Addiction is a disease that requires a daily conscious decision not to abuse or resist the urge to use a drug. However, those suffering from addiction sometimes need to be reminded to abstain and remain sober.
An extended care program is a program where people suffering from addiction can be placed in a home with other people that can help them overcome their addiction. The state or county governments often operate extended care programs, but private companies also offer these services.
In 2006, there were more than 6,000 extended care programs in the United States, with over 1 million residents. About 75 percent of all Americans that complete an extended care program will not re-offend within a year of leaving treatment. Extended care programs are structured to provide a nurturing environment for those that need it most. It is also structured to provide medical treatment, counseling, and support groups if necessary.
The level of care provided for extended care patients varies considerably from state to state, but the basic structure is:
- The patient is admitted to the facility
- A medical evaluation is performed
- The patient receives treatment from a licensed physician or psychiatrist, who may prescribe medication for the patient
- The patient completes treatment and continues living in the facility, depending on their needs
- The patient lives in the facility until they no longer need extended care services
- Aftercare services are provided if necessary by an outside agency, such as a hospital or counselor
Extended care programs may also provide medical and dental treatment, social services, counseling, and assistance with living arrangements. The cost of extended care varies according to the level of care provided and can range from $500 to $2000 per month.
Extended care programs typically last between six months and one year, depending on the patient’s needs and progress. One of the main aims of such programs is to equip the addict with copying mechanisms to deal with addiction triggers in everyday life. This is done to reduce the risk of relapse and re-offense.
Difference Between Long-Term Rehab, Short-Term Rehab, and An Extended Program
Long-term rehabilitation is a form of therapy in a medical facility or rehabilitation center. Long-term rehabilitation mainly aims to treat the patient’s addiction and co-dependency. Long-term rehab programs are also known as residential programs. The length of time that long-term rehab lasts varies from less than 30 days to 60 days.
Patients receive treatment and support from psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and nurses during long-term rehab. Patients go through various steps to rehabilitate them and help them cope with their problems due to their addiction or co-dependency. Another goal of long-term rehab is for patients to recover from their addiction without relapsing into drug use again after leaving the program.
Extended care programs are designed for individuals diagnosed with addiction and require intensive treatment, like those diagnosed with severe substance abuse disorder (SSA) such as drug or alcohol dependence. Such individuals need extensive help to live in the outside world while continuing their recovery process by attending 12-step meetings as part of their recovery program. Those diagnosed with SSA often participate in 12-step meetings because they are part of the program’s philosophy, and the program helps to promote long-term recovery.
Short-term rehab facilities are designed for individuals who require only brief treatment and can function independently with minimal assistance from a professional or treatment center. These programs are often referred to as “halfway houses,” “step-down centers,” or “residential detoxification centers.” Individuals who have been diagnosed with addiction may enter short-term rehab programs to stabilize themselves and receive primary medical care, counseling, and vocational training so that they can return home in a relatively short time.
Short-term rehab centers also offer outpatient services such as aftercare services that allow individuals to continue their recovery by attending 12-step meetings or other recovery groups and workshops while living outside a residential facility. These programs often have an intensive level of supervision, designed to provide additional assistance for those who need it most when they return home.
Some programs are designed to provide a more structured environment for those that have completed an inpatient program, while others are more geared towards those who still have a long way to go in their recovery process. Ready to start your addiction recovery? Contact us at 302-842-2390.
