How Long Does Drug Addiction Recovery Typically Take?

The length of time that it takes to graduate from a drug addiction recovery program depends on the type of program that a person enters into. In addition, the length of the program depends on the involvement of the person as well as the resources that are available. Sometimes, substance abusers will go through assessments and detox programs before actually entering into a treatment program. When going through these things, this will of course add onto the time that it takes to complete the rehab program.

 

Detox Programs

Some people consider detox programs to be rehab programs in and of their selves. The average detox program takes anywhere from three to 15 days to complete. Most times, detox programs are carried out under the supervision of a medical professional. The purpose behind these programs is to make sure a substance abuser withdrawals from his or her choice of drugs without enduring severe medical complications. In the event that critical complications do arise, the person is usually then transported to a hospital to finish detoxing. The two worst drugs to detox off of include alcohol and opiates. Oftentimes, people will endure painful withdrawal symptoms, including seizures depending on the severity of their prior usage.

 

Outpatient Programs

Outpatient programs come in many forms. Some of them last for seven days. Some of them last for three or more years. Outpatient programs are very advantageous for those people who have successfully finished a short-term or long-term rehab program.

 

Short-Term Rehab Programs

After detoxing, a person will then enter into a drug rehab program. A short-term program tends to last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. During the program, a person will live in a structured environment. The living facility may possibly be a half-way house, a medical facility or in living quarters that the rehab program makes available for the person. Most times, short-term rehab programs have anywhere from 15 to 50 attendees at any given time. Not every one has to begin the program at the same time, meaning new people can enter into the program at any time while others will be graduating. There is much to learn during a short-term rehab program, and being that the program only lasts one to three months, it is imperative that a substance abuser be willing to learn everything he or she can.

 

Long-Term Rehab Programs

Another type of rehab program that can be attended is a long-term program. Generally, a long-term program will last six months or longer. Many long-term rehabs come in the form of half-way houses. These types of facilities provide attendees with much needed education relating to addictions and overcoming them, but they also allow the attendees to work and go to school while finishing their rehab programs. They also provide a structured environment for the attendees to live in; however, there are many rules and restrictions that have to be adhered by. Breaking any rules can result in a person being kicked out of the program. Long-term programs are very advantageous for those people who have been suffering from an addiction for an extended amount of time. META: Most times, short-term rehab programs have anywhere from 15 to 50 attendees at any given time. There is much to learn during a short-term rehab program.***152 CHARS***

Can You Ever Fully Recover From Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction is considered a treatable disease. With the advanced discoveries regarding the science of addiction, innovations in drug addiction treatment have been successfully formulated to aid people to stop the dependence and abuse of drugs and gain back a healthy and productive life. While addiction may also considered as a chronic disease, this can be managed effectively and successfully. With drug addiction treatment, drug addicts can have the power to counteract the powerful and disruptive effects of drug addiction on the brain and behavior. Drug addicts will have the chance to regain and control their lives back.

 

Does A Relapse Mean Failure in the Treatment?

Relapse while on drug addiction treatment can happen. In fact, the relapse rates for drug addiction are actually similar to those other chronic health conditions. The relapse rate for drug addiction is around 40 to 60 percent while hypertension and asthma have 50 to 70 percent relapse rate and diabetes has 30 to 50 percent relapse rate. The treatment of chronic diseases like addiction would involve changing a person’s behaviors. Thus, a relapse would not mean that the treatment has failed. For addicted individuals, the relapses to addiction would only indicate that the treatment needs to be adjusted or reinstated. An alternative treatment may also be required.

 

What Are Effective Addiction Treatment Options Available?

Research actually shows that the combination of treatment medications with cognitive behavioral therapy is considered as the best way to ensure a successful drug addiction recovery for most patients. However, the treatment approaches should be tailored according to the drug abuse pattern and drug related social, and medical problems of the patient.

 

Medications for Treating Drug Addiction

There are different types of medications utilized in treating drug addiction. Basically, the treatment medications can help the addicted person stop abusing drugs, stay in the treatment, and avoid having any relapse.

• Withdrawal Symptoms
• Staying In Treatment
• Relapse Prevention. There are different factors that can trigger a relapse like stress, cues to drug experience, and exposure to drugs.

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapies as Treatment for Drug Addiction

Cognitive behavioral treatments are also used to help engage addicts in the drug addiction treatment. These treatments help modify the attitudes and behaviors of addicted individuals. Cognitive behavioral treatments will also help these people increase their ability to handle stressful situations and respond to different addiction triggers. In addition to this, such treatments can actually enhance the effectiveness of treatment medications. Some examples of treatments would include the following:

• Motivational Incentives
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Group Therapy

 

Looking At the Numbers

According to SAMHSA or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, 23.5 million people 12 years old and above needed addiction treatment for the illicit drug abuse problem in 2009. Basically, this is 9.3 percent of the total number. Basing from this number, only 11.2 percent or 2.6 million actually received treatment at specialized treatment facilities. Seeking help from drug addiction is considered a personal choice and this is basically a confidential matter. However, not all people succeed in such endeavors. In fact, based on the average number of people who subject themselves to drug addiction treatment, about 42 percent of female admissions and 38 percent of male admissions were successful in recovering. This is according to the study which was published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

5 Inspirational Drug Rehab Success Stories

Fighting an addiction is not easy and the first steps to recovery are always the most challenging. Although it is a tough journey, inspirational stories show that it is possible to get through the first steps and move forward in life. The inspirational figures range from well-known celebrities to normal men and women who have faced unexpected challenges in life.

Fighting the Expectations

The members of Aerosmith are among the most recognized figures in the music industry. Steven Tyler, the primary singer and front man of the band, has candidly told his fans and media sources about his own struggles with addiction.

It is not surprising when a rock band or a member of a rock band starts abusing drugs. Since many rock stars abused drugs from the 1960s and 1970s, it was a common expectation. Drugs were readily available to Steven Tyler and he was known to use and abuse substances during his music career.

His inspirational story shows that it is possible to give up substance abuse. His addiction to drugs started when he was very young and continued well into his adult years. It tore apart his family and left him with broken relationships.

Ultimately, he spent time in a rehab program and was able to give up substance abuse. Although he did face an addiction to prescription drugs at a later date, reentering a rehab program allowed him to break the new addiction and join the judge’s panel on American Idol. Steven Tyler has shown that it is possible to give up an addiction and a relapse does not necessarily mean that it is not possible to move forward in the future.

Turning Away From Music to Fight Addiction

Patty Schemel, a rock drummer who is most famous for music with the band Hole, is a role model for any individual who is fighting an addiction. She faced a battle that is similar to many others who are struggling against drugs or alcohol.

Patty Schemel went into a rehab program several times. After her first stint in rehab, she relapsed on drugs and struggles to start over again. She lost interest in music and other hobbies, which helped her recognize that her addiction was a serious problem. Her battle took several tries before she was able to completely give up substance abuse and live a sober lifestyle.

After her last stint in rehab, Patty Schemel has maintained her recovery for five years. Although she has started to take an interest in music again, the rehab that was successful focused solely on her recovery and getting back on her feet.

The Inspiring Mother

Addiction is hard to fight, even when an individual has solid reasons and motivations to keep trying. Inspirational stories related to addiction recovery are not limited to the celebrities. A mother can benefit from rehab as much as a famous individual.

A mother who neglected her child and spouse in favor of supporting a heroin addiction ultimately decided that it was time for her to come clean about her problems. She entered a rehab program and discovered that the treatment professionals could understand the battle she was facing.

She was able to fight against the addiction with the help of a rehab facility. By the time she completed the program, she had broken the habit and was maintaining a lifestyle that focused on healing.

Finding a Strong Program to Pull Through

Beth Hart, a singer and songwriter in the contemporary genre, has an inspiring and uplifting story. Her struggles against addiction started when she was very young. At 13, she was already addicted to drugs.

After entering several rehab programs and relapsing shortly after leaving the program, the young musician started to spin out of control. Her addiction became worse over time and she struggled to give up the substance.

It was after she found a strong and supportive program that Beth Hart was able to make inroads into a real recovery. She focused on her recovery and music in a different country, where the environment was very different. After her time in rehab, she has been able to maintain her recovery for six years.

Stepping Away From the Trash

David E. Lowe is another inspiring and unexpected inspiration for recovery. He was a homeless man who supported his addictions to cocaine, hallucinogens, alcohol and marijuana through any means he could manage.

After years of supporting several drug habits, Lowe entered rehab and was able to break away from his addiction. The supportive environment at the rehab facility allowed him to take control of his own life. He has remained clean of drugs since his time in rehab and has since turned his attention to helping others overcome their own addictions.

Recovering from drug addiction is not easy, but it is possible. Inspiration can come from music, family or even just the desire to give up the drugs. Help from a rehab program can provide the tools that are needed to fight the addiction.