Many traditional rehab facilities provide a program that lasts 28 days. The reason this is the standard length of treatment is due largely to insurance companies. Insurance companies often cover twenty-eight days of treatment, as this is the length of the shortest fiscal month. There is no evidence that supports that this is a sufficient length of treatment for the standard addict. Although many treatment centers work off this structure, some facilities believe in a lengthier treatment module.
Long term drug rehab centers implement a program of action that is more in-depth and comprehensive than the standard stay in treatment. Many addicts experience a period of ease during the beginning of their sobriety, often referred to as the “pink cloud” or “honeymoon” phase. Short term treatment centers release the patient while they are still in this phase of their development, while long term facilities help the individual work through this and get to the hard work required to maintain sobriety.
Long term drug rehab centers often work by implementing a program of individual and family therapy, group counseling, and drug education. The aim of these treatment methods is to dig deep to find the root causes of the addiction, as well as to identify possible triggers for relapse. Some centers may also offer activities such as regular exercise, acupuncture, massages, and yoga or meditation classes. Dual diagnosis centers offer treatment for those with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. These centers recognize the importance of acknowledging and treating both issues simultaneously.
Another advantage of long term treatment is the ability for the center to provide incentives to excel. Long term treatment facilities often include different levels of treatment and security for the client to progress through. Those who show they are more serious about their recovery and are willing to work for what they want are allowed more freedom, while those who struggle may be held in more controlled environments longer. This allows for more individualized treatment programs.
The long stay allows the patient to change their habits more solidly. According to experts, recovery is most successful when the individual changes every aspect of their life, including dietary, exercise, work practices, and free time. In 28 days, it is very difficult to make a lasting change to these ideals. At long term drug rehab centers, the individual learns to live with their new ideals, and by the time they leave, they have become a natural part of their life.
Long term treatment may be especially appropriate for those who continue to relapse, as the lengthened stay allows them to clear their mind more before returning to the outside world. Insurance often does not cover long term treatment, but it may prove to be well worth your money.