what are reasons patients should stay in substance abuse treatment longer

Longer addiction treatment programs allow patients more time to identify and deal with the root causes of their addiction. When patients understand why they take drugs, they can develop defenses to help them avoid these triggers. The longer they build their defenses, the better their chances of recovery.

Full Answer

Why don’t more individuals seek treatment for substance abuse?

Individuals may feel stigmatized by attitudes in the community, by providers, or even by their own family, which may prevent them from seeking treatment or, sometimes, even acknowledging the problem. Women historically have been more difficult to engage in SUD treatment. Competing needs such as transportation and child care may play a role.

Does substance abuse treatment improve recovery outcomes?

Individuals who participate in substance use disorder treatment and RSS typically have better long-term recovery outcomes than individuals who receive either alone.

How long should I stay in a treatment facility?

While an individual may go to a treatment facility with the intention of only staying 30 days, having the option to prolong treatment can be beneficial if that individual realizes she needs additional care prior to returning to her daily life.

How long should addiction treatment last?

However, research has shown unequivocally that good outcomes are contingent on adequate treatment length. Generally, for residential or outpatient treatment, participation for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness, and treatment lasting significantly longer is recommended for maintaining positive outcomes.

How long is the duration of treatment for substance abuse and addictive disorders?

Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least 3 months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment. Recovery from drug addiction is a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment.

What are 3 reasons why someone does not seek treatment for their addiction?

They weren't ready to stop using. ... They couldn't afford it. ... They didn't know where to get treatment. ... They were afraid of what their neighbors might think. ... They were afraid it might affect their job.

What's considered long-term treatment?

Long-term drug rehab usually involves at least 90 days in a residential treatment setting – at minimum. Some rehab programs require (or encourage) longer durations of stay. Short-term rehab means any program that requires less than three months of treatment.

What are the most important factors for a person seeking recovery from an addiction?

Maintenance of Psychological and Emotional Wellness. There's a strong link that binds addiction, anxiety, and depression. Research shows that mental and emotional wellness are essential to a solid recovery program. Addressing the addiction without attending to any other dimensions of mental health is ineffective.

What are barriers for persons seeking substance abuse treatment?

6 Barriers that Get in the Way of Addiction TreatmentThey feel they do not need treatment. ... They are not ready to stop using. ... They do not have health coverage or cannot afford the costs. ... They worry about the negative effect treatment will have on job or school. ... They do not know where to go for help.

What are some barriers that may get in the way of receiving treatment?

What Are Common Barriers to Treatment ProgressFear.Unclear communication between a therapist and client.Severe symptoms.Substance use.Distractions.

How long is considered long-term?

Something that is long-term has continued for more than a year or will continue for more than a year. Short-term interest rates are lower than long-term rates, because investors want higher rates the longer they lend their money. More than 95 percent of the money raised by the company is long-term debt.

What is the meaning of long-term effects?

A problem that is caused by a disease or treatment of a disease and may continue for months or years.

What is short-term and long-term effects?

Short-term effects: Alertness, focus, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate, high body temperature. Long-term effects: Addiction, paranoia and long-term insomnia, extreme weight change.

What makes people successful in recovery?

Don't Stress It However, if you want to be successful in recovery, one of the most critical things you can do is limit your exposure to stress situations and events. While it may seem impossible at first, there are some simple steps you can take to limit the amount of times that stress gets to you.

Why is motivation important in recovery?

Recovery Motivation: Motivation is the driving force behind action; it's also a primary component of the addiction recovery process. When embraced, motivation can drive us away from the chaos and destruction of addiction, steering us into clean and sober lives.

How do you stay motivated to recover?

How Do I Stay Motivated in Early Recovery?Remind Yourself Why You Started. ... Remember the Benefits of Recovery. ... Practice Self-Care. ... Appreciate the Little Things. ... Connect With Others. ... Set Specific Goals.

5. Interaction with staff

By signing up for a longer term substance abuse treatment program, the individual will have the opportunity to connect more readily with treatment staff. Even better, if an individual is able to attend in-patient treatment, interactions with the clinical staff are possible 24/7.

4. Time to prepare for transition to back home

Treatment is based in the here and now. What can be left out, however, is a plan for what to do when an individual leaves the treatment setting and transitions home.

3. Connection to other individuals and members in treatment groups cement and take shape

In time, after connections have been made with other patients, much of the meat of the work happens. Good working theraputic groups do not form overnight.

Why Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab Take So Long?

Because addiction is a chronic disease, rehabilitation will take more than overcoming a substance addiction. Rehabs, therefore, do more than just help addicts overcome a physical addiction, they provide the tools to overcome the psychological causes and effects of addiction.

How long should an addict stay in rehab?

There is no exact answer for how long addicts should stay in drug and alcohol rehab. Neither is there an exact scientific formula for calculating how long rehab should last. Any amount of time is good. However, therapists agree that longer stays result in lower relapse rates.

Why is addiction a lifelong process?

The reason for this is that substance abuse is a chronic disorder. Recovery is thus a lifelong process whose foundation begins in addiction rehab. This is where recovering addicts develop treatment plans and abstinence strategies.

Why is detoxification important?

A well-performed detoxification procedure results in a healthier and stronger body.

How long does it take to recover from a drug addiction?

Rehab saves lives. Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers offer programs that last 30 days, 60 days, 90 days or longer . Treatment times vary because different centers serve different people for different substance addictions.

What is the first step in a rehab?

When a patient walks into a rehabilitation center, he/she first undergoes an assessment. Rehab staff will note his/her medical history, assess the nature and severity of his/her addiction and then recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

How does substance abuse affect the brain?

According to NIDA, substance abuse actually affects the brain’s functioning, specifically the parts of the brain responsible for: perceived risk and reward, learning and memory, and behavioral control. Both the physical and psychological negative effects of drug abuse must be assessed and addressed during addiction rehab.

Why is it important to have a longer rehab program?

Another reason a longer rehab program can be beneficial is because it allows individuals who struggle with addiction the opportunity to work on the root causes of the addiction. In order to successfully overcome an addiction, the individual must understand why she is using substances. In contrast with relatively short treatment programs, longer addiction rehab program may provide individuals in treatment with the chance to more deeply explore the factors that contributed to their substance dependence.

How long does a drug rehab program last?

Many treatment facilities typically offer patients short-term stays between 28 to 30 days. However, certain residential facilities may also offer extended stays for an additional fee, provided the patient is showing positive signs of recovery.

What Is a Rehab Facility?

Addiction rehab facilities are designed to help individuals who suffer from addiction cleanse their bodies of the addictive substance, learn how to manage the addiction, and maintain sobriety. Inpatient rehab facilities are typically short-term residential treatment facilities that provide constant care to individuals trying to get sober. Private or luxury rehabs are also available, where there are posh amenities, resort like settings, and monitoring by qualified health professionals around the clock.

What is inpatient rehab?

Inpatient rehab facilities are typically short-term residential treatment facilities that provide constant care to individuals trying to get sober. Private or luxury rehabs are also available, where there are posh amenities, resort like settings, and monitoring by qualified health professionals around the clock.

Why is it important to work on the psychological aspect of addiction?

While it is necessary to eliminate the addictive substance from the body (something that occurs in relatively short order at the start of treatment), it is also necessary to work on the psychological aspect of addiction. The length of time for all forms of addiction treatment can vary.

What is addiction treatment?

Addiction is a chronic and debilitating condition. Individuals who struggle with addiction often need treatment to get and stay sober. Rehabilitation facilities offer treatment in different settings and for various lengths of time, based on the needs of the individual.

Where are luxury rehabs located?

Luxury residential rehabs are generally located in scenic or remote locations. Many facilities often feature gardens, comfortable rooms, gathering areas where patients can relax, and opportunities to socialize with sober peers. It’s important to realize that, while a luxury program may offer a wealth of amenities, the essential component of rehab is the therapeutic treatment offered; everything else is peripheral.

How to help someone with substance use disorder?

The good news is that a spectrum of effective strategies and services are available to identify, treat, and manage substance use problems and substance use disorders. Research shows that the most effective way to help someone with a substance use problem who may be at risk for developing a substance use disorder is to intervene early, before the condition can progress. With this recognition, screening for substance misuse is increasingly being provided in general health care settings, so that emerging problems can be detected and early intervention provided if necessary. The addition of services to address substance use problems and disorders in mainstream health care has extended the continuum of care, and includes a range of effective, evidence-based medications, behavioral therapies, and supportive services. However, a number of barriers have limited the widespread adoption of these services, including lack of resources, insufficient training, and workforce shortages.5This is particularly true for the treatment of those with co-occurring substance use and physical or mental disorders.6,7

Why do people underestimate substance use?

This is likely due to substance-induced changes in the brain circuits that control impulses, motivation, and decision making .

What is the shift in substance use treatment?

While historically the great majority of treatment has occurred in specialty substance use disorder treatment programs with little involvement by primary or general health care, a shift is occurring toward the delivery of treatment services in general health care practice.

How many people with substance use disorder receive specialty treatment?

Only about 1 in 10 people with a substance use disorder receive any type of specialty treatment. The great majority of treatment has occurred in specialty substance use disorder treatment programs with little involvement by primary or general health care.

What is a substance use disorder?

A substance use disorder is a medical illness characterized by clinically significant impairments in health, social function, and voluntary control over substance use. 2 Substance use disorders range in severity, duration, and complexity from mild to severe. In 2015, 20.8 million people aged 12 or older met criteria for a substance use disorder.

Why do people not seek treatment?

The most common reason is that they are unaware that they need treatment; they have never been told they have a substance use disorder or they do not consider themselves to have a problem. This is one reason why screening for substance use disorders in general health care settings is so important. In addition, among those who do perceive that they need substance use disorder treatment, many still do not seek it. For these individuals, the most common reasons given are: 19

What are the medications used for alcohol use disorder?

120 Three FDA-approved medications are currently available to treat alcohol use disorder: disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate. 117 None of these medications carries a risk of misuse or addiction, and thus none is a DEA-scheduled substance. Each has a distinct effectiveness and side effect profile. Prescribing health care professionals should be familiar with these side effects and take them into consideration before prescribing. 154 Providers can obtain additional information from materials produced by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and SAMHSA. 155, 156

What are the barriers to treatment for heroin?

The perceptions that substance users have about waiting time have been described in qualitative studies of treatment barriers. For instance, Porter (1999)found that Puerto Rican long-term heroin injectors identified cultural, structural, and personal barriers to treatment entry. The waiting period to get into treatment initially and between detoxifications and “rehabs” was described as a major structural barrier that affected all heroin injectors. In another study, Wenger and Rosenbaum (1994)advocated the necessity of treatment on demand after analyzing the life histories of heroin addicts who were seeking methadone maintenance. The authors included waiting list experiences among the major treatment barriers and described the impact of all these barriers on substance use, substance-using behavior, and the emotional well-being of heroin addicts. There is a lack of qualitative studies that focus exclusively on the effects of the waiting time on treatment entry and engagement.

Why did participants demand a level of care change?

Several participants demanded a level of care change because they preferred another treatment modality (e.g. residential instead of outpatient) or another treatment program altogether . In short, participants perceived the referral itself as a barrier that forced them to wait longer before getting into preferred treatment. For instance, Victoria, a 30-year-old White woman who abused Vicodin® expressed her unhappiness with the pre-intake procedures of the methadone clinic. For this reason she managed to convince the CIU assessor to change the level of care to a regular outpatient treatment program:

What cities have been on the treatment on demand?

Since the 1980s, another strategy to improve accessibility has been the “treatment on demand” adopted by a number of cities in the late 1990s, including Baltimore, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco (Guydish et al., 2000).

Why do people go on waiting lists?

Many individuals on a waiting list attempt to reduce substance use in association with their decision to seek treatment. Being placed on a waiting list raises many second thoughts for clients about the willingness, if not the capacity, of treatment services to provide the support they need.

Does waiting time affect retention?

Studies evaluating the impact of waiting times on retention and on treatment outcomes have not been consistent in their findings. There is little evidence that either reduced waiting times increase retention or that longer waiting times would be associated with higher client motivation (Addenbrooke & Rathod, 1990; Best et al., 2002)

Is participation in treatment a positive outcome?

Participation in treatment has generally been associated with positive outcomes among substance users (McLellan et al., 1994). To achieve these benefits, however, it is important that substance users enter treatment in the first place, a significant problem in many settings. The waiting period (including being on a program generated waiting list) is often listed among the most common barriers for those seeking treatment (Appel, Ellison, Jansky, & Oldak, 2004; Farabee, Leukefeld, & Hayes, 1998). Typically, the longer substance users have to wait to be admitted to treatment, the more likely they are to not follow through with treatment. (Festinger, Lamb, Kountz, Kirby, & Marlowe, 1995; Hser, Maglione, Polinsky, & Anglin, 1998).

Is methadone maintenance effective for heroin?

Interim methadone maintenance has been tested as a rapid intake alternative for heroin addicts waiting for treatment. The retention rates of this rapid intake procedure were compared to the retention rates of clients admitted directly to the regular methadone clinic (Yancovitz et al., 1991; Friedmann et al., 1994). For instance, Bell, Caplehorn, and McNeil (1994)found that heroin addicts entering methadone maintenance after a wait of up to eight weeks were more likely to be discharged or drop out of treatment when compared to a sample of rapid intake clients who commenced treatment the same day as initial assessment. Dennis, Ingram, Burks, and Rachal (1994)evaluated the impact of increasing publicly funded treatment in relation to demand. They concluded that when more methadone treatment is available on demand, the number of people requesting intake appointments increases.

What is a substance use disorder?

Substance use disorders (SUDs) represent a serious public health problem in the United States. Recent attention has focused most on opioid use, including heroin use and prescription opioid misuse, with the attendant high rates of opioid-related overdoses.

How to improve SUD treatment?

All representatives described open communication within the plan and between the plan and their membership or providers as key to achieving improvements in SUD treatment. Communication strategies included using secure electronic messaging services to maintain real-time communication with providers. Outreach teams are trained on effective communication techniques to encourage members to engage in treatment. Health plan interviewees expressed a substantial interest in maintaining communication between physical health and behavioral health providers. Some interviewees also described co-locating behavioral health counselors in primary care practices as critical to treatment initiation for patients who would not attend services provided in a behavioral health facility.

What percentage of people with SUDs received treatment in 2015?

In 2015, only 18% of the population with SUDs received treatment--a number that has not increased significantly since 2002. For the definition of SUD and other key terms, see Table A.1. Glossary of terms and definitions. Terms and Definitions.

Why is co-location important for SUDs?

Co-location of SUD counseling and other services with primary care reduces the stigma of accessing a facility identified as treating SUDs, catches members in locations where they are more comfortable, and permits improved coordination between physical and behavioral health care.

What is the medication used to treat OUD and alcohol use disorder?

Naltrexone. Naltrexone is a medication used to treat OUD and alcohol use disorder and is available in oral and injectable forms. Non-medical drug use. The taking of prescription drugs, whether obtained by prescription or otherwise, other than in the manner, for the reasons, or in the time period prescribed.

How many people used heroin in 2015?

In 2015, approximately 0.3 million Americans aged 12 years and older reported past-month heroin use, and about 828,000 people reported past-year use. [ 1] . The 2015 NSDUH, however, revealed a dramatic reduction in the rate of new heroin users aged 12 years or older.

What is SAMHSA in health?

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Publication No. SMA 16-4984, NSDUH Series H-51. Rockville, MD: SAMHSA; 2016.

Why is it important to stay in rehab?

When a patient needs a greater amount of support for addiction or co-occurring mental health conditions , a stay at an inpatient rehabilitation center is often necessary. There are many benefits to inpatient drug rehab, the greatest being that patients receive support around the clock in a safe, secure location that reduces stressful triggers to help prevent setbacks.

Is addiction treatment time intensive?

The process of addiction treatment is often time-intensive and involves close supervision. If your patient requires care for a chronic substance use disorder, it may be time to refer them to a full-service treatment center.

What Is A Rehab Facility?

Program Durations

• “Studies have shown that a longer stay in rehab can have more benefits and be more successful than shorter treatment…”Rehab is about more than overcoming a physical addiction to a substance. Addiction affects many areas of a person’s life, and all of these areas should be addressed in treatment. While it is necessary to eliminate the addictive subs...

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