what happens in 90-day treatment that you won’t get from shorter programs

If you’re looking into substance abuse treatment for yourself or a loved one, you might think that some help is better than none. While we agree that it’s always a good thing to get someone started on the path to recovery, we also believe that not all rehab programs are created equal, and it’s best to optimize the experience whenever possible.

At Choice House, we do this by providing a 90-day standard of care, which allows for more thorough and individualized treatment than the usual 30 days. Too often, we’ve found that short-term programs don’t do enough to fully unravel the twisting threads of addiction and get to the root of the problem, which is crucial to achieving sustainable recovery.

Because we get to spend more than 30 days with our clients, we’re able to maximize their time in rehab and provide a deeper experience. Here are some of the things that happen in 90-day treatment that you won’t get from short-term programs.

the brain gets a chance to heal

Drugs and alcohol are called “mind-altering substances” for a reason. Aptly named, they have a real impact on the brain with repetitive and long-term use. Drinking, for example, has an immediate effect on areas controlling coordination, speech, memory and balance (leading to the classic signs of impairment), but over time, it also disrupts the balance of certain neurotransmitters, increasing the risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Because drugs and alcohol have such a lasting effect on brain chemistry and function, it takes time to get things back in working order. This can’t happen overnight, over a couple of days, or even a few weeks — often, it takes months or more to restore a healthy balance. Long-term treatment gives people a chance to heal while also building new habits and tools that will help them stay sober after rehab.

you’ll develop healthier habits that stick

The short-term benefits of most rehab programs focus on things like detoxing, ending physical dependency and teaching at least some coping skills, but there’s very little emphasis on laying the groundwork for improved mental wellness and stability going forward. According to experts, that requires developing healthy routines and behaviors that support the recovery process, which takes longer than 30 days to do. Without this foundation, relapse is likely due to factors such as stress, fatigue or boredom.

Some of these habits include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating a balanced diet and staying active. This combats some of the effects that drugs and alcohol have on the body and establishes a sense of normalcy, which is especially helpful in early recovery. Improving your sleep, exercise and nutrition are also good for your mind. Studies show that these three factors are the biggest predictors of mental wellness, which is, in turn, important to maintaining your sobriety in the long run.

At Choice House, we also believe that engaging with your support community, exploring new hobbies or interests, and spending time outdoors are other important pieces of the puzzle. Together, these elements help relieve stress or boredom and provide new opportunities to connect with others in a meaningful way. That’s why we incorporate outdoor and adventure therapies into our long-term programming and emphasize community, connection and camaraderie among our men. We’ve found this approach provides a better experience and ensures that healthier habits become well-ingrained throughout treatment.

no stone is left unturned

Another thing you’ll find in 90-day treatment that doesn’t happen much in short-term programs is paying more attention to the underlying mental, emotional and behavioral problems that often contribute to addiction. For most of us, substance abuse becomes an escape from painful feelings or emotions such as anxiety, depression and trauma, which can be difficult to confront on our own. In other cases, drugs or alcohol may trigger mental health symptoms or make existing ones worse by changing brain structure and function.

Because of the strong link between addiction and mental illness, it’s crucial to address these concerns and get to the root of the problem to achieve sustainable, lasting recovery. Otherwise, the same symptoms that lead many people to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol are likely to resurface after treatment, but they’ll still lack the coping skills to deal with them.

Long-term treatment like Choice House’s 90-day program provides more time to deliver comprehensive dual diagnosis care for those dealing with both substance abuse and mental health concerns. We utilize a number of holistic, experiential and proven therapies to help our clients get their symptoms under control and develop the tools they need to stay sober, leaving no stone unturned to significantly improve their chances of success.

opportunity to work through family issues

An often overlooked part of recovery is helping families heal from the pain and trauma caused by addiction. Issues such as broken trust, unkept promises and lingering resentment can tear families apart, but it is possible to address these concerns and repair damaged relationships to move forward together in recovery. Doing so makes sure both you and your family have some much-needed support throughout the treatment process.

When you enter into 90-day treatment, you and your loved ones will have the chance to get involved in family therapy, an option that isn’t often available during a short-term stay. At Choice House, we help families identify and address the issues they face, develop solutions that help the entire family system heal, and rebuild stronger relationships. Our family therapy program is led by our chief clinical officer, Jill Krush, who has over 15 years of experience working with individuals and families affected by addiction.

get started today

Compared to 28 or 30-day rehab programs, 90-day treatment helps you make the most out of your time in recovery. You’ll have the opportunity to heal in mind and body, make new friends, address any underlying mental health concerns and fully engage in a wide variety of therapies. After treatment, you’ll also feel more prepared for the real world with well-honed coping skills and a supportive community that helps you navigate daily stressors.

To learn more about our 90-day residential program and other treatment options in Boulder, Colorado, give us a call at 303-578-4765 to speak with our admissions team. We can help determine if Choice House is right for you or a loved one. You can also email us at hello@choicehouse.com.