It has become crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of the different types of drug rehab programs and which type can best treat the addictions of the 23 million plus Americans over the age of twelve who are addicted to some form of harmful substance.

Drug treatment programs need to be two-fold; they need to address both the psychological and physical dependency experienced by an addict. In addition, the addicts’ social and behavioral symptoms will also need to be changed in order for them to completely recover and maintain that recovery by minimizing the chances of a relapse. Although there has been some debate about what exactly constitutes successful rehabilitation, complete avoidance of the abused substance, or simply responsible moderation, when it comes to illegal and very harmful addictions it is best that abstinence is practiced.

Beginning in the mid 1970’s, scientific research has concluded that treating addictions can only be successful by eliminating the negative behaviors that are the source behind the addiction and lessen the chance of a relapse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that, “Recovery from drug addiction is a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment.” From several decades of studies and research, the NIDA has identified some key factors for making long term drug rehab effective.

The first step is detoxification. This is the process by which the abused substance is removed from the body; it is the physical aspect of the addiction that first needs to be addressed, then the psychological. Drugs can take some time to leave the system, depending on what type and the level of abuse. Some addicts can function normally in public, even though they are feeding a severe addiction to cocaine, heroin or other potent drugs. During the ‘detox’ process, withdrawal symptoms can be quelled by medical supervision and anti-addictive drug treatments. Weekend rehab programs don’t provide sufficient help; a patient can only complete the entire detoxification cycle through a long term program.

Additional studies have shown evidence that relying solely on the detoxification process will have little impact on drug addiction in the long term. Perseverance to avoid drugs must be practiced throughout a person’s treatment. After initial drug detoxification it is imperative to treat any other medical or mental conditions the patient may have suffered as an effect of their drug use. Behavioral counseling therapy has shown to be an effective component of the rehabilitation process. Another important criterion for successful rehabilitation is the customization of a program to fit the patient’s needs and must be adaptable as those needs change; this cannot be accomplished with a short term program.

The pros of residential drug treatment facilities are particularly important to addicts who have had a long history of abuse, who have also been associated with crime, and people who may have impaired social functioning. A long term drug rehab program commonly starts at six months and can run as long as twelve, depending on the degree of addiction. The main objective of a long term drug treatment facility is to remove a person from their detrimental social surroundings and place them in a drug-free, positive-reinforcing environment to support their ongoing recovery.

Once patients have overcome the initial symptoms of withdrawal, they will begin a structured, long term treatment program that will alleviate their psychological dependency and teach social and behavioral skills that will allow the patient to function without the need of a drug. This part of the rehabilitation process usually involves several forms of counseling, including individual, family, and group sessions. Life and social skills that may have never been learned or forgotten while in the clutches of addiction will be taught through occupational and behavioral therapy methods.

Long term drug rehab programs are accommodating to individuals’ specific needs, such as criminal cases and educational requirements. These can easily be incorporated into a successful rehab plan. Many long term drug rehab centers offer continuing college and vocational education.

In conclusion, there are many symptoms of drug addiction that must be dealt with; not just the initial physical dependency on the substance. A long term drug treatment program has been proven to be the most successful method to increase the chance of a full recovery.