehab allows individuals to focus on personal growth and self-discovery. They can work on rebuilding their lives, repairing relationships, and developing a healthier sense of self during this extended period of introspection.
Finally, a lot of long term treatment programs for addiction incorporate step-down or aftercare plans to help patients gradually reintegrate into society. This transition phase eases the process of returning to daily life and provides ongoing support after leaving the residential setting.
Studies have shown that longer durations of treatment are associated with higher success rates in maintaining sobriety and improving mental health outcomes. Just remember that the decision to choose long-term rehab should be based on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
Drug Abuse Treatment: Who Needs Long-Term Drug Rehab?
Long-term drug rehab is typically recommended for individuals who are struggling with severe or chronic substance abuse issues and have not found success with shorter-term treatment options.
If someone has been taking drugs or alcohol for an extended period, they may be at risk of severe withdrawal, so a longer treatment may be necessary. The same goes for people who abuse multiple substances at the same time.
It may also be recommended if someone has tried multiple times to quit using drugs or alcohol but relapsed each time. Long-term rehab can offer a more intensive and structured approach to address the underlying issues that are keeping them bound to their addiction.
It is also common for people with co-occurring mental health disorders to seek longer rehab stays. In fact, many people with substance abuse problems also struggle with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma. Long-term rehab programs can address both the addiction and the co-occurring disorders simultaneously.
For those who do not have a stable and supportive home environment, long-term rehab can provide a safe and structured place for them to recover and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Some people may be court-ordered or recommended by their employers to undergo long-term drug rehab as part of their rehabilitation process.
Adolescents and young adults struggling with substance abuse may benefit from longer treatment durations, as their brains are still developing, and early intervention can be crucial.
These are the people who are most likely to benefit from longer periods of rehab. With that in mind, the specific treatment plan and duration may still vary based on individual needs and progress.
When is Short Term Rehab Better than Long-Term?
Even with all the benefits of long term treatment, there are still some people who would benefit more from short term programs. Even though longer treatments are known for having better outcomes, any amount of time in rehabilitation can be beneficial to someone in need of addiction treatment.
Short-term substance abuse treatment is often appropriate for individuals with mild to moderate substance abuse issues. These programs typically last for a few weeks to a few months and provide intensive treatment and support during this time. If the addiction is not deeply ingrained and the person is highly motivated to change, a shorter program may be sufficient to initiate the recovery process.
If the individual’s substance abuse is not significantly compounded by complex mental health issues or other co-occurring disorders, short-term rehab might be sufficient. However, it is essential for the rehab program to provide comprehensive assessments and referrals for any additional treatment that may be needed.
Some individuals might have obligations or responsibilities that prevent them from committing to a long-term rehab program. For example, they may have work, family, or financial constraints that make it difficult to be away for an extended period. In such cases, short-term rehab can offer a more manageable solution.
Some people use short-term rehab as a stepping stone before going into a longer program simply because they need immediate intervention and stabilization. It can help them overcome the initial challenges of detoxification and provide them with tools and coping strategies to continue their recovery journey on an outpatient basis or through community support.
On the other hand, there are also those who use them as step down programs after finishing a longer rehab stay.
The decision between short-term rehab and long-term drug rehab depends on various factors, including the severity of the substance abuse problem, the individual’s specific needs and circumstances, and their level of motivation to recover.
Both options have their merits and can be beneficial in different situations. One is not necessarily better than the other. It all depends on the person’s specific needs and condition. Look for a rehab near you today if you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder.
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