Help Choosing Short-Term Rehab or Long-Term Treatment
Genetics, mental illness, social circles, trauma, stress and dysfunction can all be linked to one of the most deadly diseases in the world, addiction. Long been thought to be a personal choice rather than a mental disease, addiction does not discriminate. Substance abuse, eating disorders, problematic gambling and sex addiction are common responses to the fight or flight mechanism that humans use to react to potential harm, both physically and mentally. This choice to find a way out of a situation can lead down a destructive path. Once the body and mind finds a rewarding escape, that sensor has now been turned on. Now anytime the nervous system feels threatened, it knows a quick and easy way out.
Consulting an Addiction Professional
Recognizing an issue has no timetable. Some addicts realize their issues immediately, for others it can take a lifetime without ever facing those demons. Not all addicts have to discover their demise. Family and friends often care about the addicts who are destroying themselves and speak up. This is a difficult discussion. A family member may feel that having a talk with the addict can be productive, however, addressing an addict during their abuse can immediately backfire. The highs and lows of addiction leads to mental instability and the person trying to help, can now be perceived as a threat to the addicts escape. This is where intervention plays a vital role in communication. An interventionist is an impartial third party used to speak with an addict. Interventionists are able to present the fears that family and friends may have without those individuals having to confront the situation alone. Generally interventions are performed by a professional in the field of addiction. The Mayo Clinic gives this advice, “Consulting an addiction professional, such as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, a social worker, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or an interventionist, can help you organize an effective intervention.” (Source: Intervention: Help a loved one overcome addiction)
Hopefully through the help of an interventionist the addicted person is willing to seek treatment. Typical forms of addiction treatment include; detox, individual counseling, short-term rehab (typically 28, 30 or 45 days) or long-term treatment (typically 90, 120 or 180 days). No matter the type of treatment chosen, the fact that the addict has made the decision to change, is what is most important. There are many factors to take into account when choosing how to move forward. The individual needing recovery may have work, family and other priorities to take into consideration but those circumstances should not persuade someone from getting the help needed.
What’s Most Effective?
Prescott House has found that the most effective care for addiction are programs that are intense therapeutically, in a structured environment. These programs are able to remove an addict from the comfort of the addictive lifestyle that has been conducive to failure. When looking into these types of programs there are both short-term and long-term options available. The differences between short-term rehab versus long-term treatment can be the determining factor of successful recovery.
When considering these types of programs, there are both short-term and long-term options available. Short-term rehab typically lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a few months and is focused on detoxification and initial stabilization. Long-term treatment, on the other hand, lasts for several months or even up to a year and provides a more comprehensive approach to addiction recovery. This approach allows individuals to address not only their addiction but also any underlying issues such as mental health disorders, trauma, or other co-occurring disorders that may be contributing to their addiction.
Choosing between short-term and long-term treatment can be a determining factor for successful recovery. Short-term rehab may be more suitable for individuals with less severe addictions, while long-term treatment may be more beneficial for those with more complex addiction issues or those who have experienced relapse in the past. Ultimately, the most effective treatment program is one that is tailored to the individual’s unique needs and provides a comprehensive approach to recovery that addresses not only the addiction but also any underlying issues that may be contributing to it.
Is Detox a Cure?
Rehabilitation from addiction requires dedicated work and involvement of both the addict and the professionals treating the issues. Both short-term rehabs and long-term treatment centers provide licensed professionals capable of treating many forms of addiction. If an addict has been heavily abusing drugs and/or alcohol both short-term and long-term options will require detox prior to admission into their programs. This detoxification is to ensure that someone is medically assisted to remove toxic substances from the system under 24-hour medical supervision. This initial step can be the first time without abusive substances in an addicts system in years, so detox manages the withdrawal symptoms. Some unwisely take this instant sobriety as though the addiction is cured and avoid attending treatment. This thought process has a high risk for failure. Web MD answers the question of, “What is Detox?”, responding with, “Detox alone isn’t treatment, but it’s the first step to getting better for people who are dependent on alcohol.” (Source: Alcohol Detox and Rehab Programs: What to Know)
Healing From Addiction
Both short-term and long-term recovery address the immediate issues such as substance abuse or other addictive behaviors. This time is spent to understand how destructive these choices have become and how sobriety brings a new perspective to life. The difference between short-term rehab and long-term treatment is that long-term therapy is able to get down to the underlying issues that are causing the addictive behavior. This is done through intensives, process groups and several one on one sessions. This process is critical to long-term sobriety. Most programs also work through 12-step and other meetings to maintain accountability following treatment because addiction doesn’t just go away. Sober College, a school of addiction studies states, “Addiction is a chronic condition, and successfully overcoming it often requires intervention and professional help.” Sober College continues to promote long-term treatment with:
Long-term treatment programs are designed to help clients overcome addiction by cleansing the mind and body. They also simultaneously help clients learn to manage triggers and develop skills to maintain sobriety even during the most trying times. While there are luxury recovery centers that provide resort-like environments and lavish amenities, these are not necessarily vital to successfully overcome addiction. Many long-term facilities provide around-the-clock care with professionally trained staff to help clients throughout the recovery process. They often function like sober living homes and do not stand out or highlight their purpose. While they can be anything from a hospital setting to a more residential layout, they tend to blend into neighborhoods and provide clients with a safe place to recover. (Source: Why Long-Term Rehab Works and Short-Term Rehab Doesn’t)
How Prescott House Can Help
Prescott House has treated individuals on a case-by-case basis since 1988. Please take the time to speak with admissions director, Jim Coombs regarding the process of both short-term and long-term treatment at (866) 425-4673.
References:
May Clinic Staff. “Intervention: Help a loved one overcome addiction” Mayo Clinic. 20 July 2017. Web.
Bob. “Why Long-Term Rehab Works (and Short-Term Rehab Doesn’t” Sober College. 29 August 2017. Web.
