When recovering from addiction, many people want the endgame and get it over with as quickly as possible. However, this impatience can lead to disappointment and relapse, which triggers the addiction all over again. There is no specific timetable as to when someone should recover from addiction; it’s entirely dependent on how long the person has been addicted, the drug they’re addicted to, and if there are any other comorbidities involved. Here’s a rough timetable as to how long addiction treatment should take.
How Long Does Outpatient Treatment Take?
Outpatient treatment programs typically take place in one of two ways: either on their own or as a step-down program from inpatient treatment. It’s a way for a person to still receive addiction treatment while being able to go back home and return to work. A lower level of care is involved, so for some, it might take a longer amount of time to complete. An outpatient treatment program is definitely for those who have greater amounts of self-control so that they are more successful in the long run and are capable of resisting the temptation to fall off the wagon. The work that they put in will shorten the duration of treatment.
How Long Does Inpatient Treatment Take?
Inpatient treatment programs typically take anywhere from a few days to over a year, depending on the severity of the addiction. However, it tends to be short-term because of how intense the level of care is. The patient lives at the facility during the treatment process to ensure that they are adhering to the steps of the program. A team of medical professionals are available to patients 24/7.
Continuing Long-Term Care After A Treatment Program
Regardless of whether a person attends an inpatient or outpatient treatment program, there is always the possibility of a relapse. A relapse is considered part of recovery, and an individual needs to accept that relapse is an aspect of addiction. It’s important for them to understand that they shouldn’t give up on recovery when it does happen, because then all of their hard work would have been for nothing and they have to start all over again. Instead, they should use the relapse as a new opportunity to reevaluate themselves and alter their treatment. They could consider making more frequent appointments or making additional lifestyle changes to increase support.
The Benefits Of Support Groups
Support groups are a great way to help a patient remain sober, since it provides them with a sense of community and fellowship so that they know that they’re not alone in their struggles. Attending a support group can give the person a new network of people to connect to who understand exactly what they’re going through.
If inpatient or outpatient treatment seem like desirable options, then speak to an addiction specialist to see what might be the better option for you and your lifestyle. There are pros and cons to both, but ultimately, the decision should be made on what’s best for your interests and how to best help you on your road to recovery.