An individual who has lived with drug addiction or drug abuse problems for an extended period of time will require intense treatment in order to turn their lives around. There is no “magic switch” that can be flipped and suddenly have the individual live a healthy, fulfilling life no questions asked. Long-term drug rehab programs help those individuals who have particularly deep-seated abuse problems. In addition, maintaining sobriety over the long term is a challenge that not everyone can achieve, but offers significant rewards for those who do.
What Happens During Long-Term Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Although the length of a long-term drug addiction or alcoholism treatment program is several times longer than that of a regular care plan, the elements of the program are actually quite similar. Most programs include detox, counseling and aftercare as a means of addressing both the physical and psychological components of addiction.
Detox helps the individual cleanse her system of the harmful toxins found in drugs and alcohol. Detoxification can be a difficult process, as the individual may experience a series of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Detox may need to be repeated over the course of a long-term program, as many of the individuals who take part in this intense program type likely have a long history of relapse as a result of withdrawal symptoms.
Counseling allows the individual to dig deep into the root causes of their addiction – and develop better decision-making skills in terms of the “triggers” that lead to this unwanted behavior. The fact that these programs last a year or longer has a number of benefits in terms of counseling and therapy. For one thing, therapists can take a more deliberate approach to treatment – earning the individual’s trust before asking them to reveal personal information about their addiction. Long-term care also gives the individual more time to master the lessons taught during counseling, meaning they will be more comfortable coping with their sobriety in the months and years following rehab.
Aftercare helps the individuals prepare for the challenges they are likely to face after treatment is complete. This is especially important in long-term rehab, as the individual has likely been away (in the case of residential treatment) for a long period of time and may have difficult adjusting. The different types of aftercare include 12-step groups (AA or NA), follow up therapy at the treatment center and sober living.
The Keys to Long-Term Drug Addiction Recovery
Sadly, there are many men and women who fail in their first (or even multiple) attempts to achieve long-term sobriety. They may begin treatment with the best of intentions, only to be “derailed” by a number of factors that occur in the course of their daily lives. And although everyone who is able to make their sobriety last is different, there are a number of characteristics and actions that almost all of them share. The following is a list of these keys to long-term recovery.
- A comprehensive treatment program. Individuals living with addiction or serious substance abuse problems are rarely able to quit on their own. Instead, it takes professional help in the form of a drug or alcohol rehab center to teach the life-lessons needed to maintain sobriety.
- A solid support network. Whether it comes from family and friends, or other recovering addicts they met during rehab, the individuals who enjoy the most success with their on-going sobriety are those who have a strong network of support following treatment.
- Good physical health. There’s a reason why rehab centers offer exercise and nutritional counseling programs – because those individuals who are in good shape, and eating right are much more inclined to stay the course and maintain their sobriety in the long term.
- Strong relationships. Individuals who are married or have a close-knit family unit tend to stay sober longer. These are families that can get through the tough times caused by addiction, and heal broken relationships with family counseling and improved communication.
If Long Term Addiction Recovery Fails
Unfortunately, not everyone who completes a drug or alcohol rehab program maintains sobriety. Those individuals who “fall back off the wagon” after an extensive drug rehab program may feel despondent, but the most important thing is to stay positive and consider re-entering treatment as soon as possible. It is important to note, that many people explore different treatment styles before finding the one that best meets their needs. Turn to the same loved ones and medical professionals who lent a hand the first time for continued support.
