The most common question about drug addiction recovery is how long it will take. Ultimately, there is no one exact answer. Recovery may be shorter for someone struggling with teen drug abuse, but slower for someone who’s been using for decades. However, everyone can expect the same approximate drug recovery timeline.
Acknowledgement
The first phase of recovery can be the most difficult. Recovery can’t truly begin unless an individual acknowledges a problem. Unfortunately, many people put off treatment and don’t want to admit they have an addiction problem at all.
If you’re a loved one or a parent, getting others to acknowledge an addiction is challenging. In regard to teen drug abuse, it’s possible to enroll minors in a treatment program. Otherwise, an intervention is necessary to show adults they need help. While patients who don’t want to enroll in rehab benefit from treatment, the process is often easier if they’re serious about staying sober.
Withdrawal
The next phase in the recovery timeline is detox or drug withdrawal. During this time, individuals stop consuming their drug of choice altogether. Typically, withdrawal symptoms are unpleasant. However, if detox occurs in a medically supervised environment, addiction specialists can ease pain and discomfort.
Furthermore, the exact length of withdrawal varies significantly from person to person. For example, opioid withdrawal may last just a few days. However, cocaine withdrawal can last close to a week. In some cases, benzodiazepine withdrawal lasts several weeks.
Overall, withdrawal length also depends on the individual. Teen drug abuse cases might be faster, but that too depends on their health and consumption habits. Once withdrawal is over, chemical dependence is broken. However, there’s still a lot more work ahead.
Rehab
A crucial part of the drug recovery timeline is rehab. Although you achieve sobriety through detoxification, you’ll still need to learn how to maintain it. Fortunately, at Steps to Recovery, a variety of rehab programs pave the way.
Many parents dealing with teen drug abuse aren’t sure whether rehab is the right choice. However, inpatient drug rehab isn’t the only option. Outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs are often a better fit for young adults. With these programs, patients attend treatment during the day with the freedom to spend the night at home.
Whatever rehab program is ultimately right for you or your loved one, you can expect diverse therapies and treatment programs. Steps to Recovery provides custom, comprehensive treatment plans for effectively conquering drug addiction. Just a few of the treatment methods and approaches we offer include:
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• 12-Step philosophy
• Holistic therapies for recovery
Drug Recovery and Continuing Care
When discussing the drug recovery timeline, don’t perceive rehab as the end of the process. During drug addiction rehab, patients learn how to take full advantage of continuing care options. Overall, addiction is an illness, and therefore, it requires lifelong maintenance.
Often, this might mean finding a sober living facility for an extended period of time. It might also mean joining local support group meetings. Above all, having a network of support and relapse prevention training is crucial to staying clean.
Whether it involves teen drug abuse or a long-term addiction, recovery follows roughly the same timeline. At Steps to Recovery in Levittown, Pennsylvania, you’ll receive help and support as you complete your recovery journey. Call 866-488-8684 to learn how to conquer drug addiction once and for all.