Addiction is a chronic disease that cannot be cured by simply quitting cold turkey. Those who are struggling with severe addiction might spend anywhere from six to 12 months in an addiction treatment program. For those that repeatedly return to opioids or alcohol after months or years of sobriety, a long-term recovery program will work to finally control your addiction. When you speak with one of our trained therapists, they will give you a complete program overview of what your long-term recovery will look like.
At our addiction treatment center in Colorado, we offer addiction treatment programs that will help you manage your addiction no matter how long it takes. When you are ready to begin, call 833.448.0127 to speak with a therapist about starting a long-term recovery program.
Three Stages of Long-Term Addiction Recovery
Most addiction treatment programs tailor toward the patient’s specific needs, but each treatment plan falls into three stages of recovery. When done correctly, these stages will run simultaneously so you can build healthy coping skills for sustainable recovery.
1. Medically Assisted Detoxification
Depending on how severe your addiction is and what substance you are abusing will determine how severe your withdrawal symptoms can be. Drugs like suboxone and buprenorphine can help ease some of the withdrawal symptoms you will experience while you detox.
- Convulsions
- Vomiting
- Chills and shivering
- Hallucinations
- Depression
This first stage is physically punishing, and our supportive therapists will help you through this stage until you are ready to move on. Some detox programs can last from three to six months, depending on the severity of the addiction.
2. Rehabilitation Therapy
Once the drugs or alcohol are out of your system, now you will begin the stage of learning about the underlying causes of addiction and how you can avoid relapse in the future. Some of the therapies and programs you might participate in include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that are associated with addiction. This type of therapy helps people learn how to develop healthier coping skills, manage cravings, and recognize triggers in order to prevent relapse.
Multidimensional Family Therapy
Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) combines individual, group, and family interventions. It focuses on the relationships between the addicted person and their family to address underlying issues related to substance use.
Case Management
Case management is a personalized approach to treatment that focuses on the individual needs of the patient. It includes helping patients obtain resources to support their recovery and establishing an appropriate aftercare plan. Case managers provide links between medical, social, legal, and mental health services so that people with substance use disorders can receive comprehensive care.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy addresses the issues that contribute to substance use. This type of therapy helps people identify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their substance use, develop healthier coping strategies, and learn how to recognize triggers for relapse.
3. Continued Support
After you have gone through time in detox and cognitive-behavioral therapy, your support does not stop once you go back out into the world. You won’t be alone while you continue with your long-term recovery program.
Continued care is essential for a successful recovery, and many programs will help in your continued fight against addiction.
- Telehealth – Remote counseling sessions can help when you can’t get to your treatment center.
- Outpatient group therapy – Building lifelong bonds with those in your group will be a powerful tool to help you maintain your recovery.
- Friends and family – Your loved ones want to see you healthy and happy and are there for you to help keep you focused on your goals.
Planning for Long-Term Addiction Recovery at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery
Before you begin a long-term addiction recovery program, you will need to take care of several things, as your treatment can sometimes take several weeks or months. Financial and personal responsibilities will need to be addressed, so you do not have to worry about them during your treatment program. Some of the things we can help with include:
- Power of attorney – Having someone responsible for your affairs while in recovery is crucial if you are responsible for property or a family.
- Work responsibilities – Talk with your employer about your recovery and let them know how much time you will need. Many companies will hold your job and may offer financial assistance.
- At-home responsibilities – If you are single and have pets, they will need to be cared for. You will want those fur babies happy and healthy when you return.
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand the difficulties in planning for long-term addiction recovery. We will work with you as best we can to make your time with us productive and life-changing. When you are ready to start your recovery, call 833.448.0127 today to talk to a member of our team.
