9 Benefits of Long-Term Drug Rehab
What Is Long-Term Drug Rehab?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least 3 months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment.” Long-term rehab is defined as residential, or inpatient, addiction treatment that lasts longer than the traditional 28 days. Long-term rehab usually has a duration of 90 days or longer— some specialty programs may last up to a year.
9 Benefits of Long-Term Drug Rehab
- Reduced Risk Of Relapse
Research shows that individuals who participate in long-term drug rehab programs have better-sustained recovery outcomes. A study done on the effectiveness of long-term residential substance abuse treatment states, “Among clients who remained in treatment for at least three months, those who achieved their treatment goals in three to five months abstinence outcomes were as good as those for clients who took more than six months to complete their treatment (76%-78% abstinent) and substantially better than those for clients who did not complete treatment (51%-52% abstinent).”
- Consistent Structure
Long-term drug rehab offers consistent daily structure over an extended period of time, giving individuals the time to develop a routine and order that can be very beneficial to recovery.
- Sober Community
Developing relationships can take time, especially for people who may have fears around trust. In rehab, a person is sharing meals, housing, and much of their day with their peers in the program, which allows them to, day after day, get to know each other and develop friendships and community with others who are sober.
- Drug-Free, Alcohol-Free Environment
A safe environment is crucial for recovery. Rehab will be free of drugs and alcohol, removing the temptation and ability to relapse while participating in the program.
- 24/7 Supervision and Support
Early recovery can be difficult, but drug rehab provides trained professionals to be available around-the-clock for support and supervision. When experiencing challenges and difficulties, these people are on-call at all times.
- Time To Address Trauma and Underlying Issues
Individuals often turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with difficult emotions and experiences that they do not know how to handle. Long-term drug rehab provides enough time for individuals to look into these issues and traumas while working with a therapist and clinical team.
- Development Of New Habits
Developing new habits takes time, and long-term drug rehab provides that time, along with the structure and consistency that are also conducive to creating new routines and habits.
- Time To Heal Mind And Body
Healing takes time. Both the mind and body will begin to heal right away, and likely a significant difference will be felt even in the first few weeks of sobriety, but deep healing will take time. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a set of symptoms that can last for weeks or months after an individual enters recovery and abstinence from drugs and alcohol. These symptoms may include difficulty with cognitive tasks, anxiety, irritability, and depression.
- Smoother Transition From Rehab To Living Sober
When a person participates in long-term drug rehab, they get the gift of staying sober day after day for an extended period of time. They will experience ups and downs, and difficult emotions. And through this, they will develop new tools and coping skills for managing how to live life sober. By the time they transition from rehab to living sober in the world, they will have strength, experience, and community that they can reach for when challenges arise.
Addiction Treatment At Oasis Recovery
If you or someone you love has developed an addiction or dependence to drugs or alcohol and are wondering how to get help, we encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services. Recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
- Aftercare Services
Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track.
