Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease that must be treated within a professional drug and alcohol rehab program. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people struggled with a substance use disorder in 2022.[1]
While most experts agree that longer stays in addiction treatment are better, this is intended for people with a long-term history of substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. That said, some people might benefit more from short-term treatment.
Short-term rehab is usually 30 to 60 days, offering the tools and support you need to recover without requiring you to take too much time off work.
In this article, you will learn:
- What short-term rehab is
- Five benefits of short-term addiction treatment
- Why short-term rehab is ideal for working professionals
What are the Top 5 Benefits of Short-Term Rehab?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), most of the time, people need 90 days or more inside of a rehab program to recover and achieve long-term sobriety.[2] While this is true in many cases, some individuals might benefit more from a short-term program.
Short-term rehab centers offer the same services as long-term programs, however, treatment is condensed to fit a 30 to 60-day timeline. If you do not suffer from severe substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions, short-term rehab could be the ideal choice. Additionally, short-term treatment might be right for you if you cannot take 90 days off of work.
The top 5 benefits of short-term rehab include:
1. Living at the Facility
Short-term rehab programs are usually inpatient, providing clients with a supportive setting to focus fully on their recovery. Living at the facility also gives you a much-needed break from stressors and triggers common in everyday life. For example, if other people in your home abuse substances, you will have a safe and substance-free place to live while you recover.
2. It’s Easier to Take Time off From Work
One of the biggest benefits of short-term rehab is that you will have an easier time taking off work. Since these programs are only 30 to 60 days, you do not have to worry about asking your boss for three months of time off. If you are worried about struggling in your career because of taking time off for rehab, short-term treatment might be ideal for you.
3. The Transition to Daily Life Will Be Less Complicated
When you go into a long-term treatment program that is 90 days or more, you will become accustomed to the daily schedule. Over time, you will get used to the quirks of living in an institution, such as having multiple therapy sessions a day, having someone to cook your meals, and more. Once it’s time to leave the treatment center, the transition back into independent living can be difficult.
Instead of making this transition hard on yourself, you could choose short-term rehab. While you will participate in the same type of daily schedule, it will not be on a long-term basis. This means you will be better prepared to transition back into independent living once treatment is over.
4. Evidence-Based Services
Short-term rehab programs offer the same types of services as 90-day treatment centers. For example, you will have access to medical detox, evidence-based therapies, relapse prevention planning, and even holistic services like nutritional counseling. During your stay, you will also have both medical supervision and psychological support.
Short-term rehab facilities offer the same evidence-based services as long-term treatment plans. The only difference is that you go through therapy and relapse prevention planning faster than you would during a long-term program. While the recovery process might feel faster, you will not lose any of the vital services you need to achieve long-term recovery.
5. The Ability to Transition into Outpatient Rehab
Since short-term rehab is less than 90 days, you will not feel burnt out at the end of your treatment program. You might be motivated to continue learning the services you need to maintain your sobriety. If so, you can easily transition into an outpatient treatment center that works with your schedule at work, school, or home.
Outpatient programs are ideal for people making the transition from inpatient rehab to independent living. This level of care will teach you how to avoid triggers, use coping mechanisms to deal with stressors, and help you continue your therapy to work through past traumas.
Get Connected to a Short-Term Addiction Treatment Center
If you or a loved one suffers from alcohol or drug addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Since long-term treatment can seem intimidating, the Mandala Healing Center offers a short-term rehab program to its clients. Treatment can always be extended at the end of the 30 days if the client’s needs require it.
Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of short-term drug and alcohol rehab programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Data
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)