Rehab Duration: Why is 30 Days Not Always Enough?

How long should substance dependence treatment last?

The substance dependence rehabilitation process is a unique journey for each individual. We recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach that fits all needs or is equally effective for everyone. The variety of methods, secondary symptoms, and, crucially, the length of treatment are important factors to consider. At GateHouse Treatment, we value the importance of addressing rehab duration as an integral part of the personalized care we provide. We understand that each person may need different lengths of time to achieve full recovery.

The road to sobriety requires a great deal of patience, resilience, and courage. We know that this journey can be long and complex, and it’s natural for questions to arise, such as, ” How long should substance dependence treatment last?” The truth is there is no single answer. Healthcare professionals should tailor the length of treatment to meet the individual needs of each patient. In this blog, we will explore why some seeking recovery may require more than the standard 30-day duration considered “normal” in many cases.

Exploring Substance Dependence Rehabilitation

Substance dependence rehabilitation involves professional assistance to tackle the complexities of addiction recovery. It’s a healthcare-led process that designs an all-encompassing treatment plan for individuals battling drug or alcohol dependence.

Substance dependence treatment options include:

• Partial Hospitalization (PHP): GateHouse Treatment’s PHP offers a comprehensive, structured approach for those requiring intensive care beyond regular outpatient programs. Ideal for individuals post-medical detox, we provide group and individual therapy, 24-hour supervised residency, skills development, job placement, and relationship rebuilding. Our program emphasizes 12-step principles as a critical part of recovery.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): GateHouse’s IOP is a mid-level mental health care and substance abuse treatment designed for transitioning individuals from PHP back into the community. It includes individual, group, and family therapy sessions, blending innovative methods. The focus is on integrating daily living with recovery, building sober living skills, and promoting holistic wellness through therapy, medication, and mindfulness techniques.
• Outpatient Program (OP): GateHouse’s OP guides clients through societal reintegration. Participants should maintain employment, attend meetings, and follow a 12-step program. The program supports managing employment, finances, and personal relationships, reinforces accountability, and provides scheduling flexibility, case management services, and regular medical team appointments. It also addresses educational topics like relapse prevention in therapy.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT blends FDA-approved medications with evidence-based therapy to treat opioid use disorders. As per SAMHSA, it’s more effective for long-term sobriety than therapy alone. Designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, patients should combine MAT with other treatments like 12-step groups and mental health counseling. GateHouse Treatment provides MAT for robust early recovery.
• Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy: This structured therapy follows the steps outlined in AA literature. It aims to deepen understanding of 12-step principles, encourage active meeting participation, and help individuals develop coping strategies for sobriety. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recognizes it as an effective method for promoting abstinence and improving well-being among people with alcohol use disorder.

Rehab Duration: Understanding How It Works

Treatment length can vary significantly depending on the program, location, and the patient’s individual needs. Typically, the process of rehabilitation consists of seven carefully planned steps:

1. Assessment: This initial step forms the basis for designing a personalized treatment plan. The rehab duration here depends on the individual’s physical and mental health, substance use history, and personal circumstances.
2. Detoxification: In this phase of rehabilitation, the body undergoes a systematic elimination of addictive substances. Detox time will depend on the severity of the addiction and withdrawal symptoms experienced by the client. We provide medical supervision and closely monitor the client’s well-being to ensure their safety and comfort during potentially challenging withdrawal symptoms.
3. Therapy: The type of therapy chosen and the client’s commitment play critical roles in determining the rehab duration. These therapeutic approaches help individuals understand the underlying causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and rebuild damaged relationships.
4. Education: An essential part of rehab is education. Understanding addiction, its effects on the brain and body, and the risks of relapse is critical in the recovery process. This knowledge empowers individuals to take control of their recovery journey.
5. Follow-up Planning: This stage of the rehabilitation process includes scheduling follow-up appointments, joining support groups, continuing therapy, and strategizing with a healthcare team to manage cravings.
6. Follow-up Care: A crucial aspect of rehab extends beyond the formal program. This step involves regular consultations with counselors or attendance at support group meetings to provide ongoing support in maintaining sobriety.
7. Long-Term Recovery: Even after the allotted rehab duration, individuals must continue to work on their recovery skills to maintain sobriety, showing that recovery is a lifelong journey.

What Factors Extend the Rehab Duration Beyond 30 Days?

The duration of substance abuse treatment varies from person to person, as there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to rehabilitation. Research from Social Science & Medicine indicates that more extended rehab programs often yield more effective results. While many programs typically last for 30 days, individuals receiving planned long-term treatment and support have a 23.9% higher likelihood of maintaining abstinence.

Here, we outline seven key factors that can extend the treatment length beyond 30 days:

1. Severity and Addiction History: The rehab duration may extend past 30 days for individuals with a lengthy and more severe history of addiction.
2. Comorbid Disorders: Mental health issues commonly co-occur with addiction disorders. Those with comorbid disorders may require a longer rehab duration to manage both conditions effectively.
3. Customized Treatment Plans: Each individual has unique needs and responses to treatment plans, making the rehab duration flexible and tailored.
4. Health Status: Substance abuse can adversely affect physical health, necessitating additional medical care and recovery time, thereby extending the rehab duration.
5. Psychological Conditions: The psychological effects of substance dependence can be profound, requiring a longer rehab duration for thorough emotional healing.
6. Learning Skills and Coping Mechanisms: The rehab process also involves building a new, healthier life by acquiring new skills and coping strategies. This learning phase can influence the rehab duration.
7. Adjusting to Sobriety: Longer rehab durations allow more time to adjust to life post-treatment. Adjusting to sobriety includes building a robust support network, securing stable housing, and exploring employment or educational opportunities.

GateHouse Treatment and Substance Dependence Rehabilitation

At GateHouse Treatment, we understand the various challenges individuals in rehab might encounter, including concerns about rehab duration. Our clinic, located in Nashua, NH, provides a range of treatments tailored to suit each client’s unique needs. Regardless of the time it takes, our dedicated professionals strive to ensure a safe and effective recovery journey.

To embark on your rehabilitation path, call us at (855) 448-3588 or contact us online. Seeking help is a courageous first step towards a liberated life! Allow us to accompany you through this process.

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Laura Corzo

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