Addiction treatment centers exist to help people overcome their addictions to drugs and alcohol. This begins with detox to flush addictive substances from the body and stabilize clients and ends with relapse prevention and aftercare plans for long-term recovery. In between detox and aftercare is where the healing takes place.

During rehab, you will participate in a variety of therapies, healing activities, and peer support sessions to accomplish different goals. Therapy helps you address the causes of your addiction, holistic healing activities help you relax and cope with cravings, and peer support groups help you know that you are not alone. You will learn about the disease model of addiction, triggers, signs of relapse, and healthy coping skills. You will also improve your communication, problem-solving, and vocational skills so you can live a functional, fulfilling life after rehab.

Many people who go to rehab will tell you that rehab taught them how to live a life without drugs and alcohol–something that people who struggle with addiction often feel as though they can never accomplish. A treatment program that helps you build a foundation for recovery is priceless.

Many addiction treatment programs last 30, 60, or 90 days. However, there is no set amount of time that takes to treat addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it is critical to remain in treatment for an adequate amount of time, but the duration of treatment you need is based on the severity of your addiction and the complexity of your underlying conditions.[2]

NIDA notes that most people require at least 90 days in rehab to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that longer treatment programs are associated with better treatment outcomes. Remember, recovery is a long-term, ongoing process, so there is no reason to rush through rehab. While you may be eager to return back to your normal life, the point of rehab is to change your life for the better. The only way you can solidify these life changes is to dedicate enough time and patience to your personal healing journey.

If you try to rush through rehab, you may find yourself unable to cope with life’s triggers. You may resort back to using drugs or alcohol. And, if your addiction takes hold once again, you could find yourself back in rehab again–spending more time and money than you would have if you took your time finishing rehab and remained client with your recovery.

There are many factors that influence how much addiction treatment costs. One of the main factors is the length of the program. The longer you remain in treatment, the more you can expect it to cost. The good news is substance abuse treatment is covered by insurance and the cost of rehab pales in comparison to the cost of continuing your addiction.

How much rehab costs depends on which health insurance plan you have, what your deductible is, and how much your copays are. Finding an addiction treatment facility that is in-network with your health insurance carrier is the most effective way to maximize your coverage. Many treatment centers also offer payment plans and financing, so you can pay your out-of-pocket costs as time goes on.

Even though rehab can seem like a huge investment, it is actually very affordable compared to the cost of addiction. Someone who struggles with alcoholism who drinks a fifth of vodka each day can easily spend $150-200 on alcohol alone each week. Someone who is addicted to heroin can find themselves spending that much each day on their drugs. Moreover, these costs don’t even consider the money spent on healthcare, accidents, or legal charges related to drug or alcohol abuse.

Left untreated, people who struggle with addiction and alcoholism usually end up in jail, in an institution, or dead from an overdose or other health-related factors. If going to a drug and alcohol rehab center can prevent these things from happening to you or costing you your life, it is well worth the time and money.

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease. Like other diseases, relapse is common. Even the highest-rated addiction treatment facilities in the nation have clients who relapse. Researchers estimate that between 40-60% of people who seek treatment for substance abuse relapse at some point or another.[3]

While that number may seem high, it’s important to remember that you have little to no chance of getting sober in the first place if you don’t go to rehab. And, relapse does not equal failure. Relapse is simply part of the recovery process for many people. Even if you relapse, you will learn invaluable skills and get in touch with useful resources that will help you in your future sober endeavors.

The best way to avoid relapse is to pick an addiction treatment program that utilizes an evidence-based approach, holistic healing therapies, and a full continuum of care to serve you at every stage of your recovery.

Knowing what qualities to look for in an effective addiction treatment program will make you feel assured that you are receiving the best care possible. Choosing an addiction treatment program that follows these principles can also reduce your chance of relapse by making sure you receive comprehensive, quality care.

The NIDA’s principles of effective substance abuse treatment are:[2]

• Effective treatment should tend to the specific needs of the individual, not just his or her drug and alcohol use.
• No single treatment is appropriate for everyone, so it’s important to match treatment settings, interventions, and services to an individual’s unique needs.
• Patients’ treatment and services should be assessed on a continuous and ongoing basis and modified, if necessary, to meet their changing needs.
• Remaining in treatment for an adequate amount of time (typically 3 months) is critical.
• Detox is only the first step of treatment; therapy and medication management are vital for long-term sobriety.
• Both behavioral therapies and medications are important elements of substance abuse treatment.
• Underlying mental and behavioral health conditions must also be addressed for a complete recovery.
• Drug and alcohol use should be monitored during treatment because lapses and relapses do occur.

By choosing a drug and alcohol rehab facility that follows these beliefs and guidelines, you can make sure you are making the most of your time and money.

With the relapse rate being so high, you may be wondering what happens if you relapse after finishing rehab. Will you have to go back to rehab again and spend more money? Not necessarily. This is because rehab will prepare you with a plan of what to do when you relapse so you can quickly return to a sober lifestyle. Many people who relapse are able to rely on their aftercare services or peer support group to get back on track after a slip. Your aftercare services or peer support group can also hold you accountable and help you adjust your recovery program to better suit your needs.

If you relapse for several weeks or months, however, it may be in your best interest to return to treatment. You may benefit from professional insight into your relapse and guidance as to how you should approach getting sober again.

Here at Moving Mountains Recovery, we do more than help you stop using drugs and alcohol. We also guide you toward discovering something that gives you purpose. By finding your passion in life, you find something else to live for besides drugs and alcohol. Our innovative drug and alcohol rehab program in New Jersey can help you find and maintain the motivation necessary to stay sober.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, pick up the phone and give us a call today. We can’t wait to be part of your recovery journey.