5 Reasons to Choose Long-Term Drug Rehab in California

Many addiction treatment programs only last 28 or 30 days, and although these short-term programs can help people begin their recovery journey, the benefits of long-term drug rehab are undeniable. Longer-lasting drug rehab programs tend to be more effective, more comprehensive, and more likely to lead you toward long-term sobriety.

What is Long-Term Drug Rehab Like in California?

Long-term drug rehab programs in California typically last 90 days or more, giving clients ample time to heal from the effects of their addiction. During the 90 days, clients detox fully, participate in intensive therapy to address the root cause of their addiction, develop sober support groups, and create detailed relapse prevention plans.

Sheer Recovery offers a 90-day modified treatment program in California for individuals who can benefit from spending more time in rehab and in supportive housing. Our exclusive 90-day program is uniquely designed to support the needs of people who come to California from out of state, struggle with severe addictions, or do not have access to safe, sober housing outside of our supportive recovery facility.

5 Reasons to Choose Long-Term Addiction Treatment

If you struggle with a severe addiction, co-occurring mental health issues, or do not have safe, supportive housing back home, long-term drug rehab is likely right for you. Here are five reasons to consider choosing long-term addiction treatment in California.

1. 30 Days of Rehab isn’t Enough for Most People

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment, remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical. Although the appropriate length of rehab varies from one person to the next based on their addiction severity, research indicates that the majority of individuals require at least 3 months (90 days) of rehab to significantly reduce or stop their drug use.

2. Breaking Old Habits and Establishing New Behaviors Takes Time

Most people don’t develop addiction overnight. Addiction usually develops as a result of regular, long-term drug or alcohol abuse. At the same time, the obsessive and drug-seeking behaviors you developed during your addiction didn’t develop overnight, either. Addiction changes your brain and body slowly in a variety of impactful ways, and it takes time to reverse those effects.

When you first get sober, your brain chemistry will be altered and you may have lost touch with healthy habits and self-care. Your brain chemistry will normalize with appropriate treatment, but that takes time. Just like it took time for your addiction and addictive behaviors to develop, it will take time to heal from them, too.

The longer you stay clean, practice healthy habits, and engage in therapy, the more healing you can achieve and the more likely you are to stay sober. Research reported by the NIDA shows that better treatment outcomes are associated with longer rehab stays.

3. Long-Term Separation From Triggers can Benefit Your Recovery

If people could get sober in the same environment in which they were in active addiction, there would be no need for residential addiction treatment centers. Addiction treatment centers offer you healthy separation from your old environment and triggers so you can focus on recovery.

Returning to old environments or facing triggers too soon can provoke unwanted emotions, cravings, and even rationalization of your substance use. Long-term drug rehab provides you with at least 90 days of separation from triggers, giving you more time to learn how to deal with triggers effectively and prevent addiction relapse.

4. Long-Term Drug Rehab Gives You Time to Develop Sober Relationships

Peer support is a crucial element of treatment and recovery. While you can get support from people who aren’t in recovery, people who have never faced addiction themselves cannot truly relate to what you are going through. On the other hand, people who are also in recovery will be better equipped to support you because they can relate to your experiences.

Using group therapy, recreational activities, and support groups, addiction treatment centers encourage peer support to help one another stay motivated and hopeful. However, like all meaningful relationships in life, a trusting, honest relationship takes time to develop.

Long-term drug rehab centers promote the development of supportive, healthy relationships. During treatment, you can slowly get to know your peers and bond with them over shared experiences and goals. These relationships are likely to become a valuable part of your sobriety.

5. You Can’t Rush Your Recovery

Recovery from any condition, including addiction, takes time. Rushing your way through treatment may cause you to miss something important or not fully develop the skills you need to stay sober. In the bigger picture, the sacrifice you make while spending 90 days or more in rehab pales in comparison to spending a lifetime as a slave to your addiction.

Many people find themselves in a hurry to leave rehab so they can get back to their daily life. Instead of hurrying to “get back to life,” consider shifting your perspective. You’re not trying to “get back” to anything–you’re trying to move forward with a substance-free, meaningful life: one step at a time.

Find a Long-Term Drug Rehab in California Today

Working through the complexities of a disease like addiction takes time and patience–it isn’t something you can rush through. The biggest advantage of long-term drug rehab is that it offers you the time and space you need to truly recover.

If you’d like to learn more about our long-term 90-day modified addiction treatment program in California or you’re not sure what treatment program is right for you, our team at Sheer Recovery can help. An admissions counselor can discuss your situation, evaluate your needs, and conduct a brief phone assessment to determine which of our accredited drug and alcohol rehab programs is right for you. Call now to get started.