Long-Term Treatment: Benefits for Lasting Recovery

At Amity San Diego, we've seen firsthand the transformative power of long-term treatment programs for addiction recovery.

While quick fixes may seem appealing, lasting change often requires a more comprehensive approach. Long-term treatment offers individuals the time and support needed to address the root causes of addiction and develop sustainable coping strategies.

In this post, we'll explore the benefits of extended care and why it's a game-changer for those seeking lasting recovery.

At Amity San Diego, we consider long-term treatment as a comprehensive program that lasts 90 days or more. This extended approach allows for deeper healing and sustainable change in the recovery process.

Short-term programs (typically 30 days or less) often fail to address the complex nature of addiction. While they can serve as a starting point, these brief interventions rarely provide enough time to break entrenched habits and develop new coping mechanisms. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that short-term treatments show limited effectiveness for most individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

Long-term treatment offers a more thorough approach to recovery. It provides the time and space needed to:

The effectiveness of long-term treatment is evident in the numbers. Addiction treatment can be effective, and assessing a program's efficacy is crucial when considering options for recovery.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides another compelling statistic. They found that individuals who stayed in treatment for 90 days or more had significantly better outcomes, with abstinence rates as high as 70% one year after treatment.

Long-term treatment allows for a more individualized approach. Treatment teams can adjust plans as clients progress, addressing new challenges as they arise. This flexibility proves essential for dealing with co-occurring disorders and preventing relapse.

The goal of long-term treatment extends beyond maintaining sobriety during the program. It focuses on building a foundation for lifelong recovery. Individuals who invest in extended care give themselves the best possible chance at reclaiming their lives from addiction.