Although some myths exist that believe addiction is an indication of poor will power or a lack of desire to get better, substance abuse disorders cause physical and severe changes to your brain and body. It can take time for your body and brain to fully heal from addiction, which may make you wonder will I need extended rehab care during substance abuse treatment? More than 20 million Americans 12 and older struggle with a substance abuse disorder, alcoholism, and addiction annually. Addiction is considered a chronic and progressive mental health disease, meaning that the condition is incurable. Symptoms continue to get more invasive and severe without treatment, making it imperative to address substance abuse disorders early. Addiction treatment is highly individualized, meaning that the use of extended treatment depends on your specific needs.
How Addiction Works
Drugs and alcohol are neurotransmitter inhibitors that force your brain to release more neurotransmitters than it should. This rush creates the pleasurable experiences of intoxication and results in your brain associating the substance with pleasure. When your pleasure and reward center alters because of the association, your substance use is awarded and your sobriety is punished because your brain only releases pleasurable neurotransmitters when you use. The longer you abuse drugs and alcohol, the more likely it becomes that your brain will become incapable of releasing neurotransmitters on its own. Your brain doesn’t just associate your substance of choice with pleasure. People, places, and things that remind you of your substance of choice are also associated with pleasure. This causes you to endure intense cravings whenever you’re exposed to triggers. Common triggers include:
- Mental health disorders like anxiety, stress, and depression
- Major life changes
- Conflict with others
- Having excess money
- People that you previously used with
- Places where you acquired your substance of choice
If you develop a physical addiction, you can deal with uncomfortable, painful, and serious withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using, making it important to connect with a treatment center or medically supervised detox program when you decide to begin recovery.
Will I Need Extended Rehab Care?
If you’re wondering will I need extended rehab care, it’s important to fully understand your treatment options. Inpatient substance abuse treatment programs, which commonly offer detox services, usually last for four weeks. Residential programs that last for longer than four weeks are available and are considered long-term treatment options. When wondering will I need extended rehab care, remember that recovery takes time. Following inpatient treatment, it’s a good idea to enroll and participate in an outpatient program. Outpatient programs allow you to continue to work and go to school and can meet for several days a week for eight weeks or longer. Outpatient programs help you transition to daily life during recovery and create a great support during recovery. This is especially true following inpatient treatment. Sober living options are also available during most stages of recovery. Since addiction typically involves associating mostly, or exclusively, with people who use drugs and alcohol, it can be hard to find substance-free housing following treatment. During treatment, you’ll learn how to identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Finding healthy ways to cope with triggers and stressors is another skill you’ll learn during treatment, which helps limit and reduce your risk of experiencing a relapse.
Connecting with Promises Treatment Centers Today
If you’re struggling with a substance abuse disorder or addiction, you may wonder will I need extended rehab care. Substance abuse treatment is adapted to your specific needs. This means that determining the length and intensity of your treatment program may not be something you’ll know before you enter treatment. If you’re ready to discuss your treatment options and begin your recovery journey, reach out to Promises Treatment Centers today at 844.875.5609 to find out more about our programs.