Choosing to get started with addiction recovery may save your life, so it cannot (and should not) be taken lightly. That’s why long-term rehabilitation programs are often the best option for many people battling drug addiction.
This article discusses the importance of long-term drug rehab centers, including their effects, benefits, and availability for those suffering from addiction. It also explains where to find long-term rehab programs in your area, including the programs provided by My Time Recovery.
What is Long-Term Rehab?
Long-term rehab is a type of drug rehab center requiring individuals to stay longer periods (at least 90 days) in a structured residential treatment program. It is different from other programs that last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks — because it allows more time to deal with underlying issues related to your substance use disorder.
Most long-term rehab programs take place in residential rehab facilities. However, there are some long-term outpatient programs providing treatment longer, depending on the severity of your alcohol or drug use.
Many individuals prefer the security of residential programs for navigating the long-term rehabilitation process. This can help you maintain a firm grasp on sobriety before returning to your everyday life — and sometimes, that is exactly what makes the difference in getting and staying sober.
Reasons to Choose a Long-Term Rehab Program
Long-term rehab may not be right for everyone suffering from addiction, but it does have several benefits that other, shorter-term programs don’t.
Here are some reasons why people struggling with addiction often choose to enroll in long-term rehabs:
Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people who seek help for addiction are physically dependent on alcohol or drugs when they begin treatment, which means that they have to go through detoxification before anything else. After detox, there is a period of adjustment in which they transition to a residential treatment setting, and that takes time.
With short-term inpatient programs, a few weeks could translate to half of a client’s stay. In many cases, a couple of weeks of treatment just isn’t enough for sustained sobriety. This is one of the reasons why patients choose long-term rehab programs: for sustained medical support throughout the detoxification process.
Mental Health Disorders
Many individuals with addiction also have underlying issues that drove them to use drugs or alcohol initially. Some clients have co-occurring disorders, such as alcohol addiction, paired with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
In a long-term program, there is sufficient time to identify and start treating these underlying mental illnesses or disorders. Short-term treatments don’t always provide the time needed to address mental health disorders before reentering the outside world.
Long-Term Treatment
People are often highly motivated in early recovery. Not only do they feel healthier physically, but they are also excited to stay sober, and they are likely beginning to reclaim all the things they lost due to addiction.
However, as real-life challenges come up, their motivation may fade, and they may begin to take their recovery for granted. This complacency can lead them right back to where they started, and relapse may be right around the corner.
In a long-term recovery program, recovery becomes a way of life rather than just an initial burst of excitement. It’s easier to avoid the trap of complacency and maintain recovery from substance abuse.
Better Outcomes
Long-term recovery programs are effective in preventing relapse. Spending additional time in a safe, controlled environment enables clients to develop strategies for sober living with the help of therapists and other addiction professionals.
Many relapses occur shortly after completing short-term recovery programs, so extending the duration of the program gives clients more time to learn the coping skills necessary to maintain sobriety. Individual and group counseling, for example, can help to reduce your potential to relapse.
What Happens in a Long-Term Rehab Center?
Different types of long-term rehabs offer different levels of service.
However, you can likely expect the following steps in your treatment:
1. Intake
Most long-term rehabs begin with an intake process to determine the individualized treatment plan for each patient. This may involve medical and psychological evaluations, as well as discussions about personal goals and needs.
2. Detoxification
Many long-term rehab centers offer detox programs to help individuals safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol. These programs provide medical supervision and support to manage withdrawal symptoms.
3. Therapies
Individual therapy is a key component of long-term rehab, where patients work one-on-one with a therapist to address underlying issues that contribute to their addiction. This may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or another evidence-based modality.
You may also participate in group therapy sessions to reinforce what you have learned. This may include your family, friends or peers, and mental health professionals who can guide you through complex emotions.
4. Personalized Treatments
You may participate in proven therapies throughout the recovery process.
A few of the most common of these include:
- Adventure therapy
- Sound therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Art therapy
Keep in mind you may have access to different types of treatments depending on whether you stay at luxury rehab center.
How to Find Long-Term Drug and Alcohol Rehab Treatment Centers Near You
It’s not always easy to find the right long-term residential treatment program. Narrowing down your options, then choosing the most effective provider, can be stressful or overwhelming.
To find available treatment programs in your area, you can try:
- Calling the helpline provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This is a free and confidential service operating 24/7, 365. It can also help you find group counseling programs, drug rehabilitation centers, and recovery support in your area.
- Searching the internet for ‘long-term rehabs near me.’ If a Google search doesn’t pull up the information you need, you can search the SAMHSA database for a treatment program in your area.
- Asking for a recommendation. You may want to discuss options with your clinical medicine provider, a family friend, an addiction specialist, or someone you know who has experienced similar substance abuse issues.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Long-Term Rehab Near You
Deciding which long-term recovery center to choose is the first step to a better life. There are some things to consider before making your decision.
Here are some questions you may want the answers to before choosing:
- Does the facility have staff for both addiction and medical treatment options?
- Does the staff have credentials, certifications, and licenses (at least a Master’s degree) to treat clients for addiction?
- Does the facility offer group and individual therapy as part of your treatment?
- Is ample education offered regarding coping skills, reintegration into everyday life, and relapse prevention?
- Are there many programs for family members to participate in (or at least have a level of involvement in your recovery)?
- What protocols do you have in place to prevent relapse?
- Do you accept or receive government funding?
- Do you have specific cohorts for those recovering from drug abuse, such as teens, veterans, or pregnant women?
- Does the facility offer treatment for co-occurring disorders, including psychiatric care?
- Is there any type of aftercare or alumni groups for continued support when treatment is over?
There may be several other questions you wish to ask potential treatment centers. For this reason, consider the questions above to be a starting point in your journey — not an exhaustive list.
Financial Aspects of Long-Term Substance Abuse Treatment
There is no doubt that the financial aspect of addiction treatment keeps some people from seeking help for their recovery. However, there are several avenues that can provide monetary support, regardless of your finances.
Here are a few things to consider about the financial aspects of long-term treatment:
Insurance Coverage
Many long-term rehab facilities accept private insurance providers. Others accept public insurance such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Medi-Cal.
Most insurance companies provide some benefits for behavioral therapies. Other health insurance companies cover the entire cost of substance abuse treatment. This coverage may vary depending on several factors, including your age, insurance provider, existing conditions, and more.
The first step is to call your insurance provider and find out precisely what is covered, for how long, and whether or not they require the use of one of their listed long-term inpatient facilities.
Then, you can contact the substance abuse program in question to see if they will accept your health insurance.
Payment Plans
Sometimes, insurance will only cover a part of the cost of treatment. If that is the case, the treatment center may have payment options to satisfy the balance.
Contact the addiction center for more information about how they would handle that situation.
Friends and Family
Your family, friends, and loved ones may be willing to support you financially. This may help you gain access to substance abuse treatment centers without the need for a specific health insurance program.
Government Funding
Some long-term drug rehab centers receive subsidized government funding that reduces or even eliminates the cost of treatment programs. This means certain types of long-term addiction treatment, including individual counseling, may only cost a small co-pay per month.
Remember, addiction treatment is an investment in the rest of your life. It may seem like a significant financial burden, but it is worth it in the end.
If finances continue to be a challenge, you may want to consider low-cost or free addiction treatments instead. You may be able to sign up for no-cost group therapy, individual and group counseling, and other cost-effective programs.
Choosing My Time Recovery as Your Long-Term Treatment Center
There is a lot to consider once you decide to enter long-term recovery. You probably have many questions and concerns about how to proceed.
At My Time Recovery, we can answer those questions and discuss your concerns. We offer long-term rehab programs in multiple locations around Fresno County, including Clovis, Selma, and other local areas.
Don’t wait to start seeking addiction treatment near you. Contact us today to learn more about My Time Recovery and start your recovery now.
