why most people seeking treatment should be in 90-day programs

At Choice House, we know there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to substance abuse treatment. However, we’ve found that for most people, 90-day programs provide the best chance at lasting recovery. There is a general consensus among addiction experts that longer programs are more effective in helping individuals develop the skills needed to achieve and maintain a sober lifestyle.

This is supported by research that has found that people who stay in rehab for 90 days or more have better outcomes, including lower rates of relapse, than those in short-term programs. By remaining in a structured and supportive environment for a longer period of time, individuals have more of an opportunity to heal in mind and body while addressing the underlying issues that led to substance abuse in the first place.

There are other key differences between 30, 60 and 90-day programs that make long-term treatment the clear winner, including the scope, depth and level of support provided. Keep why most people starting their recovery journey should be in a 90-day program.

what happens in 30 days: good

The earliest days of recovery are usually the hardest. Most people have just finished detoxing and are still struggling with intense cravings. They might also have trouble admitting why they’re in rehab and resist the rules or recommendations of their therapists.

We get it. No one wants to be in rehab, so it takes time to adjust and accept the fact that treatment is necessary. How long that process takes varies from person to person, but most people start to settle in after the first week or two. In a short-term program that only lasts 28 to 30 days, that’s nearly half the time gone just getting used to things.

Hopefully, the next few weeks will be spent making meaningful progress toward understanding the issues that contribute to substance abuse and establishing healthier coping skills. For most people, this just isn’t enough time for new habits to stick, so the risk of relapse is high.

what happens in 60 days: better

At most treatment centers, 60-day programs look a lot like their 30-day counterparts, but with more time to dig a little deeper into things. In two months, recovery professionals are better able to manage complex issues and explore the underlying causes of substance abuse.

Understanding where addiction comes from is a complicated but necessary process. Factors such as family history, mental health, stress responses, unmet needs and trauma can all play a role. By exploring and addressing these concerns, individuals can gain more insight into their substance use and develop valuable strategies for staying sober.

what happens in 90 days: best

At Choice House, our standard of care is 90 days, which has been proven to give people the absolute best chance at getting and staying sober. Research indicates that 3 months or longer is needed to stop drug or alcohol use and achieve positive long-term outcomes.

That’s because recovery itself is a long-term process that requires a multifaceted approach. For example, most people require a mix of medical and psychiatric care to address their physical, mental and emotional health needs while in rehab. It’s also important to work through past traumas and understand how they drive addictive behaviors. In a 90-day program, there’s more time to dedicate to these complex issues.

Peer support is another crucial part of the equation that’s often missing in short-term programs. Getting sober usually means parting ways with old friends or acquaintances who are still using drugs or alcohol, but it can be hard to form new relationships. The resulting loneliness, isolation and boredom are some of the biggest triggers of relapse.

The men at Choice House spend months together working toward the same goal, allowing them to forge strong bonds that can last a lifetime. They also share new and unique experiences together, participating in outdoor therapies such as rock climbing, snowboarding, fly fishing, mountain biking and more. These friendships provide motivation, accountability and a sense of belonging that’s crucial to lasting recovery.

long-term treatment builds a stronger foundation for recovery

Compared to short-term rehabs, 90-day treatment gives individuals more time to work on their recovery and build a strong foundation for lifelong sobriety. This includes addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their addiction, such as mental health or trauma, and developing coping skills for managing cravings and triggers.

Without this infrastructure, the desire and motivation for a sober lifestyle are more likely to crumble when things get tough. But the longer someone stays in treatment, the more equipped they’ll be to navigate recovery in the real world. They’ll also forge new friendships and experience a greater opportunity for change, so they can discover what they really want out of life. This sense of fulfillment and community makes it easier to stay on track.

Although the length of rehab can vary depending on the specific needs or circumstances of each person, Choice House is setting a new standard of 90-day care. We know that it takes more than just scratching the surface of addiction to achieve lasting recovery, so our programs go more in-depth to address the underlying issues that keep people trapped in a cycle of substance abuse. We utilize a number of evidence-based techniques and harness the power of the great outdoors to help our men heal. To learn more about our treatment center in Boulder, Colorado, click here or call us today at 303-578-4765 to speak with our admissions team. You can also email us at hello@choicehouse.com.