Why Staying in Treatment Longer Leads to Better Outcomes

Staying engaged during addiction treatment can be daunting for those in recovery. However, staying in treatment longer has been shown time and time again to improve treatment outcomes. Here’s a deeper look at why staying in addiction treatment longer is better than a short-term stay, the importance of aftercare services, and shifting your views to addiction recovery as a lifelong process.

Mounting Evidence For Longer Addiction Treatment

People entering into addiction recovery often naturally assumed that the detox phase is the most important part of recovery. However, while it might initially be the most difficult, lifelong abstinence can be equally as challenging, with relapse rates as high as 60%.

Fortunately, while research shows that relapse rates can be high, research also shows that certain treatment approaches can help improve abstinence and recovery. One of the most important findings is the length of treatment stay. Research shows that those who engage in addiction treatment for longer are also likely to achieve maximum benefits. Treatment lasting 3 months or longer often predicts a successful outcome.

Staying Engaged During Treatment

Three months can seem like a long time, especially if you're someone who is worried about outside commitments, school, work, family, or who is otherwise unsure of addiction treatment as a whole. However, research also shows that people experience better outcomes when they actively participate in treatment.

Participation is so strong, in fact, that the principles of drug addiction treatment from the National Institute on Drug Abuse state that enticements from family, employment settings, and even the criminal justice system can all help increase treatment entry, retention rates, and the ultimate success of addiction treatment.

If you're having trouble staying motivated during treatment, some of the many ways you can stay engaged include:

• Being honest with your treatment team about your concerns or challenges
• Attending support groups or seeking peer-to-peer support to help you stay engaged
• Creating a positive support system of family and friends who can offer encouragement and accountability
• Setting realistic goals and celebrating your progress along the way

Everyone's motivation during treatment is different. Even if you're hesitant to participate in treatment, setting reminders about why to stay engaged, such as to avoid criminal charges or to maintain relationships, can help you stay on track.

Aftercare Services are Essential

Aftercare services are also important to the recovery journey. Even if you complete your 3 months of inpatient treatment, you'll also want to explore outpatient services, which can have many benefits such as:

• Preventing relapse
• Helping integrate into daily routines and responsibilities
• Continued support for mental health and substance use disorders
• Ongoing accountability and monitoring

Aftercare services can include individual therapy, group therapy, peer support groups, sober living homes, and medication management. These services are designed to provide ongoing support and guidance as you transition back into your regular life after completing treatment. Research shows that the most successful continuing care interventions last at least 12 months, and are actively engaging.

How Long Does Addiction Recovery Last?

The total length of treatment depends on your personal goals, setbacks, and continuous changes to your addiction. Certain timelines you can expect during addiction recovery include:

• Detox process: This can last from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the type and severity of addiction.
• Inpatient treatment: Typically lasts for 28 days or more, with some programs lasting up to 90 days for a more intensive and successful approach.
• Outpatient treatment: Can range from several weeks to several months, depending on individual progress and needs. As mentioned before, the most successful continuing care interventions last at least 12 months.

In addition, you could also explore sober living homes, which are group living environments for individuals in recovery. These homes provide a supportive and drug-free environment where recovering addicts can practice positive habits, build community and accountability, and transition back into society.

Research shows that people who stayed in a safe, reputable sober living home for six months or more after treatment had much better outcomes. Whether you choose to engage in outpatient treatment while living in a sober living home or continue with aftercare services, this option can greatly increase your chances of maintaining sobriety.

Preparing For Long-Lasting Recovery

While 15-18 months might be the initial phase of addiction treatment, it's important to remember that addiction is a chronic disease and requires ongoing support and management. Like other chronic diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure, you might experience relapses in your condition (in this case, drug or alcohol use), periods of stability, and perhaps even periods of remission.

Each person's path to recovery is unique, so it's important to have a personalized plan in place for long-term success. You know your addiction better than anyone, and you also know when you need more or less treatment. As life circumstances change and you experience setbacks, life stressors, or new challenges, your plan may need to be adjusted to support your continued sobriety.

Continue to have a treatment team on hand to provide support and guidance as you navigate the ups and downs of recovery. With the right support, aftercare services, and motivation to stay in treatment, you can transition from a life of addiction to a life of recovery.

About the Author

Mark Gladden is a U.S. Veteran-in-recovery who has been serving the recovery community of San Diego for a decade as Founder and CEO of Present Moments Recovery, a leading addiction treatment program for adults in San Diego that also offers a specialized military program for veterans and a 1-year long comprehensive inpatient addiction treatment program. If you're looking for help to battle addiction and live a sober life, contact Present Moments Recovery at (619) 367-4767.