Deciding to go to rehab is a big decision. However, it is the first step of recovery: admitting you need help. You have made the decision to stop the addiction and get professional help. Now, what are your treatment options? Find out why 90 day programs are way better than 30 day programs.
About Short-Term Rehab Programs
You can attend rehab for detoxification followed by 3 months of therapy, or you can choose the 28-30 day option. The advantages and disadvantages to short-term rehab are:
- Advantages – The main benefit of a short stay in rehab is the low cost. Most insurance carriers cover short-term rehab. In addition, it is easier to give up a job for 30 days rather than 90+, which may be devastating financially. The length of the program depends on the individual.
- Disadvantages – A short program is often not enough time to change a lifestyle of drug addiction. Listening and learning may not benefit you until after week 3, so an extended stay is necessary.
About Long-Term Rehab Programs
Some people will only get clean using a 90 day or more program. There are rehab centers that offer 12 months of rehabilitation, which includes sober living houses and aftercare. Each client’s treatment plan is highly individualized at Pacific Bay Recovery. We do an intake assessment and decide what length of stay you need. Consider longer treatment if you:
- Have used drugs by injection
- Have a long history of addiction
- Have a severe substance abuser problem
- Already have a history of treatment followed by relapse
Researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that 35% of people in treatment for less than 90 days reported drug used in the following year. This was compared to15% of individuals who went through treatment for 90 days or more who reported relapse within the following year. Also, the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Studies (DATOS) found that long-term residential programs had significantly better outcomes than rehab programs of a shorter length. The study also found that 50% reduction of illegal activity and 10% increase of full time employment were correlated with a treatment stay of 6 months or more.
Benefits of Long-Term Rehabilitation
When discussing your recovery options with the substance abuse counselor, consider your dependency level. Are you addicted to the substance? Is the substance causing you trouble with work, school, or family? If you answer yes, chances are you require 90 days of therapy. One of the most important aspects of determining success is if or not you can overcome the addiction. You have to believe in yourself, and a 90 day program works with you to develop the self-esteem you need to get clean.
A longer time in rehab equates to more time to resolve the underlying issues leading to the addiction. When a client arrives at a program facility, he or she often undergoes detoxification. Once your body is free of drugs and alcohol, you can adjust to the recovery program and facility. Long-term therapy is needed to break the cycle of dependence. The abuse associated with illicit substances is also addressed during the recovery process. The substance abuse counselors help you understand how destructive substance abuse is to your physical and mental well-being.
Addiction is not something a person can just stop. It takes hard work and perseverance to break the addiction cycle. Choosing a 90 day rehab facility is proven successful. Many clients adjust their way of thinking during these three months, and leave feeling renewed and refreshed.
