Short-Term Drug Rehab

Short-term drug rehab can be an effective form of inpatient addiction treatment care. It may also benefit those who cannot or will not go to a long-term program.

Short-Term Drug Rehab

There are many factors to consider when choosing a drug rehabilitation program. Time, cost, and effectiveness are three main concerns. There is no single treatment plan that works for everyone, so different options are available for individual needs. Short-term drug rehab addiction treatment is one of those options.

A traditional inpatient drug rehab program may require a person to stay in a facility for six months or more. Short-term programs reduce the time spent in treatment while providing a similar residential environment. This way, a person can be surrounded by support in a place that encourages healing.

Short-term drug rehab programs generally range in length from 14 days to six weeks. These programs may include therapy or counseling for individuals or groups. They are often focused on developing positive life skills that help people naturally deal with difficult situations instead of turning to drug abuse.

What To Expect In A Short-Term Drug Rehab Program

Some short-term programs begin with medically-supervised detoxification. The length of a detox program depends on frequency and amount of drug use, among other factors. After detox is completed, different methods of treatment may be combined specifically for an individual’s needs.

Short-term addiction treatment may be based on the 12-step method, which uses peer support to hold individuals accountable as they help each other overcome addiction.

Other methods of treatment within a short-term drug rehab program may include:

• medication
• cognitive-behavioral therapy
• individual or group counseling
• art or nature therapy
• yoga or acupuncture
• co-occurring mental health disorder treatment

These techniques can help modify behavior to promote positive, healthy choices and discourage drug use. They can also improve relaxation and teach coping strategies.

The Cost Of Short-Term Drug Rehab

Paying for addiction treatment in a drug rehab center is a concern for many people. Depending on the course of treatment, it can be expensive. Because short-term drug rehab programs have a limited duration, it may be more affordable than longer inpatient or outpatient programs. This makes treatment available to those who may otherwise feel that it is not an option for them.

Many insurance companies cover a portion of drug rehab. However, some have limits on the amount they will pay out or the time that they will cover treatment. Short-term drug rehab programs may be covered to a greater extent than longer, more expensive programs.

The lower cost of short-term treatment may be a deciding factor. As much as a person or their family may want the best treatment available, it sometimes is not an option financially. This does not have to prevent people from getting the help they need.

Does Short-Term Drug Rehab Treatment Work?

The effectiveness of short-term drug rehab depends on the individual. Someone with a severe, long-term drug addiction is unlikely to recover fully with short-term treatment, but someone who is beginning to show signs of drug abuse may benefit.

“Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least three months in treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use,” states the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Still, many factors may prevent someone from entering a long-term rehab program. Without an alternative option, a lot of people may never seek treatment.

The idea of long-term addiction rehab can be intimidating. To enter a rehab facility requires a drastic life change, wherein a person is immersed in a completely different environment. This can be positive for many people struggling with addiction, but it may be hard for them to see the benefits from the outside.

Outpatient treatment may be a viable alternative to a longer inpatient stay, but it comes with its own challenges. A person living at home during treatment may not have the supportive environment necessary to break free from addiction and will likely be surrounded by reminders of their drug use.

A facility with short-term program options offers the individual a break from drugs and a chance to detox if needed. It presents the opportunity for them to work with others and realign their priorities without the long-term commitment. For some, this may be the encouragement they need to turn their life around.

Despite the reason that someone chooses short-term treatment, one thing to consider is what happens next. It is dangerous for someone to assume they have been cured of addiction by a brief stay in a rehab facility. A recovering individual must be aware of the risks of returning to normal life after short-term rehab treatment.

Continued Care After A Short-Term Drug Rehab Program

Completing a short-term drug rehab program can be a way to ease into a longer treatment program or gradually adjust to life after a long-term stay in a rehab facility. It may also be useful to people experiencing a relapse to immerse themselves in a drug-free environment.

When a person returns home after finishing a rehab program, they will be faced with the same environment in which they were using drugs, and will likely encounter the same people. It is hard to transition from an environment that focuses on healing all day and still maintain the same attitude and resolve.

Part of the goal of treatment is to help the individual lead a more positive life despite difficult situations. They learn to think and act differently, which can help them deal with everyday stress. These treatment components help individuals apply these life skills both during treatment and set them up to continue these principles after completing treatment.

Other elements of continued care may be:

• Recognizing triggers: If a person is aware of the things that almost caused them to turn to drug use, such as things that cause anger or anxiety, they may be better able to avoid those negative influences.
• Creating a positive environment: Friends and family can help someone struggling to overcome addiction by making a comfortable home and removing things that may encourage drug use.
• Surrounding someone with support: Outpatient treatment, community groups, and recovery housing can help a person continue healing from addiction.

How To Find A Short-Term Drug Rehab Center

Choosing a rehab center can be a life-changing decision. It may be wise for someone to research their options before deciding. If they are settled on selecting a short-term rehab program, there are still important considerations to be made, such as location, cost, insurance, and programs offered.

Some rehab programs may be better for people suffering from polysubstance abuse, while others may focus on drug abuse paired with mental disorders. Whatever the case, short-term rehab programs can be individualized to ensure the greatest chance of a successful recovery.

For More Information, Be Sure To Check Out These Additional Resources From DrugRehab.org:

• The Best Drug Rehabs
• Paying For Drug Rehab With Insurance | Coverage & Treatment
• Year-Long Drug Rehab Programs
• Long Term Drug Rehab Centers and Extended Treatment
• Holistic Drug Rehab Programs