A 6-month rehab is a long-term addiction treatment suitable for people struggling with chronic alcohol addiction and chronic relapses.
Attending an alcohol recovery centre is important as drug or alcohol addiction is a chronic condition that cannot be overcome by simply quitting.
The best way to overcome addiction is through professional, evidence-based professional care and treatment. There are extensive studies supporting the efficacy of long-term addiction treatment [1].
Moreover, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that long-term care is critical in helping recovering alcoholics achieve long-term sobriety [2].
The 6-month inpatient alcohol addiction treatment helps drug or alcohol addicts to:
a). Pursue treatment in an alcohol-free environment.
Outpatient or home treatments are likely not to work for chronic alcoholics as they are exposed to the negative influences that trigger the alcohol or drug abuse.
The safe and sober environment allows the patients to heal and grow. Not having access to drugs or alcohol is a learning curve for most addicts.
b). Constant support
When an addict enters long-term treatment, they get 24/7 support. They are constantly surrounded with professionals who provide medical advice as well as peers who motivate them. This support system reduces the risk of relapse.
c). Continuous therapy
Six months of rehab provide sufficient time for continuous therapy. Short-term rehab consists of about three to four individual therapy sessions. Long-term rehab however provides ample time for more sessions.
As a result, the client gets enough time to get used to the therapist and their technique. They also have enough time to see improvements.
d). Time to develop coping skills
Long-term substance abuse treatment provides enough time to develop coping skills. These coping skills are built through Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Through CBT, patients learn the root cause of their drug or alcohol abuse. Next, they learn coping skills that will help them overcome the addiction.
e). Time to develop life skills
Long-term addiction treatment providers help patients build the skills that they'll need in the real world.
Some of the skills that they learn include cooking, maintaining a schedule, maintaining proper employment, living independently. The six months spent in the treatment facility gives people time to utilize these skills.
f). Nutritional assistance
Most people who enter rehab struggle with nutrition. When actively drinking or taking drugs, healthy meals are an afterthought. Yet proper nutrition is integral in the recovery process.
A study by David A. Wiss showed that nutritional interventions in treatment facilities including individual nutritional counselling are likely to improve treatment outcomes [3].
g). Boosts self-confidence
People suffering from addiction often experience a decrease in self-esteem as they feel unable to control their addiction. It's not uncommon for people struggling with alcohol or drug abuse to try and stop on their own.
Yet, the repeated cycle of abstinence and relapse can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness.
Long-term rehab programs support an individual's efforts to maintain sobriety. The success that they experience in the rehab centre helps them stay focused on recovery.
Also, it helps patients develop a positive feel about their ability to overcome cravings and triggers.
Who benefits from a 6 month inpatient addiction treatment? Anyone seeking addiction treatment will benefit from this residential treatment.
Most of the people who seek long-term care are those recovering from opioid stimulant, alcohol abuse of a combination of these and other substances.
Addictions are complex and long-term care understands the intricacy of the recovery journey.
Additionally, those in need of a medically managed approach to treatment can benefit from the on-site medical staff and support.
Long-term treatment options are also beneficial for those with families. The six months provide time to work on the complex issues that have likely resulted in a dysfunctional home.
The cost of long-term drug and alcohol rehab depends on the treatment centres and the type of treatment you receive.
28 Day Alcohol Rehab
A 28-day alcohol rehab is a short-term treatment program. This treatment option is ideal for patients whose level of addiction is not that severe.
Patients who have pressing matters such as family or work obligations can benefit from a short-term rehab plus outpatient care.
What makes this short-term treatment option more appealing is that many health insurance companies reimburse their policy holders for 28 days of inpatient alcohol rehab treatment [4].
The companies may impose the limit on an annual basis or for the life of the policy. What that means is that many people seeking addiction treatment can only obtain coverage for 28-day alcohol rehab programs.
A 28-day programme at a residential treatment facility typically begins with a detoxification program. The detox can run up to seven days leaving the remaining 21 days for assessment and intensive counselling.
The short-term counselling is intensive and aims to help the patient uncover the root cause of their addiction. After that, the counselling helps the patient develop strategies for dealing with the issues leading to the addiction.
The patient my receive various types of therapies including CBT, Individual and group therapy, or family therapy. The patient may also experience initial behaviour modification therapy.
All these therapies are designed to help the patient transition from the 28-day inpatient to outpatient care services.
Like long-term treatment, the 28-day drug and alcohol rehab provide a structured environment followed by 24/7 care. This option offers patients a chance to get and stay clean without requiring long-term commitment.
Patients are free to choose their next steps, for instance, they could transition to outpatient care or choose to progress to long-term inpatient care.
Others may choose to participate in ongoing aftercare to help them maintain sobriety.
The 28 day program means that once you enrol, you stay in the facility for 28 days. Some facilities may have an initial restricted period but may give you flexibility once the program progresses.
Others may give you the option to leave or stay as your please or have approved visitors from the start.
It's important to remember that long-term treatment options are associated with improved treatment outcomes.
Conversely, short-term programs such as the 28 day or 30-day addiction treatment help people embark on a recovery journey.
The cost of the 28-day program varies depending on the treatment provider (whether its a private or a public facility). It also depends on your specific insurance plan.
Alcohol Rehab at Home
Alcohol addiction can be treated at home with the supervision of addiction specialists.
After detox, an addicted individual experiences severe headaches, dizziness, and other withdrawal symptoms that may put their lives at risk without professional intervention. When you do alcohol rehab at home, an addiction counsellor, doctor, and nurses are assigned to help you get more comfortable during recovery.
This approach to treatment is ideal for those who have a strong support system plus the discipline and commitment to overcome the alcohol or drug abuse.
Initially, treatment from home was frowned upon as a treatment option that had a low chance of success.
However, research and experiences from alcoholics who managed to recover from home proved that this treatment option could be effective.
Some of the staff rendering medical advice in certain treatment centres managed to overcome their addiction from home.
A research carried out by Cameron Wright, Richard Norman and others, showed that alcohol rehab at home provided a value for money for clients and was effective [5].
Still, there are mixed concerns about the efficacy of this approach to addiction treatment.
Drug and alcohol rehab at home means going through the treatment process within the comfort of your home. Your first step is to reach out to a treatment provider who will advise you on how to go about detox.
It's important to note that this is a risky process as safely managing the symptoms of withdrawal can become dangerous without the help of a medical expert.
The 1st phase of recovery is dangerous. It's recommended that you go for medication assisted treatment for this phase at a rehab facility, especially if you are a chronic addict.
Still detox from home is beneficial as you get the chance to:
- Carry on with your daily routine while recovering from addiction
- Spend quality time with your loved ones
- Continue with work while undergoing treatment
There are several factors that you need to bear in mind when you decide to detox from home.
1. Remove alcohol from your home. This is an important step because when the symptoms of withdrawal set in, you may be unable to control yourself.
2. Clear your schedule. It you want the detox to be successful, you need to set aside time for recovery.
3. Get support. Never try to recover on your own or in isolation. You need support from a friend or family member to keep you safe during the process.
Alternatively, there are local support groups that you can join to help you in maintaining sobriety.
4. Mind what you eat. Substance abuse treatment requires you to prioritize healthy food and hydration. Remember that drug and alcohol use affect how your body metabolizes and utilizes nutrients.
As such, you need to take plenty of fluids to help your body get rid of toxins. You also need a balanced diet to help your body in the recovery process.
5. Take your vitamins and minerals. People seeking treatment at a rehab centre will be provided with some vitamins and minerals that will help their bodies get rid of the toxins.
A health care provider at a specific treatment centre or your GP can conduct the initial assessment. This step is important as you need professional medical advice to guide through the process.
Some drug and alcohol rehab facilities will offer you assistance as you go through the alcohol treatment. One example is the Alcohol detox at home which offers patients 24/7 help. [6].
In case you find the treatment plan to be challenging, this facility will give you the option to go for inpatient treatment.
Emergency Alcohol Rehab
An addict may require urgent alcohol rehab when they are admitted into a hospital for life-threatening conditions caused by alcohol use. Alcohol poisoning is an example of such conditions.
Otherwise, they may require emergency alcohol rehab if they show signs of irrational thoughts, self-harm or suicide. The addict may also have a moment when they realize that they need help. This is a psychological emergency that has to do with the mental and emotional state of the addict.
If you are around such an individual, you need to act fast because they may harm themselves sooner than you think.
It’s important to get them into an acute alcohol rehab programme in that moment before they change their mind.
A psychological emergency also occurs when the addict considers or attempts suicide or self-harm because of their circumstance.
Other factors that would lead to an emergency alcohol rehab include:
- Overdose: An overdose can be a sign that the addict has given up and no longer wishes to go on living.
- Rock bottom: When an addict hits rock bottom, they can make a conscious decision to go for rehabilitation therapy.
- Intervention results: An intervention from friends or family members can make an addict agree to treatment.
- Personal loss: e.g., losing a spouse or a job can trigger an urgent desire to change.
When an addict finds themselves in need of emergency rehab treatment program, they are better off enrolling into long-term care. A typical treatment programme can last anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks.
It includes non-medically or medically assisted detoxification, psychotherapeutic treatments, and aftercare services.
The duration of the treatment program is determined by the severity and type of substance abuse. Regardless of length drug addiction treatment will help you:
- Break the physical addiction
- Break the psychological addiction
- Join support groups to help you in the recovery journey
- Develop skills that will help you overcome future relapse
- Reintegrate into society
When you first enter the treatment setting you will undergo and medical and physical evaluation.
Most treatment centres conduct a dual diagnosis to determine whether there's a mental health disorder accompanying the addiction.
After the initial assessment you will enter the rehab process which begins with detox. After 7 to 10 days of detox, you proceed to therapy and other treatment programs.
It's important to remember that you cannot force your loved one into rehab. He/she must be willing to enrol into substance abuse treatment.
They must be willing to go through the uncomfortable process of recovery.
Long Term Alcohol Rehabilitation
A long-term alcohol rehabilitation requires that you commit to an inpatient recovery plan for at least 90 days.
Research shows that 3 months in rehab is the optimal amount of time for addicted individuals who are willing to commit to a long-term recovery. This duration helps them reduce addiction triggers significantly and offers the best result. Recovery is a lifetime journey, and the longer you stay in rehab, the stronger you are in sobriety. [1]
Long term alcohol rehabilitation provides intensive and structured treatment for those struggling with substance abuse.
Although different treatment centres have different approaches to this treatment option, the procedure is generally the same. Treatment entails: detoxification (detox), rehabilitation therapy, and aftercare support.
Long term alcohol rehabilitation is essential in helping the alcoholic sustain abstinence and reclaim their normal life. This treatment can last for a period of 90 to 120 days.
In that period, the patient is closely monitored for detox. After that, they go through intensive substance abuse therapy and aftercare planning.
The national institute on drug abuse states that patients can go through a highly structured rehab programme in therapeutic communities for about 6 to 12 months.
The therapeutic community is one type of long-term recovery setting. This type caters to specific demographic groups such as women who have children, pregnant women, adolescents, and teens.
Alternatively, there's also the long-term residential treatment process. Treatment at an inpatient centre begins with the detox process.
Depending on the substance abuse, the individual may receive supportive care and supervision. They may also undergo medication-assisted detox, drug replacement therapy, or gradual reduction therapy.
These treatment options help to manage any serious acute withdrawal symptoms while the person adjusts to life without drug abuse.
After the detox, the client is advised to pursue behavioural therapies as part of ongoing treatment, for instance, CBT, and multidimensional family therapy.
Residential treatment centres focus on long term rehab. The aim of the treatment is to reinstate recovering alcoholics or drug addicts in their ordinary environments and help them become productive citizens.
Low Cost Alcohol Rehab
Alcohol rehab is expensive. In fact, there is a myth that rehab is exclusive to rich and famous people.
Therefore, the cost of recovery is a significant reason why some people choose to give in to their addiction or dangerously go “cold turkey”. Moreover, there are lots of low-cost alcohol rehab centres for people who can’t afford rehab.
Low-cost alcohol rehab programmes are ideal for people without insurance or the financial capability to pay for rehab. These programs are of different kind, although their agenda are the same. They include:
a). Alcoholics anonymous (AA)
The AA has been in existence since 1935. This organization has a long history of helping people with alcohol use disorders. Their treatment practices centre on their 12-steps programme.
They also offer a structured programme of recovery and peer support. AA members are required to pay $1 per meeting. However, this is not compulsory.
b). Peer support groups
Aside from AA, there are other peer support groups. They include: SMART recovery, Women for Sobriety (for women only), Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS), and LifeRing Secular Recovery.
c). Faith-based Organisations
Faith-based treatment providers focus on recovery from the perspective of believing in a higher power. Most of them focus on the 12 steps recovery of the AA with emphasis on spiritual well-being.
Some of these organizations include the Salvation Army Addiction treatment centres, Catholic drug, and alcohol rehab centres, and so on.
d). Local programmes
There are local community programmes that offer free drug and alcohol treatment.
For instance, the local community mental health centres may provide free group meetings for addressing mental health conditions and substance use at a subsidized rate.
Low-cost rehab facilities are of different kinds, although their agenda remains the same. Government-funded inpatient centres, faith-based/Christian rehabs, non-profit alcohol rehabs, etc., are examples of low-cost rehab centres.
You can find low-cost alcohol rehab facility by:
- Inquiring from local rehab facilities. You can contact a specific treatment provider in your area who provides the services you need. You can ask them about the available financing options and whether they offer financial assistance.
- Utilize insurance. Insurance covers treatment either partially or fully. You can contact your insurance provider to find out exactly how much addiction treatment is covered by your plan.
- Borrow funds. Friends and family members may be willing to help you fund treatment.
Conclusion
Long term rehab programs provide a higher chance for patients to achieve long term sobriety.
The therapeutic communities and inpatient treatment options provide people with enough time to get to the root of the factors contributing to the addiction.
Such programs begin with professional treatment advice to determine the best treatment plan for you or your loved one. After that, the patient will enter a detox phase that may entail the use of addiction medicine to help control the withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient rehab offers a private and convenient solution to treatment. As such, it is recognized as the most effective approach to helping patients in maintaining sobriety.
No matter what you go for, rehab programs provide flexible payment options. Therefore, finances should not keep you away from pursuing treatment.
You can get in touch with a certified addiction professional or treatment provider by getting their contact online.
