Addiction treatment and rehab come in various forms. Some treatment programs are residential or inpatient; clients live at their treatment center. Other rehab programs are outpatient and clients live at home or in a sober living environment. Treatment methods vary from facility to facility and it’s important for individuals to consider this truth when looking for a rehab center.
If you have been searching for a rehabilitation center where you can work to become free from alcohol or drug abuse, you might be wondering where to start. The fact that there are so many different treatment services available to those who need help is, of course, a good thing. But, since this is the case, many people become confused or overwhelmed while trying to find the best treatment center for their recovery journey.
Most likely, you’ve been looking for the perfect treatment center for your needs. Maybe, you’ve been looking at various aspects of treatment, including the types of therapy approaches provided, the credentials of the staff members, reviews and information about client satisfaction, the location of the treatment center, and more.
All of these are very good avenues to explore. It’s certainly important to consider all of them as you seek help for addiction treatment and recovery. But, there is something else you should consider when thinking about substance abuse rehab. How long should your treatment program be?
Long Term vs. Short Term Addiction Treatment
Again, addiction treatment comes in multiple forms. People may enroll in a shorter program while others might take part in a much longer program. The type of rehab program people choose will determine the amount of time they spend in treatment and, perhaps, the amount of access they have to recovery support resources. Regardless of the type of program a person chooses, it’s likely that he or she will first go through an alcohol or drug detox program before entering rehab.
Detox is the process people go through in order to safely end substance use. Often, individuals who are trying to stop using drugs or alcohol experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, depression, disturbed sleep patterns, and lack or increase of appetite. Sometimes, depending on the substance that was being abused, people may even experience symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations, delusional thinking, delirium, and suicidal thoughts.
These withdrawal symptoms could lead people to relapse or, in some cases, can be life-threatening. However, by going through a professional detox program, people can safely end substance use without the fear of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
After the detox process is over, individuals usually transition into a rehab program. Treatment programs generally fall under two categories: short term and long term.
Short Term Rehab: Definition, Pros, and Cons
Short term rehab is a treatment program that lasts for about 30 days. Although this type of rehab program is relatively short, it still provides intensive and detailed care for those who are receiving treatment for substance abuse.
This form of residential treatment allows people to receive the care they need in a sober, drug-free environment. It offers people a place to get support and guidance in early recovery. Short term rehab is usually beneficial for those who are seeking a more affordable treatment program and often fits within the conditions of insurance coverage.
One of the main problems with short term rehab is that it’s simply not long enough for many people who enter these programs. Although individuals can learn a lot within the 30-day treatment period, it can be hard for people to develop the skills they will need in order to avoid relapse after treatment is over.
Long Term Rehab: Definition, Pros, and Cons
Those who enroll in a long term rehab program will likely be in treatment for somewhere between 90 and 120 days. This type of residential treatment is intensive and usually involves support through many different therapies.
Long term rehab enables people to have around-the-clock care for a few months following detox. This is beneficial because people who are in recovery from addiction can have continued support and guidance throughout the early stages of recovery as well as the following days.
Also, long term rehab is helpful because those in recovery can get past the initial challenges of recovery. They can get acclimated with a more structured life before returning to their lives outside of treatment. Often, addiction causes people to lack routine and structure. But, long term rehab helps to reestablish these necessities.
One of the reasons why long term rehab may not be right for some people is the fact that it is so lengthy. Many individuals feel that a shorter time in rehab will be better because it allows them to get treatment and return to “normal” life much more quickly.
Determining the Best Rehab Program For You
Both short term and long term rehab offer plenty of advantages. But, it’s important to consider your individual needs as you think about the kind of treatment program you want to enroll in. After all, what works for someone else may not work best for you since everyone is unique.
If you’re trying to figure out whether you should go through a long treatment program or a short rehab program, the best thing you can do is speak with a professional about your addiction problem and ask him or her what kind of treatment is recommended for you.
Extended care addiction treatment (longer than 90 days) is usually the best option for people who have had multiple addiction treatment episodes in the past. Having said that, doing addiction treatment right the first time might save a person the financial, spiritual, psychological, and biological wreckage that might come as a result of choosing a shorter time in treatment than a long time in treatment.
Which is Best for You?
It’s true that short term rehab programs are sometimes less expensive than long term treatment. But this shorter method of treatment doesn’t always prove to be helpful. Sometimes, especially in cases of lengthy addiction, 30 days in rehabilitation is not enough time. As a result, people may relapse after finishing treatment.
This might lead to re-enrollment in treatment, which is yet another expense. So, in the long run, choosing a short term treatment program might actually be more costly than many realize.
A person may enroll in short term treatment, relapse, and re-enroll over and over again. This might happen multiple times before someone finally convinces them to stay in treatment for an extended period of time. Sometimes this may mean that a person stays at an addiction treatment facility for 9 months to a year.
Addiction and alcoholism do not develop overnight. It takes time and repeated use. Likewise, it may take a while for individuals to overcome these problems. It takes constant action by an addict or alcoholic to maintain recovery after treatment.
The biggest mistake a person can make when deciding on how long to stay in an addiction treatment facility is to make the decision themselves without consulting experienced treatment professionals. So, again, it’s best to speak with someone who can help to point you in the right direction as far as treatment is concerned.
Treatment at Northbound Treatment Services
Here at Northbound Treatment Services, we offer long term drug and alcohol rehabilitation. We understand that some individuals may need to remain in a drug and alcohol treatment facility for longer than 90 days. We also know that some people feel they need to be in a sober living environment after 90 days of treatment.
Studies have shown that the longer a person stays in drug and alcohol treatment, the better their chances are at staying sober for the rest of their lives.
We understand that each of our clients is different and we work to offer an individualized approach to treatment. Maybe you have attended rehab for addiction and suffered a relapse. Or perhaps this is your first time getting professional help for substance abuse. In either case, we are here to help you find the freedom you truly deserve!
We offer various therapeutic approaches and rehab programs to help our clients develop the skills and tools they need in order to avoid relapse in the future. Our team is dedicated to ensuring lasting recovery and long-term sobriety. So, your needs will always be kept at the forefront while you are here with us.
Some of the treatment programs we offer here at Northbound Treatment Services include the following:
- Drug Detox Program
- Residential Treatment for Men and Women
- LINKS Christian Treatment Program
- Outpatient Addiction Treatment
More About Our Services
We also offer therapies that can help our clients to develop the stability and relapse prevention skills they will need in order to continue successfully recovering from addiction. Here are some of the types of therapy our rehab center offers:
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Experiential techniques
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
For more information about our treatment services and how we can help you to obtain total freedom from substance dependence and addiction, just contact us today by calling (866) 511-2458. Let us walk with you as you pursue a life of health and freedom!
References:
