Short Term Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities in Alaska

Short Term Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facilities

Inpatient drug rehab offers an effective method of addressing not only the physical dependence on drugs that addicts experience but also the underlying emotional and mental drivers of their addiction.

These treatment programs are characterized by their residential nature: Patients live at the rehab facility while they receive treatment for their addiction. These facilities are divided into both short-term and long-term treatment programs, with short-term treatment consisting of residential stays of less than 30 days.

Components of Short Term Drug Rehab

In Alaska, addicts have many options for short-term drug and alcohol treatment, including stays of varying lengths and a wide variety of therapies from which to choose.

While the National Institute on Drug Abuse has determined that long-term drug rehab is a more effective approach than short-term rehab, shorter inpatient programs are often the preferable choice for addicts for whom any of the following is true:

• They are unable or unwilling to commit to a longer period of inpatient treatment.
• Addiction is mild to moderate.
• The patient is entering rehab for the first time.
• They do not have the financial resources for long-term rehab.

Patients in short-term drug rehab often follow a modified 12-step approach to treatment, meaning that they engage in the 12-step principles and participate in regular group meetings in order to access a supportive community during their recovery.

However, their treatment can also closely resemble the treatment that patients receive in long-term rehab - Just for a shorter period of time. This treatment includes the following components:

Detox

Some inpatient facilities will provide medically-supervised detox for patients. During this period of rehab, patients undergo withdrawal under the close supervision of skilled medical professionals. Detox can also involve the administration of medications designed to ease the symptoms of withdrawal (e.g Medication to combat depression or anxiety, medication to facilitate sleep). Within a safe, supportive environment, patients are much more likely to complete withdrawal and successfully move on to the next stage of rehab.

Treatment

Short-term inpatient rehab typically involves a long list of potential treatments. Therapists will tailor a patient's treatment to their needs and goals, and different facilities will also often have different approaches to treatment (e.g. One facility may emphasize traditional approaches to drug treatment while another facility focuses primarily on alternative treatment methods).

The goal of all of these treatments is to go beyond the addict's physical dependence on drugs and alcohol (Which is often broken by withdrawal). Instead, inpatient rehab focuses on addressing the underlying drivers of the patient's addiction, as well as on undoing the significant changes addiction has caused to the addict's brain.

Within a structured daily schedule, patients may encounter any of the following treatments while learning new habits and new ways of doing life away from the routines and habits that they have come to associate with drug use.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Medication
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Positive reinforcement
• Exercise and nutrition
• Art therapy
• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Massage therapy
• Meditation
• Spiritual counseling
• 12-step programs
• And more
• Aftercare

Once a patient's time at short-term drug and alcohol treatment is over, they will typically develop an aftercare plan with the assistance of their therapist. This plan typically includes counseling, support groups, and habits that will help them to continue their recovery while transitioning back to daily life. A stay at an aftercare facility or participation in outpatient rehab is often a part of this aftercare plan.

What is the average stay at a short-term drug rehab program?

Patients can stay at a short-term drug rehab program in Alaska for anywhere from 7 to 30 days. Some 60-day rehab programs may also be considered short-term. However, the average stay is about 20 days. This gives the patient 7-10 days to undergo detox and then 1.5-2 weeks to experience intensive therapy and support before transitioning into their aftercare plan.

What are the payment options for long term treatment?

Short-term inpatient rehab can cost up to $20,000 for a 30-day stay. However, patients looking to enjoy the many benefits of these programs can often receive assistance in paying for these programs in Alaska can look into the following options:

Insurance

In good news for addicts seeking recovery, the Affordable Care Act requires most insurance companies to provide coverage for drug and alcohol rehab. In addition, some facilities in Alaska also accept military insurance, ITU funds, and state insurance.

Patients who wish to use their insurance for short-term rehab will need to determine (1 The specifics of their coverage and (2 Which treatment facilities and treatments are covered by their plan. In addition, some insurance plans will put a cap on the length of the inpatient stay, so patients need to make sure they understand not only the copays and deductibles they will owe but also how long they can afford to be in rehab.

Medicare and Medicaid

Federal healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid provide generous rehab coverage that can pay for rehab in full. However, patients should make sure they choose a treatment facility that accepts their program and make sure they understand the specifics of their coverage.

Payment Plans and Sliding Scales

For patients who cannot pay for their treatment in full upfront, many rehab facilities in Alaska will offer payment plans or offer their fees on a sliding scale (Fees are reduced for patients based on their ability to pay). These services can put treatment within reach even for patients who have limited financial resources.

Financial Assistance

Finally, some rehab facilities, typically nonprofit or state funded facilities, will use their resources to offer grants, scholarships, or other financial assistance to cover treatment for patients who have no other way to pay.

Inpatient drug rehab on a short-term basis can give addicts the tools they need to succeed at recovery after they leave treatment. With many treatments and payment options available, facilities in Alaska make this treatment more accessible, and recovery more feasible, for many.