This article will explain key information about long-term rehab for drug and alcohol addiction. Once you understand the details about long-term rehab, you or a loved one can make an informed decision to support your recovery journey.
What Is Long-Term Rehab?
When deciding on treatment options for drug and alcohol addiction, some people choose long-term rehab programs. Long-term rehab is different from short-term rehab.
Defining Long-Term Rehab Programs
Long-term rehab programs usually last from 90 days to 2 years. These provide extensive support for developing coping strategies in support of long-term recovery.
How Long-Term Rehab Differs from Short-Term Rehabs
Long-term rehab programs usually last from 90 days to 2 years. In contrast, short-term rehab typically lasts for 2-3 weeks. Long-term and short-term rehabs differ in their length of time. Programs may use similar approaches, such as including group therapy.
Addressing Drugs or Alcohol Addiction Through Prolonged Treatment
Many believe that drug or alcohol addiction is best addressed through prolonged treatment. Long-term drug addiction treatment has many benefits, including the ability to develop stronger coping strategies.
Benefits of Long-Term Rehab Programs
Long-term rehab programs provide substantial benefits for many. Many find that the longer time they spend in a rehab program, the stronger their habits are in supporting long-term recovery.
Comprehensive Care for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders
One of the benefits of long-term drug rehab programs is that individuals are able to focus on substance abuse and mental health disorders. As mental health disorders like anxiety and depression may trigger substance abuse, it is crucial to address both aspects of a person’s health. Comprehensive care for substance abuse and mental health disorders strengthens the road to recovery.
The Role of Group Therapy and Support Groups
Group therapy and support groups are essential components of recovery. When people are able to connect through shared experiences and challenges, they see they are not alone in their experiences with substance abuse.
Building a Strong Foundation for Long-Term Sobriety
Long-term sobriety is the goal for many people who are coping with drug and alcohol use. A strong foundation for long-term sobriety looks different for everybody, but may involve support from family members, ongoing therapy and support groups, and identifying and managing triggers.
Types of Long-Term Rehab Programs
There are different types of long-term rehab programs. Some of these require living at a particular site, while others allow you to live at home.
Inpatient Treatment Centers: Living On-Site
Inpatient treatment centers involve living on-site in a setting that is dedicated to sobriety. These often take place in treatment centers or rehab centers. Your success within a specific setting is dependent on a variety of factors. Some people do not benefit from living on-site and prefer outpatient and intensive outpatient programs.
Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Outpatient programs and intensive outpatient programs mean that individuals visit a specific site in order to receive addiction treatment. The frequency of meetings is dependent on the specific program.
Exploring Hybrid Options: Live at Home with Support
Outpatient and intensive outpatient programs are different from inpatient treatment centers. Individuals are able to live at home while receiving treatment for drug and alcohol use. Many enjoy this hybrid option because home can be a place of comfort and a place to develop consistent, healthy habits. Aware prioritizes in-home recovery, which balances the comfort of home with excellent support.
Who Is Long-Term Rehab Best Suited For?
Long-term rehab is best suited for those who have not been successful in short-term rehabs. Every person’s road to recovery is different. If short-term rehab programs have not been helpful, long-term rehab may be a better option. Aware offers personalized addiction support, which may be best for you if you have not found the right approach to addiction recovery.
Addressing Chronic Substance Abuse Issues
Long-term rehab is beneficial for many because chronic substance abuse issues are hard to address in a short time frame. Programs can typically create strong plans for managing triggers and other day-to-day complications of addiction treatment.
Support for Family Members in the Recovery Process
While family members may support loved ones during the recovery process, it is equally important to provide support to these family members. Many family members deal with a lot of stress when someone they love is dealing with substance abuse. Group therapy may be one option for family members to pursue.
Managing Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
People who are dealing with substance abuse may have a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders. Often, these mental health disorders contribute to an individual’s use of drugs or alcohol. Therefore, treatment options should offer comprehensive care for co-occurring mental health disorders.
Overcoming Challenges in Long-Term Rehab
Long-term rehab programs typically help to create strong habits on the road to recovery. While short-term rehabs may not be sufficient time for people to identify triggers or gain awareness around their substance abuse, long-term rehab is a better option. For example, in long-term rehab, you may participate in more consistent group therapy.
Common Struggles in Rehab: Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery
Everyone copes with different struggles while undergoing drug and alcohol abuse treatment. For some, there may be physical symptoms, such as nausea or difficulty sleeping. For many, emotional complications can arise, ranging from irritability to the desire to use again. Long-term addiction treatment helps to reduce these feelings over time.
How Treatment Centers Offer Personalized Support
Everyone’s experience with drug and alcohol treatment is unique. Treatment options must reflect your history and needs. Personalized support is the best way for a person to address substance abuse, and Aware offers just that. It is important to know whether short-term rehabs or long-term addiction treatments have been part of your recovery journey. While some people may have experience with rehabilitation programs, others may be new to drug and alcohol treatment.
Adapting to Life During and After Rehab
One of the challenges of addiction treatment is adapting to life during and after rehab. During rehab, a lot of emotions may arise, such as sadness, anger, or shame. Group therapy is one way to alleviate complicated emotions, but it is not always easy to speak about negative feelings, particularly to others. A person may want to resume using drugs or alcohol, both during and after rehab. Managing cravings is a normal part of the recovery process.
After rehab, it can feel difficult to encounter people who use substances, particularly in places like bars where memories of drug or alcohol use may be activated. Everyday activities such as going to work may feel different as one navigates a new lifestyle.
The Road to Recovery: Success After Long-Term Rehab
Success in the road to recovery is a desired outcome of long-term addiction treatment. Understanding the 3 R’s of recovery helps individuals follow a logical sequence as they embark on the road to recovery.
What Are the 3 R’s of Addiction to Recovery?
The 3 R’s of addiction recovery stand for Recognize, Rehabilitate, and Rebuild. To recognize is the first step. A person must acknowledge or recognize that they have an addiction. Without this, recovery cannot begin. Denial must be abandoned in order to start the recovery process. Second, one must rehabilitate. Through a personalized support for treatment, an individual will create an addiction treatment plan and participate in programs like group therapy or support groups. The final step of the 3 R’s is to rebuild. In starting a new life, there are many opportunities for growth and development. New strength and passion will likely be awakened during this rewarding stage of addiction recovery.
Building a Support Network for Lasting Sobriety
Support networks play a critical role in creating lasting sobriety. You should identify people or community members that encourage and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Continuing Treatment Options After Rehab
While you might officially complete a long-term rehab program, this does not mean that you are alone and that the journey to recovery is over. You can continue to be part of support groups or other helpful practices that were started during drug and alcohol treatment.
Choosing the Right Long-Term Rehab Center for Lasting Recovery
Your past, present and future self has a unique relationship with drug and alcohol treatment. Lasting recovery is the goal, and choosing the right setting for you will contribute to lasting, positive change. Identifying your own needs will help to personalize your journey to recovery. If you would like to explore Aware’s approach to addiction recovery, contact us.
