Monday, August 19, 2013

Essential Information About Long Term Rehab

By Essie Craft


Recent studies have shown that the longer an addict stays in a rehabilitation center, the better their chances of complete recovery. As such, it is difficult to disregard the advantages of a long term rehab. The duration of these programs vary. There are those designed to span for a period of several months while others may last for two years or more. Long rehabilitation treatments are used to treat patients after many of abuse or after failure of several past treatments with other therapies.

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.

The treatment is offered in a model that reflects a therapeutic community. Under this model, all the members of the community contribute to the recovery and treatment program. The enrolled addicts work together, share, live and learn the recovery and sobriety in the structured community. Work is a common therapy in this environment. The training they receive helps them become employable and productive society members.

Counseling and traditional therapy are also used in the treatment process. At the end of each day, there are group or AA meetings to promote self-awareness of the patients regarding the basal causes of substance abuse. They are then given ample time to incorporate these skills in their lives. They are given complete freedom once they prove they can survive in their previous environment.

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 process of treating severe addiction presents a number of challenges. This is mainly because it is administered where other treatment therapies have failed. The main advantage of this program is that patients are given enough time to transition to the expected way of life. They learn to work under supervision or in a team environment.

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.




About the Author:



No comments: