Wednesday, August 21, 2013

General Information About Long Term Rehab

By Essie Craft


Research shows that the longer an alcohol or drug addicted person spends in a rehabilitation program, the better their long term prognosis. For this reason, the benefits of a long term rehab cannot be ignored. The length of a rehabilitation program varies and may range from three months to as long as two years. The long rehabilitation programs are mainly undertaken in response to repeated failures in treatments administered in other environments or treatment of patients after years of abuse.

In most cases, outpatient therapy is provided as an initial treatment to this problem. When this fails, the next recommended solution is often a residential rehabilitation program, customarily about one month in duration. There are a number of factors that are considered in determining the length of the program. These include severity of addition, length of abuse and the number of previous treatments that were unsuccessful.

The main disadvantage of this treatment approach is the interruption it causes on the life of the individuals. This is the main reason why a majority of patients are reluctant to enroll for this type of program. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that the desire or willingness of a patient does not influence the results obtained. Whether the admission is voluntary or mandated by the court, the results are equally the same.

This treatment program operates under a therapeutic community model. Under this treatment model, the entire community participates in the treatment and recovery process. The addicts live, share and work together, and learn sobriety and recovery within the structured community. Work is one of the most effective therapies in these rehabs. Work training instills discipline in them and helps them acquire essential life skills thus making them productive and employable.

In addition to the work training, counseling and traditional therapy are also offered. Generally, there are always AA or group meetings in the evening. These are designed to promote self-awareness over the underlying causes of abuse. The addictions professionals also offer behavioral and conventional therapy. The addicts are given enough time to incorporate these skills in their daily lives before being exposed to the home environment where they have ready access to alcohol and drugs.

Long term rehab patients operate within a structured environment that is strictly controlled. The patients earn additional privileges and freedoms through behavior change and the duration of sobriety. These include supervisory roles, better work and short passes out of the enclosed environment. By working towards certain goals and earning privileges the patients become motivated.

The treatment of severe addictions presents numerous challenges. It is difficult to enact change when numerous previous treatments have failed. The primary benefit of the long term program is that patients are given enough time to completely change their thinking and expectations. They are able to enjoy honest relationships and a life free from substance abuse. They learn to work with others and under others and are prepared to become better members of the society.

The decision to choose a long term rehab signifies commitment to change for better health. It is the best option for those with severe addiction. The benefits of this program far outweigh the disadvantages. It effectively treats the addiction as well as other needs of the patients such as mental or medical health issues. A complete detoxification is performed to avoid signs of relapse.




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