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.