When it comes to addiction, there is one thing that we all seem to agree on: the only way to cure addiction is through a 30-day rehabilitation program. But when you think about it, why isn’t this enough? Why does someone need to be in rehab for such a long period?
What are they doing during their stay? And what happens after they leave? It’s tough to make a big change. You want it, you know you need it, but the thought of going through with it is daunting. That’s why people often quit before they get started or give up after only a few days. If 30-day rehab programs don’t work for you, then what should you do? In this post, we break down why 30-day rehab programs are not enough.
You’re Not Getting The Quality You Need
Contrary to popular belief, 30-day rehab programs aren’t exactly quality. When you first enter a program, the staff and peers will help you through detox and withdrawal symptoms. But after this initial period is over, there isn’t much to do besides learning how to live without drugs or alcohol (which should already be part of the plan) and do routine therapies like counseling or meetings.
Repeating these processes reinforces new habits and learning, but it’s not enough if you want true recovery. Just imagine going back home after spending 30 days at a resort; it may have been fun for a while and provided some relaxation and enjoyment – but soon enough, you’ll start thinking about all of the things you could have been doing if you were back home.
Your Brain Hasn’t Changed
If you go through a 30-day rehab program, your brain may be changed on the outside – but not the inside. With repeated exposure to drugs or alcohol through drinking and using at parties, it’s hard to change behaviors for good during a 30-day stay. And because your surroundings haven’t changed, this gives people in early sobriety more difficulty staying sober when they return to their lives.
You’re Not Prepared For Life After Rehab
The ability to transition from rehab into real life is one of the most difficult parts of beginning recovery. While some people can find jobs or go back to school after rehab, this isn’t always the case. Even if you do go back to your current job, you simply won’t be able to get through the day without slipping up or struggling with temptation. That’s why the quality of 30-day programs are so poor- people who attend rehab for only a month aren’t prepared for life outside of treatment on their own.
You’re More Likely To Relapse
Many people associate drug use with pleasure which is true, at least in the beginning. But after repeated exposure to drugs and alcohol, dopamine receptors in your brain can become blocked so that even when using drugs again, there will be less excitatory reward response. This leads many addicts into a place where they simply don’t feel good unless they’re high. If you attend rehab for only 30 days, then it’s unlikely that you will reach the stage of addiction where this occurs. This means that once you leave your short rehab program, it may be difficult to cope with cravings and urges without turning back to drugs or alcohol.
You Might Not Have The Support You Need
Most 30 day programs focus on group therapy, which is great if everyone in the group is dedicated to recovery. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case – some people who go through rehab want nothing more than for their treatment to end so they can return home as soon as possible. Others are already planning on returning to old habits after treatment ends- whether it’s hanging out with friends who still use or simply not thinking about the future. And finally, it’s possible that you don’t have any support after rehab ends- nobody to give you positive encouragement or remind you of your goals.
You Aren’t Prepared For The Stresses Of Everyday Life
While 30-day rehab programs introduce people to the basics of recovery, they aren’t prepared for life outside treatment. This means struggling through everyday stressors like managing money, solving problems with co-workers, and helping children with their homework before bedtime. If you attend a 30-day program, this will be difficult because even though you’ll have a better understanding of addiction and withdrawal symptoms, there won’t be enough time dedicated to learning how to deal with these issues in day-to-day life.
You’re Still Exposed To Your Drug Of Choice
30-day rehab centers haven’t been around long enough for there to be any studies on how well they work, and because of this, we aren’t entirely sure what the best practice is for dealing with drug or alcohol addiction. However, we do know that it’s difficult for addicts to stop using drugs if even a small amount is present in their lives.
This means that when people go through short rehab programs, particularly 30-day ones, they can return home were still exposed to alcohol or substances. And because the brain hasn’t changed yet, cravings will begin almost immediately- making it likely that you’ll relapse after leaving treatment. 30-day rehab programs are popular for very good reason- they’re affordable, convenient, and help get addicts back on their feet within weeks rather than years.
However, this doesn’t mean that they’re the best solution when it comes to treating drug or alcohol addiction. If you or someone you love is considering short-term treatment in lieu of longer inpatient care, take time to weigh your options carefully. Call us at 833-610-1174.