When You Need Long-Term Rehab

There are numerous drug rehab treatment programs highlighting each patient’s unique needs. Treatment is more effective when tailored to the patient rather than a one-size-fits-all program. Some people have better results depending on the type of rehab program they enroll in. While some individuals do better in a short-term program, others succeed in a long-term rehab program.

We will examine the difference between the two and how certain people benefit more from an extended addiction treatment plan.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rehab

When someone talks about short-term rehab, they refer to a treatment program that is less than three months long. But many people who are in this type of program usually move into an outpatient therapy program to further aid in their recovery.

Several weeks of treatment is not usually enough time, depending on the type of addiction, and recovery often takes longer. Research shows that most people battling a substance abuse disorder need at least three months of treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use.¹ Thus, the best outcomes occur with longer treatments.

Continued after video:

Long-term rehab typically lasts longer than 90 days. The length of the rehab program will depend on the severity of the addiction. Some people undergo long-term rehab for six months or more.¹

Long-term rehab provides more time to understand addiction and any related underlying issues. Long-term rehab can include therapy in a private or group setting and teaches patients skills and techniques to stay sober after leaving rehab. 

Why Extended Rehab May Be Necessary

Extended rehab may be necessary for certain people due to the following reasons:

• Relapse risk
• Co-occurring mental health disorders
• Need for more structured support
• Long-standing struggle with substance abuse

When someone has used drugs repeatedly over a long time, there are chemical changes in the brain. The brain becomes dependent on the drugs to function. It takes time to rewire the brain and make the body dependent on the drug.

As you’re deciding whether short-term or long-term rehab is right for you, consider the following pros and cons for each. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Short-Term Rehab

If you’re considering a short-term rehab program, here are some of the benefits:

• You will finish treatment quicker
• Less cost
• Fewer disruptions to personal life

Some disadvantages include:

• Not having adequate treatment because you need more time
• Higher risk for relapse
• Not dealing with other issues behind the addiction
• Not learning how to live without the addiction

Advantages and Disadvantages of Long-Term Rehab

Here are some advantages of a long-term program:

• More time to work through underlying issues with licensed professionals
• More time to learn and implement strategies to combat cravings and triggers
• Lesser risk of relapse
• Can include a wider variety of treatment options

Despite these advantages, some people realize that long-term care isn’t for them due to various drawbacks, such as:

• Disrupting personal life – though many outpatient programs can work alongside your personal needs
• Higher cost because treatment lasts longer

Ultimately, each person must decide whether a long-term or short-term rehab is best for them.

Extended Rehab at Desert Cove Recovery

Everyone’s struggle with addiction is different, so treatment programs should reflect this. If you’ve decided a long-term rehab program is best for you or a loved one, Desert Cove Recovery is here to help. We offer an extended care rehab program for patients who want more time and support before beginning a new life of sobriety. 

Our long-term program offers:

• One-on-one sessions with our therapist to help you embrace the new you and grow beyond addiction.
• A specialized course in developing skills and techniques for relapse prevention. 
• Small group therapy sessions to feel supported and break out of the isolation that often accompanies a substance use disorder.
• Aftercare therapists to help you coordinate life after rehab, including sober living options, transition process, and support. 

We understand that every person’s addiction is different, so everyone’s treatment for addiction needs to be different as well. We work to customize treatment plans for each patient to learn to live a sober life without feeling dependent on a substance. If you would like to learn more about our variety of treatment programs, contact us today. Our professional and compassionate staff will be happy to answer your questions and share more about our facility. 

Sources:

Blake Nichols

Blake Nichols is the Director of Operations at Desert Cove Recovery. Blake battled his own addiction to drugs and alcohol and was given the gift of recovery at the age of 23. Since 2008, Blake has dedicated his life and career to the field of addiction. He has experience in all aspects of addiction treatment including direct care, admissions, marketing, and administration.

Blake feels that the greatest reward of working in the recovery field is being part of the transformation that a person goes through from the time they arrive and begin treatment, through the hard work and the Miracle of recovery, and ultimately the change into a confident and capable person ready to carry the message of recovery.

“My career has focused on serving others. I have accepted ownership of my responsibilities as that is the key to working at the highest level of professionalism. I have worked to be positive and offer solution-based suggestions in my work and personal life.”