When an individual is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, he or she is likely behaving in a manner completely inconsistent with his or her normal character. Severe physical and psychological effects related to addiction can cause an individual to put all of his or her efforts into obtaining and consuming dangerous substances rather than focus on everyday responsibilities. The longer that the addiction continues for, the more likely an individual is to lose his or her job, experience family or marital discord, and even suffer from physical ailments.
While the scope of symptoms that one might experience while addicted to drugs and/or alcohol can be overarching, every individual is unique in his or her addiction. From symptoms to reasons why the addiction began, each individual has his or her own background that defines how they got to a dangerous point in their lives. And, just as distinct as each individual’s addiction is, so is the treatment that he or she will need to get into recovery.
Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available so that addiction can be overcome and properly managed for a lifetime. For some, outpatient care is best suited for their needs, while others participate in a partial hospitalization program or an intensive outpatient program. However, one of the most common options for addiction treatment is long-term treatment.
What is Long-Term Treatment?
Long-term addiction treatment is an option for care that many people choose. Taking place in a residential environment, long-term treatment offers individuals who are addicted to substances including heroin, cocaine, prescription drugs, meth, and more the opportunity to place all of their focus on achieving recovery without the distraction of the outside world. When in long-term treatment, an individual can benefit from the following:
- Constant communication with medical and mental health professionals
- A strong, live-in support group made up of other men and women who have struggled with addiction
- Minimal distractions
- A drug and alcohol-free environment
Long-term treatment lasts longer than the typical 30 days that are offered in most treatment centers. Instead, long-term treatment can last for 90 days or more, depending on the needs of the individual. During this time, individuals will receive a number of services, include detox, individual and group therapy, and behavioral therapies.
Is Long-Term Treatment Right for You?
Since addiction is not a one-size-fits-all condition, neither is treatment. If you are considering addiction treatment, you might be feeling overwhelmed with the many different options you have to choose from. However, spending some time to find out a little more about treatment options can help guide you towards the right resources.
As stated above, long-term treatment typically lasts for a few months. The idea of spending more than 30 days in a treatment center can be extremely overwhelming, however, it is often necessary for many people in order to defeat active addiction and learn how to live successfully in recovery. Prior to making a decision on what kind of addiction treatment you should receive, it is important to understand as much as possible about treatment services.
Long-term treatment can be the right choice for you. Consider the following reasons why:
Detox
Detox, which is the process in which the body and mind are cleared of drugs and/or alcohol, is often the first step in treatment for many individuals, specifically those who have a physical dependency. This stage of treatment is pivotal, because without it, an individual cannot have the clarity of mind to focus on the therapeutic aspects of treatment, nor can he or she be physically healthy enough to move on to the different steps of treatment.
This process can last for a few weeks. Therefore, if an individual is attending a 30-day program, half of that time is spent simply detoxing and not addressing the underlying causes and effects of the addiction itself. So, if it is indicated that you need to detox at the beginning of your treatment process, considering long-term treatment can be a way to plan proactively.
Difficulty Quitting
Some people are able to quit drugs and alcohol on the turn of a dime, while others struggle over and over again to stop. If you are one of those who cannot seem to stop using, long-term treatment may be a good option for you. Typically, when an individual has problems quitting (even if he or she wants to), it signifies that there are one or more deep-rooted issues that are adding to that continued use. Completing treatment in a long-term treatment setting can allow an individual to take the time to work out those issues and develop coping skills as a result.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Most people who are addicted to one or more substances are also afflicted with other mental health conditions. Depression and anxiety top the list of the most common conditions that individuals who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol experience at the same time as their addictions. When this is the case, considering long-term addiction treatment might be a good idea. Through long-term treatment, an individual can have the time to work on identifying, addressing, and learning how to manage symptoms of his or her co-occurring disorder.
History of Relapse
It is not uncommon for individuals to go to a 30-day treatment program or just spend a week or two detoxing. However, sometimes treatment such as this can act as a Band-Aid to something that needs stitches. If an individual has experienced multiple relapses in the past, it might be a good idea to consider participating in a long-term treatment program. By spending a longer time in treatment, an individual can build a stronger arsenal of coping skills, learn more about him or herself, and develop more effective aftercare plans that are reflective of the new behaviors he or she has obtained.
Get Treatment Today
If you are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Millions of people throughout the world experience this condition and find ways to overcome it. You do not need to continue to live a life of substance abuse. Instead, you have the power to learn about the different kinds of treatment options available so that you can begin to determine how to live in recovery.
So, do not wait one more second. If you are ready to get the help that you deserve, reach out to us right now. Our long-term treatment program might just be the perfect fit for you. If not, we are happy to help guide you towards the appropriate treatment. Contact us today. We can help you.