Abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs is estimated to cost the U. S. over $600 billion annually related to lost work productivity, crime, and healthcare. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 79,000 deaths each year in the U.S. related to excessive alcohol consumption, and it is the leading cause of death for teens and young adults. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that there were over 2 million emergency department visits related to substance abuse, with 27 percent being related to the non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs, and 21 percent related to illicit drug use.
Extended care drug and alcohol rehabilitation (rehab) programs are initiated once a person completes inpatient treatment. Long-term drug and alcohol rehab is for the person who needs continuous support with no completion date. Recovery for individuals in long-term care is usually life-long. Both types of rehab are for the addict who requires additional support upon discharge. Some of the differences include:
- Completion dates – Extended care has one, whereas long-term does not.
- Freedom and accountability – Extended care has more freedom and less accountability as compared to long-term.
- Success rates – Long-term facilities have higher success rates than extended care, as they permit the client to receive more therapy. If the client does not have enough time to devote to sober living, the chances of relapse are around 80 percent.
Extended Care Defined
Extended care drug rehabilitation involves lengthy stays at treatment centers that exceed the traditional 30-, 60-, and 90-day cycles. This also refers to post treatment methodologies, which are set up to assist the addict to remain drug- and/or alcohol-free. There are several types of extended care, but the most common are:
- 12-step and peer support groups – These programs offer the recovering addict ongoing, regular chances for support when dealing with addiction. As they only require voluntary attendance, these programs use mentors and sponsors to encourage the recovering addict. Participation allows the support to be a big aspect of the recovering addict’s life.
- Outpatient treatment – Some people are referred to outpatient therapy after finishing an inpatient treatment course. This involves participation in a 12-step program, and usually regular meetings with licensed therapists and counselors in a group or individual setting. This form of treatment is typically open-ended and length of therapy is based on recovery state.
- Private therapy – Extended care often requires regular visits to a psychologist,counselor, or other mental health professional. These one-on-one sessions give the addict support so he or she can cope with circumstances and situations that spur relapse.
- Sober concepts – A sober concepts program gives an addict the opportunity for a structured living environment, and helps the participant learn the skills necessary for a sober lifestyle. Sober living principles give mentoring and guidance for the recovering addict in a one-on-one counseling situation.
Long Term Treatment Defined
Long-term treatment centers are known for high success rates for those who suffer from severe addiction or struggle with recurrent relapse. These therapy programs provide detoxification (detox), reintegration into society, and complete psychological and physical assessments. The most successful long-term program has no release date, and treatment occurs in a modern and comfortable setting. Long-term treatment programs offer:
- Full staff participation in the addict’s recovery process
- 24-hour assistance and behavior monitoring
- Programs designed to meet an individual’s unique needs
- Access to multiple therapy methods
A long-term treatment program is best for someone who has not had success in 30-, 60-, or 90-day programs, and for those who have had chronic relapse. Extended care programs are best for people who have completed the first program and believe they are ready to live in their previous environment again.
