Is a 6-Month Inpatient Drug Rehab Program Right For Me?

Inpatient rehab is often called the “gold standard” for treating drug and alcohol addiction. But a stay in an inpatient, or residential, rehab program typically lasts only 30 days. While some rehabs also offer longer stays of 60 to 90 days, even that length of time may not be enough to fully support someone with a long history of substance abuse, or who has relapsed many times. For these users, a rehab program that lasts 6 months or even longer may be the best option for a complete recovery.

Why Inpatient Treatment Works

Inpatient treatment programs of any length generally help users recover from substance abuse more quickly and completely than outpatient rehabs. Although both kinds of rehab provide support in the form of counseling and medications, inpatient rehab offers “total immersion” recovery services. A stay in an inpatient rehab offers:

People suffering from a dual diagnosis should attend long-term inpatient rehab.

• A safe, medically supervised setting for detox and withdrawal
• Round the clock access to therapy and counseling
• Separation from the circumstances that trigger addiction
• Nutritious meals to restore physical health damaged by addiction
• A stable routine in comfortable surroundings
• Peer support
• A variety of therapeutic activities to support recovery

While in a residential rehab, a recovering substance abuser can concentrate on stopping the addiction and learning new ways to manage addiction triggers without the distractions of daily life. And for many, a 30, 60 or even a 90-day program with follow-up services from an outpatient program can provide all the support needed to recover from addictions. For some, though, these programs are far too short.

Who Benefits From Long Term Rehabs?

A 30 day – or even 90 day – stay in rehab may seem like a long time. But a lot has to happen in a month, or even three: detox and withdrawal, therapy, and learning many new ways to deal with the habits and triggers of addiction. Long-term rehab programs provide the space, time and support to thoroughly address all the different facets of addiction. A 6 month, or even 12-month residential rehab might be right for:

People who have been using drugs or alcohol for a very long time. Long term addiction creates profound physical and psychological dependence, and can cause severe damage to the body not only from the substance that’s being abused, but also because addiction makes people neglect basic self care such as eating healthfully, exercising and getting enough sleep. Years of addiction can also cause serious physical problems such as:

• Liver disease
• Memory problems
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Brain damage

Those who have tried rehab before and relapsed – in some cases, many times. If a substance user has completed a stay, or more than one, in a shorter-term residential rehab and relapsed, they may not have completely addressed all the issues related to their addiction. Withdrawal from some substances can take weeks or months, not days, so a user may “complete” a short-term rehab program while still having withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient Drug Rehab: Who, What, Where, When and Why

Substance abusers who have other health problems along with addiction. If someone has been using drugs or alcohol for a long period of time, and has another severe or chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease, a longer stay in rehab can allow time to address all these issues with experienced medical support.

Someone who has a dual diagnosis of mental illness along with addiction. Mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder often go along with addiction. Successful recovery depends on treating both of these conditions, and that can be difficult to accomplish in a short-term rehab program – even one designed for people with dual diagnosis. A longer rehab stay can allow time for experienced counselors and other professionals to address both the mental health issues and the addiction in a safe and comfortable setting.

Rehab programs lasting 6 months or longer are not for everyone. In some cases, a lengthy stay poses a hardship, both financially and emotionally. But for those with a long history of addiction and other issues, a longer stay in rehab can be the key to a lasting recovery.

Are you struggling with a long addiction to drugs or alcohol – and don’t know where to turn? We’re here to help. Call us at 800-430-1407Who Answers? for the solutions you need right now.