Call 800-481-6320 to speak with an alcohol or drug abuse counselor. Why Do People Choose Long-term Treatment in a Rehab Center?
Both long-term and short-term treatment options exist for nearly every type of rehab facility, and individuals in need of recovery help are asked to choose the program that is best for them. But why would anyone choose long-term treatment if they can go through a shorter program and recover more quickly?
Long-term Treatment for Long-term Recovery
Recovery is often a lifelong journey, making long-term care a necessity for some people.
For most individuals, long-term treatment is actually more appropriate than short-term because their recovery itself will be a very long journey. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Most patients require long-term or repeated episodes of care to achieve the ultimate goal of sustained abstinence and recovery of their lives,” and it can be much more beneficial to start out with a long-term treatment program than to believe that one is “cured” after just a few weeks in rehab.
Recovery isn’t something that is achieved like a cure, and many individuals spend the rest of their lives recovering from their addictions, especially when they are severe. Therefore, it is not conducive to one’s overall convalescence to believe that one, short-term treatment program will rid a person of their addiction. Some people can do well with a three-to-six week long residential program, but these usually must be followed up by an “extended outpatient therapy and participation in a self-help group, such as AA” to ensure that the individual is transitioning back to life outside the facility well and avoiding relapse (NIDA).
Intensified Care and Long-term Goals
Those who stay in a residential center or attend an outpatient program for six months to a year or longer often do so because they are in need of more intensified care options. Whether you are an opioid addict with a severe dependence on painkillers in need of methadone maintenance or a meth addict dealing with symptoms of psychosis, severe addiction and its consequences can require that you attend long-term care so you can have the time and attention you will need at this stage to safely enter the next stage of recovery.
Not all individuals who need long-term care need inpatient or residential rehab, but most who require this sort of lengthy treatment process require stability and intensified care. Even though it may seem desirable to go through a shorter rehab program, you will likely need another type of care afterward, and cutting your treatment short when you shouldn’t can be extremely detrimental to your recovery.
In addition, these programs that provide patients with extended treatment lengths often help them shape their goals for recovery and feel more prepared when they enter into their next phase of treatment. As previously stated, recovery takes a long time, and it can be much more beneficial to have people helping you along the way instead of attempting to rush to the point where you are on your own.
Can You Really Get Sober in 28 Days? Importance of Long Term Rehab Centers
Is Long-term Rehab Right for Me?
Different types of care are better for different people, but if you are struggling with a severe addiction and/or mental or physical issues associated with it, long-term care may be the right choice. Call 800-481-6320 today to find rehab programs in your area.
As stated by the National Library of Medicine, “Lying and stealing” are some of the most damaging behaviors a person can participate in when they become addicted to drugs, and unfortunately, these are some of the clearest signs of a serious addiction. For these reasons, learning to be honest is one of the most important….
Continue reading ›
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a person does not necessarily need to want to go to rehab in order for rehab to work. This means coerced or forced rehab does still have a chance to get your loved one back on the right path. There are a number of ways to go….
Continue reading ›
Once a loved one decides to get help for a drinking problem, having an alcohol rehab program ready to accept him or her can help ensure he or she follows through on the decision. Equally important is finding an alcohol rehab program that can best meet your loved one’s treatment needs. Alcoholism has been around….
Continue reading ›
There are many questions that you should ask when choosing the right rehab center for you. Initially, you must first determine what type of treatment you need based on your condition and then you will want to assure that you choose an affordable rehab center so you’ll need a budget. Once you have answered a….
Continue reading ›
Finding rehab treatment can be a difficult process, but it is always important to remember to put the needs of the patient first. If you are looking for a live in rehab facility for addiction treatment, make sure to do your research so you can make an informed decision. Why Choose Addiction Treatment According to….
Continue reading ›
Despite the American Psychological Association’s doubts that internet addiction can be considered an actual addiction there are points that an obsession with the internet fits the definition. The persistent and compulsive use of the internet to the determent of a person’s life or livelihood definitely exists. Many people report that the internet has ruined their….
Continue reading ›
Although according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety may lead to drug addiction, it does not ALWAYS lead to addiction. There is a correlation between anxiety disorders and substance use but anxiety does not always result in substance abuse. Anxiety Medications Most medications given for anxiety even in childhood are benzodiazepines. These….
Continue reading ›
Many warn against the idea of beginning a romantic relationship while in rehab, as it can make it much harder for you to focus on your recovery and more likely for either individual to relapse. However, making friends during rehab can be extremely beneficial and is, in most instances, recommended for those recovering from drug….
Continue reading ›
Alcoholism is not some disease that just appears over night. You don’t just wake up one day and all of a sudden you’re an alcoholic. Alcoholism begins with alcohol abuse and over time as drinking progresses from being a fun thing to do socially and on occasion to being a damaging situation that is out….
Continue reading ›
A recent study published by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America has found that teen girls are more likely than teen boys to find the benefits in using drugs and alcohol as a means of coping. In fact, a recent study found that more than 2/3 of teen girls have reported using drugs or drinking….
Continue reading ›
