Duration of Treatment is Key

The duration of treatment is key in supporting individuals on their journey toward lasting sobriety and well-being. While the specific length of treatment may vary from person to person, it is generally agreed that a good amount of time is needed to have the best results. Sometimes, people will need different levels of care to start their path to recovery and move through different types of treatment. At Centered Recovery Programs in Roswell, we offer an IOP level of care, which is great for those working or in school and can commit to several hours a week. So, let’s talk about what the different levels of care are, as well as the benefits of longer treatment durations!

Levels of Treatment Care

In addiction recovery, there are different levels of treatment available to meet the varying needs of individuals. These include detoxification (detox), residential treatment, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and sober living.

Detoxification (Detox)

Detox is usually the first step in addiction treatment.
Involves safely and gradually removing drugs or alcohol from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms.
Often, detox is conducted in a specialized facility or hospital, where medical professionals provide support and monitor the individual’s safety.

Residential Treatment (Inpatient Treatment)

Involves living at a treatment facility for a specific period.
Offers a structured and supportive environment where individuals receive comprehensive care and therapy.
Usually, it is beneficial for those with severe addiction, co-occurring disorders, or limited support at home.
Provides a range of therapies, counseling, educational sessions, and group activities.
Addresses the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of addiction.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

PHP is a step-down level of care that provides intensive treatment while allowing individuals to live at home or in a sober living environment.
Individuals attend treatment sessions at a hospital or treatment center for several hours a day, several days a week.
Offers a higher level of support and structure than outpatient programs.
Suitable for individuals who require ongoing monitoring and therapy, but do not need 24-hour supervision.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

IOP provides a flexible treatment option for individuals who have completed a higher level of care or require more support than regular outpatient programs.
Allows individuals to continue with their daily activities, such as work or school, while attending therapy sessions several times a week.
Offers counseling, group therapy, relapse prevention education, and support in building a strong recovery network.

Sober Living (Transitional Housing)

Sober living homes provide a supportive and drug-free living environment for individuals in early recovery.
Offer a structured setting where residents can practice the skills they learned in treatment, establish healthy routines, and gradually transition back into independent living.
Often, sober living homes have house rules and regular drug testing, as well as require residents to participate in group meetings or counseling.

By moving through various levels of treatment, like starting with detox and then moving on to sober living, individuals can experience a continuum of care and support that’s specifically tailored to their recovery journey. It’s all about setting them up for the best possible chance at a brighter, healthier future!

Benefits of Longer Treatment Duration

Getting Stable

When someone starts recovery, their body needs time to get rid of the harmful substances and adjust to not having them anymore. This first step, called detoxification, requires careful monitoring to keep the person safe and manage any uncomfortable symptoms. Having enough time for this helps doctors and nurses make sure everything goes smoothly.

Dealing with Feelings and Actions

Addiction doesn’t just affect the body; it also messes with thoughts and behaviors. Many people with addiction also have other problems like feeling sad, scared, or having experienced something bad in the past. To help with these things and learn new ways of coping, therapy and counseling are important. It takes time to work through these issues and learn new skills.

Avoiding Going Back

One of the hardest parts of recovery is staying away from drugs or alcohol once you’ve stopped using them. But research shows that the longer someone stays in treatment, the less likely they are to start using again. Addiction changes the brain and makes it hard to make good choices. Longer treatment gives people a chance to learn how to avoid going back to their old habits and build a strong support system.

Learning Life Skills

Overcoming addiction isn’t just about stopping drug or alcohol use. It also means learning new skills for a healthy and happy life. Some treatment programs help with finding a job, going back to school, and managing money. These skills take time to learn and practice, so longer treatment is helpful.

Building a Support System

Recovery is an ongoing process that doesn’t end when treatment is over. Longer treatment gives people a chance to learn healthy habits, make new friends who understand what they’re going through, and stay connected to people who can help them. Having support from others is important for staying on track and avoiding relapse.

Feeling Better Overall

Recovery is about more than just not using drugs or alcohol. It’s also about improving your overall well-being and having a good life. Longer treatment gives people a chance to work on their physical health, improve relationships with family and friends, and become a better version of themselves. It takes time to make these changes and have a happy, healthy life.

Your Journey, Your Path

Remember that each person is different, so the duration of treatment might vary. But in general, longer treatment helps people have a better chance of recovering by giving them the tools, support, and time they need to get better psychically, emotionally, and mentally. Call Centered Recovery Programs today at 800.556.2966 to learn more about our IOP program and if our mindfulness-based non-12-step approach is right for you!

Written by Jennifer Lopes, BS Psy