Long-Term Drug Rehab

Extended Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs

If you are looking for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, you may wonder how long-term drug rehab treatment programs are. All individuals are unique, requiring different treatment strategies to treat SUDs and any co-occurring mental health disorder. Although standard or short treatment times work for some clients, other people battling addiction may find that long-term drug rehab is more beneficial.

Drug rehab facilities offer different treatment programs, including long-term rehab that lasts over six months. Recovering from drug addiction is a lifelong process that requires continuous aftercare. The duration clients stay in long-term rehab facilities varies widely based on different factors.

Keep reading to learn more about long-term drug rehabilitation and the programs offered at Icarus Behavioral Health!

What Is Long-Term Rehab?

Compared to standard drug treatment programs that last between 30 and 90 days, the duration of care provided by long-term rehabs for substance misuse is significantly greater. This type of program is commonly referred to as long-term residential substance abuse treatment because patients are expected to live at the rehab center during their stay.

Based on the severity of the addiction, the time spent in long-term substance abuse treatment might range from six months to two years.

Since Icarus provides clients with a stable environment and a rigorous treatment plan, long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation is more effective in helping people with SUDs overcome severe addiction. Our offerings also include programs that facilitate continued sobriety, allowing those battling addiction to return to daily life when treatment is complete.

Who Needs Long-Term Drug Rehab Treatment?

Addiction is a chronic disease that requires continuous treatment and aftercare. Evidence-based professional care and treatment in a rehab facility such as Icarus Behavioral Health can help treat SUDs.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that nearly 10% of the U.S. population needs drug or alcohol addiction treatment. However, only about 1% of these individuals received treatment at a long-term rehabilitation or mental health center.

Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a severe medical condition that can have devastating effects on a person’s body and mind. Because of the varied impacts of substance use on different individuals, a single addiction treatment approach is not practical for most. Long-term residential treatment programs at an addiction rehabilitation clinic may be necessary to maximize the likelihood of sustained recovery and sobriety.

Long-Term Treatment Programs for Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Most SUD treatment programs often involve the following phases:

• Medically assisted treatment (MAT) and detoxification
• Rehabilitation therapy and medication management
• Aftercare

Outpatient and inpatient centers provide a variety of treatment options. Outpatient treatment programs typically offer shorter-term care for substance abuse, whereas inpatient or residential treatment facilities can better meet the needs of those who require more extensive care.

Long-term residential rehab treatment usually involves days or weeks of monitored detoxification, followed by 90-120 days of intensive substance abuse therapy and aftercare planning. Clients suffering from chronic or severe SUDs and those with co-occurring disorders benefit most from this mode of treatment.

Adolescents struggling with substance abuse can also find help at residential treatment centers. Short-term treatment alternatives may include outpatient weekend rehab and 30-day programs.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that most structured long-term rehab programs usually last six to twelve months. Those who are facing difficulties making progress in their recovery while engaging in a conventional, shorter-term inpatient or residential rehab program may benefit from a longer-term residential rehab treatment program. a

Long-term drug and alcohol recovery is necessary for persons with recurring relapses and other challenges after completing a short-term inpatient treatment program. Some long-term recovery options are tailored to the needs of different demographics, like women with kids and adolescents.

Offerings at Residential Addiction Treatment Programs

No matter how long your treatment plan will be, it will always begin with a thorough patient assessment. The assessment allows healthcare professionals to diagnose the client’s SUD and create personalized treatment strategies.

Most long-term rehabilitation programs begin with weeks of intensive inpatient treatment, followed by outpatient care and 12-step meetings. Rehab programs that last a year or more are typically considered long-term inpatient or residential treatment programs. Depending on the individual, a long-term rehabilitation program may take 18 months, two years, or even longer.

Although there is no universally accepted standard for what to expect from a long-term rehabilitation program, most programs will adhere to the following four stages:

1. Assessment: As a new client to the rehabilitation center, healthcare practitioners will evaluate you thoroughly from a medical and psychological standpoint. This will help medical professionals in figuring out what kind of treatment and care you require.
2. Detoxification: Detox is part of the continuum of therapy for most clients. The ease and duration of detox depend primarily on the substance of choice and the degree of physiological dependence. Alcohol and benzodiazepine detox can cause severe and perhaps life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox services can lessen the severity of withdrawal and help you detox comfortably.
3. Addiction treatment services: Inpatient and outpatient settings are both viable options for long-term rehabilitation, which often combines behavioral, group, and individual counseling. A 12-step program, such as the Narcotics Anonymous program, may also be helpful.
4. Aftercare: You and your therapist will continue to work together to develop an aftercare strategy after completing the steps above. Aftercare services aim to help people keep their gains and avoid relapse.

Detox is the first step in long-term treatment programs at a residential inpatient facility, which helps the addict abstain from their substance of choice. Although the specific methods employed depend on the substance in question, supportive care and supervision, medication-assisted detox, drug replacement therapy, and gradual drug reduction therapy may help reduce the effects of drug withdrawal.

Moving Past Detox and Into Recovery

As the body adjusts to operating without the drug’s support, these treatments alleviate any severe acute withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification could take a few hours to a few days, depending on the substance being taken and the degree or length of the addiction. The detox phase duration also depends on patients’ physical and mental health.

The detox process is merely the beginning of recovery. The completion of detox alone is rarely indicative of long-term sobriety from substance abuse. People with a history of alcoholism or drug abuse would do well to resume their rehabilitation program, which typically includes continuous counseling, once they have completed detox. At this point in treatment, the client may participate in any number of long-term modalities, such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral and treatment (CBT)
• Contingency management
• Family counseling and therapy sessions
• Motivational therapies

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: What Does It Mean?

Cognitive behavioral therapy strategies teach people recovering from addiction how to change their attitudes toward drug use. These therapies allow clients to learn how to recognize and avoid triggers that may lead to relapse.

Combining behavioral therapy with medication-assisted treatment methods can boost the efficiency of the drugs, such as Suboxone or Naltrexone. Clients are also more likely to complete therapy and less likely to relapse with the use of behavioral treatments. Long-term rehab facilities have resident and on-call psychologists or counselors who provide cognitive-behavioral therapy.

What Is Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment?

Adolescents struggling with substance abuse issues can benefit from home-based, multi-systemic programs known as multi-dimensional family therapy (MDFT). These programs address the treatment of various areas of influence, like adolescents, their families, their peers, and the community.

The patient and their loved ones take part in therapeutic sessions during MDFT. Such programs aim to keep young people sober by discouraging risky behaviors and rewarding constructive ones. The addicted adolescent’s family is strongly encouraged to join a 12-step program and attend group therapy sessions.

Contingency Management

Contingency management is an addiction treatment approach that rewards positive actions, such as sobriety or completion of specified duties. Offering rewards like free movie tickets, meals, or coupons, for drug-free urine samples is a type of contingency management. These treatment approaches can help people with SUDs stay in treatment and remain sober.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is another method that motivates individuals battling addiction to change, stick with treatment, and refrain from drug or alcohol use. The end goal of motivational interviewing is to help people overcome their resistance to change by educating them about the factors contributing to their lack of enthusiasm.

These techniques allow the person dealing with addiction to understand the risks and benefits of continuing to use addictive substances.

Goals of Long-Term Residential Treatment Programs for Substance Abuse

To help patients regain sobriety healthily and sustainably, residential treatment institutions prioritize comprehensive, long-term rehabilitation and recovery plans.

Below are some of the goals of long-term rehab:

• Providing a stable environment for people battling with addiction to develop coping skills
• Providing round-the-clock support and structure
• Enabling patients to become self-sufficient
• Offering opportunities for people suffering from SUDs to connect to the community and work

Long-term rehab programs are more effective in treating severe SUDs. Long-term residential treatment clinics aim to reintegrate people who beat drug and alcohol addiction into society as contributing members. Addiction treatment also aids in the restoration of dignity, self-assurance, and responsibility.

Communities in Long-Term Drug Rehab Centers

Residential treatment facilities create extended care rehabilitation programs that mimic real-world communities to achieve their goals. Residents are given more independence within the facility after completing detox and rehabilitation. Some adolescent residential treatment facilities have community high learning institutions like colleges and high schools.

Some adult clients can benefit from on-site employment opportunities. Most long-term rehab patients perform duties such as chores. These initiatives aim to help reintegrate rehabilitation clients into their regular lives and social networks.

Long-term rehabilitation programs may include outdoor activities like visits to natural areas and community service projects. Clients in such facilities can access various in-house activities, including sports, skill-building programs, and more. Some long-term rehabilitation facilities may offer amenities such as meditation and mindfulness sessions, massage or spa treatments, and private rooms. Others provide:

• Gender-specific addiction treatment
• Anger management
• Hypnotherapy
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Art or music group therapy

Clients are often introduced to relevant support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous to help in the recovery process.

Individual and group psychotherapy and dialectical behavioral therapy are available to patients even after they have completed the more extensive long-term rehabilitation program.

Are you prepared to take the first step? If you or a loved one are interested in receiving professional drug addiction therapy,  find out more about Icarus Behavioral Health facilities by calling for a confidential consultation now!

Find the Best Long-Term Rehab Center Near You

In long-term addiction therapy, narrowing the numerous options to just one that works for you can be challenging. Different treatment methods and programs are available at many of these long-term rehabilitation centers. The best rehab facility for you may be nearby or necessitate a trip out of state.

A good addiction treatment center will cater to your specific requirements, help you feel safe and comfortable, and effectively treat your addiction. Some rehab centers focus on a particular population based on age or gender, such as young adults, couples, the elderly, pregnant moms, or mothers with young children. Icarus Behavioral accepts clients from all walks of life, and will consider your unique background and needs in crafting a customized long term treatment plan.

Treatment for substance abuse is effective, and the length of stay in treatment strongly predicts long-term abstinence. Icarus will always provide a place to turn to for support as you attempt to overcome addiction and begin a sober existence.

Planning for Long-Term Rehabilitation

When calling a treatment facility or helpline, have your insurance card with you so that the admissions consultant can confirm your coverage. Ensure to be honest about the types of drugs you use, the amounts and duration of use, and the methods of drug use. Also, describe any past attempts at quitting or treatment you may have previously undergone.

An inpatient detox program may be the best choice if you or a loved one has had a complicated withdrawal process. It is best to inform the admissions counselor about any physical or mental health conditions you may be experiencing.

Do You Need a Long-Term Drug Rehab Program?

Talking to a doctor about treatment choices and any co-occurring mental health issues is essential if you or a loved one is battling addiction and considering rehabilitation. Doctors can diagnose substance abuse and help patients decide if they need to enter long-term treatment.

Substance use disorders are classified according to the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Depending on the results of this evaluation, you may choose between short- and long-term drug treatment. Seek assistance if you or a loved one have encountered two or more of the following in the past year:

• Increased drug dosage or dosing frequency
• Lack of control over substance use, even when you want to cut back or quit
• Investing excessive time into obtaining, consuming, and recovering from the effects of a drug
• Feeling an overwhelming urge to use the substance, or a craving, especially if you’re back in a familiar setting where you may quickly get high or get more.
• Failure to fulfill professional, personal, or academic responsibilities
• Not pursuing the interests and activities that you previously enjoyed
• Continued drug usage despite the negative impacts on your health and social interactions
• Refusing to stop using drugs while knowing the risks
• Developing drug tolerance
• Experiencing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut back or quit

Relapse rates for people addicted to drugs are comparable to those for other chronic conditions. Relapse is a standard part of the road to sobriety, so it’s crucial to get help for addiction early and stick with it for the best results.

Why You Should Consider Long-Term Drug Rehab

Effective long-term inpatient rehab caters to the specific requirements of each client. You or a loved one should consider long-term recovery if any of the following apply:

• You have experienced a relapse
• You’ve been dealing with substance abuse problems for a long time
• You have complex needs, like the presence of multiple mental health conditions
• You need a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of destructive behaviors
• Outpatient programs can’t provide the level of daily structure that you need

The Benefits of Residential Rehab

Going to rehab is a good idea for anyone battling substance abuse. Those who have struggled with addiction know how challenging it can be to find sobriety without the help and encouragement located in a rehabilitation center.

Individualized treatment programs are used in rehab to help clients address the root causes of their addiction. While the primary goal of any rehabilitation center should be to help clients beat addiction, the process of rehabilitation has many other positive outcomes as well. Those who seek help for their addiction will learn how to overcome it and improve their health and happiness in the process.

• Structure:   Going to a long-term rehabilitation center can be helpful because of the structure it provides. Client engagement and distraction are prioritized in treatment plans. Therefore, patients’ daily schedules are packed with constructive activities and counseling sessions. Clients are given time to reflect in between sessions.
• Safe environment: Patients in drug and alcohol rehab benefit significantly from being in a secure and comfortable setting with others who share their experiences. Long-term sobriety is only possible with the help of a robust support system, and peer support plays a vital role in this.
• Multiple therapy options: Addiction is a disease that affects a person’s mind, body, and spirit, and treatment is essential in assisting those in recovery to recognize and cope with the emotional triggers that led to their substance use. It can help people see destructive patterns of thought and behavior that lead them to make poor choices regarding drugs and alcohol and show them practical ways to change those patterns.
• Around-the-clock medical support: During your time at an inpatient rehabilitation center, you will have 24/7 access to medical and clinical staff. Because people in recovery are susceptible to a range of health difficulties soon after discontinuing usage of the substance that they were addicted to, this can be particularly crucial for preventing relapse in those with severe addictions.
• Building new habits: A lack of self-discipline and care for one’s physical health is common among those with a history of substance misuse. Goal-setting and follow-through are essential parts of self-care for a person in recovery. Rehab may instruct you on how to plan for both the short- and long-terms of your recovery and how to achieve them.
• Focus on health: Long-term rehab is helpful because of the emphasis placed on health and nutrition during rehabilitation. Heavy drug and alcohol use depletes the body of vital nutrients. Poor nutrition can delay healing by contributing to symptoms like fatigue, drowsiness, and headaches. Meals in a rehabilitation center are planned and balanced to provide you with the energy you need to heal.
• Continuous support: The aftercare services provided to clients after they leave the rehabilitation center are a crucial part of the process. The purpose of rehabilitation is to provide people suffering from addiction with resources, such as an aftercare plan, to aid in their continued sobriety and recovery.

Get Long Term and Lasting Recovery with Icarus

People who are addicted to potent substances should get professional help without delay. The destructive power of drugs can affect individuals and their relationships. Because of the urgency of drug addiction treatment, people suffering from SUD’s should contact Icarus Behavioral to learn about their alternatives.

Long-term rehab provides people struggling with substance abuse with the necessary tools and resources for overcoming addiction. Call us our warm and welcoming Admissions team today for more information about joining our recovery family!