Millions of people in the United States live with drug abuse or addiction. People with an addiction to drugs or alcohol typically require treatment and ongoing support to maintain sobriety.
All addiction treatment options have the same goal: to help people overcome addiction and prevent future relapse. However, people have different needs during the detox, treatment, and recovery process. People struggling with addiction have many treatment options, including inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment options.
People can also choose between short and long-term rehab options. This article will explore the benefits of choosing long-term addiction treatment programs. You will learn:
- What to expect from long-term addiction rehab programs
- The benefits of choosing long-term treatment programs
- Where to find long-term addiction treatment programs
If you or someone you love struggles with substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our long-term rehab programs. You may also explore our other levels of care, ask questions, or schedule an intake appointment.
What is Long-Term Rehab?
Long-term residential treatment programs provide tailored, evidence-based treatment for people struggling with addiction. Studies show that attending a long-term residential rehab program can support long-term recovery. Attending treatment for 90 days or more can have better outcomes in recovery.
People may choose to attend long-term addiction treatment programs for a variety of reasons. They may have a history of chronic relapsing or struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders. Or, they may simply want to receive intensive treatments in an inpatient setting.
Research shows that the benefits of long-term rehab over short-term treatment are profound. People develop more skills and receive the necessary treatment for a safe, complete detox. They have the time to create better habits by attending long-term treatment programs.
What are the Benefits of Long-Term Drug Rehab Programs?
Long-term rehab programs provide structured, tailored treatments for addiction and mental health disorders. Here’s an overview of some of the most significant benefits of attending a long-term drug rehab program.
Separation from triggers
The safe, secure environment of rehab facilities limits people’s exposure to triggers. A trigger is a person, place, situation, or other event that may lead to cravings and relapse.
In a rehab facility, people can feel confident that they will not face many of the triggers that can cause a relapse. These include addictive substances, unwanted visitors, and physical locations that lead to cravings.
Community
Addiction recovery can feel isolated or lonely. Attending a long-term drug rehab program provides a built-in community of supportive peers and professionals.
People spend their days attending group therapy sessions and participating in treatments with others. They live in a community with other people who support their recovery. They may make meaningful connections with other residents. They can also develop a network of professional support to use as part of their aftercare program.
Structure
Living with an active addiction can make life feel chaotic or disorganized. People in recovery must learn how to structure their days to accommodate rest, work, recovery-related activities, and more.
Participating in any long-term rehab program gives people support and valuable structure. This can help them learn how to structure their days after leaving rehab.
Focus on recovery
The inpatient setting of a long-term rehab program allows people to focus solely on their recovery. During treatment, people do not have the distraction of chores, work, and other daily responsibilities. This allows people more time and energy to learn about and address their substance use disorder (SUD).
Treatment for co-occurring disorders
People in long-term rehab programs receive tailored, evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions as well as addiction. Treating addiction and mental health conditions at the same time is the most beneficial to long-term recovery. It is essential to manage the symptoms of mental health while navigating the early days of recovery.
Tailored treatment
Addiction recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. People require tailored, personalized treatment to address their unique needs. In a long-term rehab program, people work closely with a network of mental health, medical, and other specialists.
The specialists get to know each person individually, learning about each person’s goals and needs. They use this information to create the most effective treatment programs possible.
Because people are in long-term treatment for 90 days or more, their treatment team can reassess their needs as time goes on. The team can adjust the treatment plan as needed. This allows people to get customized treatment at every stage of their recovery journey.
Reach out to the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about the benefits of long-term recovery programs. While any type of treatment is better than none, the research is clear. Long-term rehab programs offer the most benefits to people in recovery from addiction.
Find Long-term Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our rehab programs. You can also contact us with questions or to find support at any stage of recovery.
References:
- National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)
