HOW DOES LONG-TERM ADDICTION TREATMENT WORK?

Addiction is a disease that affects more people than you may realize. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 10 percent of the population over the age of 12 suffers from an illicit drug addiction at any given time. Whether it’s opioids, hallucinogens, or prescription drugs, the effects of drug addiction are devastating for both the addict and their family. To assist those suffering from addiction, there are a wide variety of treatment options available. Inpatient facilities, outpatient programs, and 12-step programs are all viable rehabilitation choices.

While many addicts seek help for their addiction, not all of them succeed. It’s estimated that only 31 percent remain sober when participating in a treatment program that is fewer than 90 days in duration. For that reason, many specialists recommend long-term addiction treatment in Orange County, CA. Unlike short-term solutions, the chances of relapse decrease once the entire program is completed. While many avoid long-term programs due to the time commitment, it’s the best way to take control of the addiction once and for all.

Long-term treatment is considered to be any program that lasts longer than 90 days. While many inpatient and outpatient treatment plans may boast success in as little as 30 to 60 days, a long-term treatment plan is the best way to increase success and learn the tools needed to battle the lifelong struggle of addiction. The styles of long-term addiction care vary depending on the clinic and the patient. Typically, long-term treatments allow residents to live on-site or in a “sober” home close by. Very few long-term treatment options involve a complete outpatient facility, though they do exist. Whether you choose an inpatient facility or an outpatient program, the treatments will be similar in nature. However, you can expect a better more sustainable result from a live-in facility. In fact, it’s estimated that 89 percent of addicts complete a long-term, inpatient program without issue, while only 54 percent of participants in outpatient programs completed treatment.

Inpatient treatment programs are more intense and rigorous in nature than outpatient options. They require a complete dedication to recovery from the moment the patient arises in the morning. Typically, in the beginning, a period of detoxification occurs. During this period of time, a medication-based detox may be recommended. A medication-induced detox process eases the discomfort associated with detoxification. This allows the addict to completely remove all signs of unwanted substances from their body while under the careful supervision of medical professionals. Detoxing in a safe environment eliminates the risk of relapse and promotes healing, making an inpatient program even more attractive.

Once detoxification is complete, it’s easier to learn the tools needed to combat the feelings and urges that accompany addiction. By uncovering any underlying psychological issues or traumas, the patient can move forward. An inpatient program typically involves a strict schedule that requires participants to wake up early, exercise, eat a balanced diet, and participate in various group and individual therapy sessions throughout the day. While activities and free time are promoted, the majority of the treatment schedule revolves around healing.

The purpose of a long-term addiction care center is to break addictive habits and prepare addicts to handle the difficulties of life without depending on substances. Because addictions don’t develop overnight, it’s unlikely that recovery will occur quickly. Instead, it takes time. By investing in long-term addiction rehabilitation, it’s much easier to break free of the chains of addiction. The more time the patient devotes to recovery, the more prepared they’ll be for the time when they’re outside the walls of the rehabilitation center.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse, or NIDA, has extensively studied the effectiveness of various forms of addiction treatments. While acute programs (those which last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks) may seem like a quick fix, they don’t meet the NIDA’s recommendations. In fact, NIDA recommends a significantly longer treatment program in order to achieve the best results. Based on these recommendations, the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program requires that programs last 6 to 12 months in order to qualify for funding. This ensures a longer-lasting effect and reduces the chances of future relapse.

The recommended 6 to 12 month treatment time allows addicts to properly detox from their addictions. It also allows for ample time to converse and speak with licensed therapists, learn from other participants, and create the coping skills needed to combat addiction outside of the structured environment of rehab. Around-the-clock care is exactly what’s needed to succeed, and that’s what’s provided in a long-term program, as has been proven in the NIDA studies.

Based on the studies conducted by the NIDA, those polled after 5 years of completing a long-term treatment center experienced dramatic success. Cocaine use decreased by nearly 83 percent, alcohol use decreased by more than 90 percent, and suicidal thoughts or actions decreased by more than 96 percent. Plus, those working full-time increased by nearly 46 percent. Not only did addictive behavior stop, but long-term addiction programs were able to rehabilitate addicts and help them create promising careers.

With these kinds of results, no addict can afford to gamble with their treatment. Luckily, they don’t have to. Most long-term programs are covered by the Affordable Care Act. Because the ACA can’t turn down enrollment based on pre-existing conditions or addictions, anyone can qualify. When covered by an ACA plan, the cost of A long-term, inpatient treatment addiction program is eliminated or reduced dramatically.

If you’re an addict, don’t wait to begin treatment. While there are many different kinds of addictions, there’s always hope. Whether you struggle with cocaine, heroin, or prescription painkillers, now is the time to take control of your life. While there are short-term options, choose a treatment that will impact your life in the best way possible.  Long-term addiction treatment in Orange County is the most proven way to combat addiction and care for this crippling disease.