North Carolina Long Term Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs
Long Term Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs
Inpatient drug and alcohol treatment, where the patient lives at the treatment facility and receives intensive therapy and support for a certain amount of time, generally takes the form of long-term and short-term rehab.
Long-term drug and alcohol rehab usually refers to programs that last longer than 60 days, although some programs may be considered long-term as long as the stay exceeds 30 days. In North Carolina, addicts have many options for long-term rehab, making an extended break from the temptations of their daily lives, and achieving a lasting recovery, possible for even those who suffer from severe addiction.
Components of Long Term Drug Rehab
Long-term drug rehab is the recommended approach to treatment, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, because this approach gives patients the longest amount of time away from addictive substances and in treatment. According to NIDA, this approach also, correspondingly, has the highest rates of success.
Regardless of the specific approaches a rehab facility takes, however, long-term drug rehab in North Carolina tends to have the following components:
Detox
During detox, the long-term rehab center provides the patient with round-the-clock supervision from skilled medical personnel while the patient undergoes withdrawal. As a result, the patient experiences greater comfort and safety as they experience the often intense and sometimes life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal. Monitoring of vitals and the administration of medication to ease symptoms are common practices during detox.
Treatment
Long-term drug rehab can involve a wide variety of activities, treatments, and therapies intended to help patients address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of their addiction.
By dealing with all elements driving the addiction, long-term treatment gives patients the best chance at staying sober and clean after they leave rehab and re-enter their daily lives.
Treatment typically occurs within a strict and structured daily schedule. The routine alongside the treatment enables addicts to embrace a new way of life apart from the temptation of drugs and alcohol and the lifestyle triggers that can make maintaining sobriety more difficult.
Treatments can include any of the following:
- 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
The exact approach a long-term drug or alcohol rehab center will take will depend in large part upon the center's philosophy and upon the patient's specific needs. Often, a variety of approaches will be utilized to give the patient the best chance at healing.
Aftercare
Patients who attend long-term drug and alcohol rehab will receive aftercare support and planning once their formal rehab is over.
Aftercare refers to ongoing care and rehab that occurs after the patient leaves their long-term rehab facility that helps to support and maintain their recovery as they go back to their daily lives.
Patients will work with their therapists before they leave their treatment facility to establish an aftercare plan. This plan can include any of the following:
- A stay at an aftercare facility.
- Ongoing therapy
- Attendance at an outpatient program
- Participation in a 12-step program
- Support groups
What is the average stay at a long-term drug rehab program?
When evaluating programs by state, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) considers any inpatient program that lasts longer than 30 days to be long-term. However, most long-term programs last much longer: Anywhere from 90 days to 1 year or even more. Typically, these programs occur as 60-day, 90-day, 6-month, or 1 year programs that help patients dig deep into their addictions and pursue genuine healing.
What are the payment options for long term treatment?
Long-term addiction treatment can be quite expensive, with some luxury facilities charging more than $100,000 for their services. The good news is that, in addition to self-pay, you have many payment options in North Carolina when it comes to long-term drug and alcohol rehab.
Insurance
While most insurance companies are required to cover rehab, according to the Affordable Care Act, their coverages can vary from plan to plan. You can usually find rehab centers that accept military insurance, state insurance, ITU insurance, and private insurance, which can all make it more affordable to pursue the long-term recovery you need.
Check with your insurance company to determine the specifics of your coverage and how many benefits you will receive for long-term rehab. Make sure that your insurance will cover both the treatment facility you choose and the length of stay you require.
Medicare and Medicaid
Federal healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid often cover drug rehab in full. However, you will need to check with your program to determine the specifics of coverage in North Carolina, as well as make sure you choose a treatment facility that accepts Medicare or Medicaid as a payment.
Payment Plans and Sliding Scales
Many rehab facilities will allow you to put the cost of your treatment on a payment plan so you can pay it off over time. They may also reduce their fees based on your ability to pay, a practice called a sliding scale fee. Both of these approaches are designed to make the cost of long-term rehab more affordable, even if you do not have the financial resources available to pay for your treatment in full.
Financial Assistance
Some rehab facilities in North Carolina provide financial assistance to make it easier to afford your treatment. Often, these facilities are nonprofit or state-funded, which means they receive resources to cover treatment for financially needy patients and therefore do not charge patients the full cost of treatment.
Long-term drug and alcohol rehab can permanently change an addict's life with the intensive treatment they require to address every facet of their addiction. If you think you could benefit from one of these programs, begin looking today for the treatment that can make your recovery most successful.
