Is Long Term Rehab the Best Option for All Addicts?

There are many kinds of addictions as there are programs. Finding one that best suits the situation for you or your loved one can be daunting. We often hear of clients beating their addictions after using a long-term program. But, is long-term rehab the best option for all addicts? Not really.

There are still other programs to explore. Long-term ones are a good choice for a certain group of people. Here we’ll explore a few of the different types of programs out there, why experts consider long-term care the best, and who should consider a longer-term clinical stay.

What types of rehab programs are there?

Addicted clients with a more minor addiction can choose an outpatient program. This is where they continue living their lives outside of a clinic and report to medical professionals at designated times for their therapy. If the addiction needs a little more than that, a short-term rehab program can help them beat their problem in a clinic setting where the staff can overlook their care. This type of program usually lasts around 30 days, possibly more. Often clients who use this type of rehab will go on to outpatient services to finish their program.

Long term care is where the person requires therapy for longer than three months. They need more types of care on a more continuous basis. The staff has a lot longer to work with the addict on whatever issues they have that caused their addiction. Also, the person’s home life may prove to be too stressful and could hinder their recovery process. In that case, staying at a facility, away from home, might be the catalyst for them achieving an addiction-free life. However, the family can still visit and are usually encouraged to do so, especially during certain types of therapy.

Who Should Choose a long term rehab?

Now that you know there are other options available, let’s look at who should use long-term therapy for their addiction. The ones that generally need a long term option are usually people with moderate to severe addictions, whether it be with alcohol or drugs. A clinical stay will enable staff to overlook the addict’s care more closely. If a person needs medications administered, medical professionals can oversee it to be sure the person stays safe. Also, if an emergency should arise, well-trained staff are there to provide the care needed.

Those who’ve been through other types of programs and haven’t found success with any of them will more than likely beat the addiction at one of these clinics. Experts do not think the shorter-term programs will provide success for those who need more care than a short term clinic is able to give. Sometimes they need other support services in order to gain control of their life again. Some services that a clinic could provide are:

  • Employment training- They learn skills to help them gain employment.
  • Relationship counseling- They Learn how to get along with their spouse, significant other, or with one of their family members.
  • Financial training- This will help them learn to budget their money and pay their bills.

What makes long term rehab programs the best option?

Experts believe that the longer an addict resides in a rehab clinic, the higher chance they have of overcoming their problem. They think that the person is more likely to complete the program if it lasts 90 days or longer. The longer they know their stay is, the less likely they will focus on how many days are left until they can go home. Their minds are freer to focus on the therapy instead.

Also, the longer the program, the more intensive therapy can be. With more time to work with the addict, professionals can prescribe other types of therapy and activities to help the addict achieve success. Exposure to more therapeutic services, done onsite, will help to ensure the person’s mental health stays positive. Also, there may be other clients that are in the same boat as you or your loved one. Building rapport with others going through the same situation helps to strengthen their resolve for beating the addiction.

In the end, determining the rehab option for you or your loved one will depend on your unique situation. No matter what program you decide to pursue, we’re here to help guide you in the right direction. Give us a call at 844-639-8371. We’ll be happy to speak with you.

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