About Lengthy Rehabilitation
Realistically, there is no right answer to this and there is no scientific formula that can accurately predict a sufficient amount of time. That being said, any amount of time spent at a drug rehab is better than no time at all.
Therapists and doctors do agree that the longer a person stays at rehab, the less likely they are to relapse. A drug and alcohol centre helps men and women to get and stay sober. These facilities save lives; however, not all are created equal. When you begin the first step towards recovery, you should ensure the drug rehab you choose has the necessary knowledge and experience to treat your addiction.
The Length of Drug Rehabs
Many drug rehabs will offer a 28 or 30 day programme, as well as, a 60 and 90 day programme (or longer). The duration of a drug treatment programme can vary because no two people are exactly alike; therefore, one person might be on the right track after 30 days; whereas, another person might need more time in a controlled environment.
Short Stays Are Not Always Better
Again, it cannot be emphasised enough that any rehab is better than none at all; however, you shouldn’t assume that a short stay is all you need. According to research from the U.S. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry in 1999, 35 percent of a study involving 1,605 frequent or heavy users of cocaine treated for less than 90 days relapsed within a one year period. Whereas, 17 percent of those who were treated at an inpatient drug rehab for more than 90 days relapsed.
Similar studies have been conducted by various groups, including the NIDA, University of California, and the National Development and Research Institutes, Inc (NDRI). Each of these studies have demonstrated similar results which suggest the longer a person is able to stay at an inpatient drug rehab, the less likely they will relapse.
The reason for this is that both drug and alcohol addiction is considered to be a chronic disorder. Recovery from an addiction can be lifelong for many people, and the foundation of this recover begins at a drug rehab. It is during this time that the person will learn more about their addiction, reasons for using, potential triggers, healthy coping mechanisms, and abstinence strategies. Treatment of any time is certainly a step in the right direction, but the longer a person can remain at a drug rehab, the more they can focus entirely on their recovery.
Furthermore, the more a person learns and is able to practice in a completely sober environment, the more the brain will begin to alter neuro-connections. This can result in a continuous development of new skills and behaviours that assist a person in staying abstinent.
Why Does Rehab Take Time?
Addiction is considered to be a chronic condition; therefore, it takes more than a withdrawal and/or detoxification to overcome. As one of the best drug rehabs available for men and women, the programmes at Siam Rehab do more than just help people to overcome the physical effects of the addiction. Rather, tools are provided to help patients identify, cope with, and overcome the psychological aspect of the addiction.
There is copious amounts of evidence that shows the effects of addiction on the brain. A drug and alcohol addiction changes the way the brain functions. Parts of the brain which are specifically altered include the area for risk and reward, memory, learning, and behaviour.
A drug rehab programme will assess and address the physical and psychological effects of the addiction. This may begin with a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, the severity of their addiction, and the development of a treatment plan. Once complete, a detoxification may ensue. At our drug rehab in Chiang Rai, every patient is supervised and monitored during their detox. At this time, the body will get rid of the drug(s) and toxins in the body; it takes between 2 and 14 days (depending on the drug, length of time, and severity). In some cases, longer detoxifications are necessary.
After detoxification, behavioural therapy sessions will begin. As a general term, this therapy may come in the form of group and individual therapy, as well as, art therapy, equine assisted therapy, and more. In these sessions, patients will learn how to identify stressors or triggers and develop healthy skills to stay sober.
Towards the end of the drug rehab programme in Thailand, an aftercare programme may be developed for each patient. Depending on their needs, this programme may include support groups, a sober living home, therapy, and so forth.
Does the Length of Stay At a Drug Rehab Matter?
It depends on the person; however, the longer, the better. A 60-90 day programme can offer a patient advantages that a 15 or 28 day programme might not be able to. That being said, some people will not be able to take two or three months off of work or away from family. If 30 days is all you might have, then it is advisable to make the most of this time at during rehab, and continue with a strong aftercare programme when you return home.
There is no one size fits all for drug addiction treatment; however, regardless of how severe an addiction is, recovery is possible. Going to one of the best drug rehabs will be the first step towards success. To learn more about our drug rehab programmes in Thailand, contact us or call us today.
Resources:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1673778
