The path to recovery from drug, alcohol, or opioid addiction is a journey that requires courage, resilience, and a robust support system. Many individuals grappling with addiction choose to embark on this journey through rehabilitation or rehab for short, a process that, while challenging, holds the promise of a brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling future.
Addiction isn’t a moral failing or a lack of willpower. It’s a chronic disease that changes the brain’s structure and function. Just like other chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease, treatment requires more than just quick fixes. Some may have severe cases of addiction, while others may be in the early stages. Some may need less time, while others require more extended time.
At Mat Care Clinics, we understand that healing can be difficult and how important it is to ask for help. We are here to offer top-notch information and support throughout your recovery process.
Join our blog as we explore why rehabilitation often takes more than 30 days and how it can help you start making meaningful changes in your life.
What Does Rehab Mean?
Drug rehab is a structured and comprehensive process designed to help individuals struggling with addiction to different substances. The goal of rehab is to support people with addiction to overcome their substance dependencies, regain control over their lives, and ultimately live a healthier and drug-free life.
When overcoming addiction, relying solely on willpower to resist drug cravings might not be enough. The path to recovery often involves a combination of medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and various therapeutic approaches.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are different treatment options, such as:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): A holistic approach combines prescribed medications with counseling and support. This approach is typically used for opioid or alcohol addiction and aims to treat the underlying condition while addressing the symptoms.
- Twelve-step facilitation therapy An individualized engagement strategy helps people accept addiction as a chronic disease. This strategy aims to prepare them to start a 12-step mutual support program.
- Outpatient counseling Getting addiction treatment is possible by visiting a doctor’s office or through telehealth. This way, people can better understand their addiction triggers and reasons for drug use.
- Inpatient rehabilitation: A full-time facility with a supportive environment is ideal for those seeking recovery without distractions or temptations.
How Is the Process of Rehab?
Starting recovery treatments is essential to addressing and overcoming addiction or other substance abuse problems. According to SAMHSA, in 2021, around 4.1 million people aged 12 and older (1.5%) received some form of substance abuse treatment.
The process of rehabilitation can vary depending on the specific program, location, and individual needs, but this is how rehabilitation processes usually go:
Assessment: The first step is a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s physical and mental health, substance use history, and personal circumstances. This assessment helps to design a personalized treatment plan that addresses all aspects of the individual’s well-being.
Detoxification: Detox is usually the next step, during which the body cleans the addictive substances. This process can be challenging due to withdrawal symptoms, but medical supervision ensures safety and comfort.
Therapy: Different types of treatment play a vital role in rehab, including individual, group, and family therapy. These sessions help individuals understand the root causes of their addiction, develop coping strategies, and rebuild damaged relationships.
Education: The recovery process also involves learning about addiction, its effects on the brain and body, and the risks of relapse. This knowledge empowers individuals to take control of their recovery journey.
Aftercare Planning: As the rehabilitation program nears its end, the healthcare team develops an aftercare plan to assist in the patient’s recovery. It may comprise follow-up appointments, support groups, continuous therapy, and strategies to manage cravings.
Follow-Up Care: Post-rehabilitation, individuals may need continued support to maintain sobriety, including regular counselor check-ins or attendance at support group meetings.
Long-Term Recovery: Recovery is a lifelong process. Even after rehab, individuals must continue improving their recovery skills to maintain sobriety.
Why Rehab Is Often More Than 30 Days? 7 Essential Points
Many people ask why rehab often takes more than 30 days. The short answer is recovery takes time. Each person’s journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline.
Social Science and Medicine research suggests that more extended rehab programs may be more effective than shorter ones. While the standard length for many programs is 30 days, those who receive planned long-term treatment or support have a 23.9% higher chance of abstaining from consuming.
Here are seven essential facts to understand why rehab is often more than 30 days:
- Severity and History of Addiction: Those with a more extended history or severe addiction may require a longer time in rehab to fully address their issues.
- Co-occurring Disorders: Individuals dealing with mental health issues alongside addiction often need additional time in treatment to manage both conditions effectively.
- Customized Treatment Plans: Every individual’s journey to recovery is unique, so what works for one person might not work for another. Some people may need more time to benefit from the therapies and treatments.
- Physical Health: When substance abuse significantly affects an individual’s physical health, they may require additional medical care and recovery time.
- Psychological Healing: The psychological effects of addiction are profound, and healing takes time. Longer stays allow for more intensive therapy and emotional healing.
- Skill Building: Rehab is not just about stopping substance use; it’s also about building a new, healthy life. It involves learning new skills and coping mechanisms, which takes time.
- Preparation for Sober Living: Longer stays in rehab provide more time to prepare for life after treatment, including building a support network, finding stable housing, and securing employment or education opportunities.
MAT Care Supports Your Rehab Process
When committing to rehab, MAT Care Clinics play a crucial role in addiction recovery by providing medications that help individuals manage their cravings and withdrawal symptoms. When combined with counseling and therapy, MAT has proven to be highly effective in reducing the risk of relapse.
Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Contact us today if you or a loved one are struggling with addiction. Call us at 833-622-0628 or explore how Medication-Assisted Treatment can support you.
