Short-term rehabilitation (rehab) programs are often harsh and abrupt changes to your lifestyle. While these do work for addicts that haven’t been addicted for a long period of time, they may not work for a lifelong substance user or someone that may be at their absolute rock bottom. This type of treatment can seem like a whirlwind and may leave you feeling unsatisfied in the end. It has its benefits and it is important to explore this as an option.

It is also an option at the beginning of treatment for those that cannot have their jobs held for them. If you only have vacation time available, and no medical leave or personal time, this is a stepping stone only. You can continue with outpatient care afterward, for a more successful recovery.

Short Inpatient Stays

Short-term rehab often requires addicts to be inpatient only because the program is so strict and structured. Some stays can be as short as 7 days while the longest would be 30 days. For those with alcohol or prescription drug addictions, this is often enough. With short-term rehab, you’ll return to your life sooner than other programs but will have a structured aftercare program to follow. So essentially, your care does not stop after the rehab facility. The scary part is doing it by yourself after treatment.

Long Therapy Sessions

With little available time, therapy sessions are longer. This makes a day more exhausting and the last thing you’ll think about is getting drunk or high. Sleep becomes your priority along with your recovery.  Long therapy sessions are also intense, counselors may push patients to open up, talk about their struggles and discuss their addiction at a faster pace than longer programs.

Both group and individual therapy sessions are packed into an entire day. It is a lot of talking about yourself and a lot of listening, but you have alone time at the end of the day to reflect on the lessons of the day.

Resisting Temptation with Rehab ProgramsRapid Detox Practices

Rapid detox definitely takes its toll on the body and can leave an addict feeling physically ill and emotionally drained. For some, getting the drugs and/or alcohol out of their systems quickly is the best way to handle the addiction. Rapid detox often includes IV fluids to help flush the system and medications to help rid the body of its dependency on the substance. This is definitely a rough process, and it takes a strong individual to endure this type of treatment.

Short-term rehab works for thousands of addicts every year. It is fast-paced and helps addicts return to their lives in a shorter amount of time. Keep in mind that the aftercare following completion of short-term treatment is more involved and intensive though. This is to help you prevent relapsing and helps you identify your triggers. Counselors and sponsors help you through these tough moments and give you the necessary tools to be productive in life. This is something that is often lacking in an addict’s life, along with the general feeling of inadequacy.