Christine OKelly is an author for The Mark Houston Recovery Center, an Austin Texas drug and alcohol recovery center that offers a 90-day program for males designed around the principals of the traditional 12 steps to recovery. The team is passionate about its mission to help men free themselves from alcohol and drug addiction and recreate and reclaim their lives.
The percent of addicts that relapse after completing a rehab program can be cause for disappointment among those considering drug rehab as an option to stop the destruction of drug and alcohol addiction.
A drug and alcohol recovery program requires a serious commitment, but if the relapse percentage is so high, is it worthwhile to invest the time, energy, and money into a program? Addicts and families of addicts seeking recovery solutions are very smart and justified in having these concerns. However, there is one critical factor that can greatly decrease the odds of relapse and that is the length of the program.
90 Day Recovery Programs vs. 30 Day Recovery Programs
More and more drug and alcohol recovery programs are moving to a 90 day 'xtended care' model as opposed to the conventional 30 day model. The reason, quite simply, is because they are far more effective in producing alumni that remain sober without relapse.
The reasons for a 90 day program being more beneficial than a 30 day program are clear and simple:
- The body and mind has more time to heal in a safe, structured environment
- Longer length of stay allows for some changes in the belief systems and thought-life of the residents which translates to better decision making.
- Daily habits of what a day in recovery looks and feels like starts to become automatic with the longer length of stay.
- Sufficient time to work through all of the steps instead of just some of the steps.
- Many residents, because of the longer length of stay, re-locate and leave the areas where they were drinking and doing drugs. This move away from the city or home where they were drinking or doing drugs greatly enhances their chances of staying clean and sober in the early months and even years of recovery.
A Longer Stay Doesn't Necessarily Equate to Higher Cost
It would be natural to assume that a stay of 90 days would cost three times as much as a 30 day stay. Surprisingly, many 90 day recovery programs cost about the same as 30 day programs. There are several reasons for this, rooted the shift in the drug and alcohol recovery industry.
When insurance companies began covering the costs of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery centers, many corporations jumped to create recovery centers as a way to take advantage of the insurance company payouts. That's not to say that these recovery centers aren't good or that the counselors there aren't effective, but most of these programs are 30 days in length and charge a significant cost.
In recent years, private individuals have begun developing recovery centers with programs based on what addicts need, rather than what insurance companies will pay for. The result is a longer program and lower rates.
As these programs begin to develop outcomes, it has become clear that the longer continuum of care the client experiences, the lower the chance of relapse.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Alcohol and Drug Addiction Relief With Ayurveda
- Drug Addiction Symptoms and Signs
- What is Drug Addiction? The Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
- The best way to escape drug addiction is Rehabilitation programs
- Drug Addiction and Risks
- The Best Treatment for Drug Addicts
- Drug Rehab: Treatment Programs for Drug Addiction
- Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse
How To Write Memoirs - The Basic Principles
By: Trevor Johnson | 27/11/2009Many of us have at some stage of our lives thought about writing down our life experiences. But the idea often passes as quickly as it arrives. Most of us plainly don't know the basis principles of how to write memoirs.
THE VIBRANT SHADES OF VERMILLION
By: mamta | 27/11/2009The changes I underwent in life led me from a hatefulness to a strange fondness for the color red.. We always tend to relate colors with different moods and stages of our life..vibrant shades of vermillion brings about a few experiences that my heart encountered!
Random Things that Wake Me Up at Night
By: Kasan Groupe | 24/11/2009Title really says it all.
In Bible versus Quran: the Ostrich Forgets that a Foot may crush her Eggs
By: Prof.dr. Ibrahim Khalil | 23/11/2009The Bible says that the ostrich forgets that a foot may crush her eggs or that the wild beast may break and trample them. The ostrich is not mentioned therein in the Quran. On the other hand, the Quran says that the birds in general live in societies like human beings.
Why Should You Write Your Own Life Story?
By: Patrika Vaughn | 19/11/2009Writing your life story is embarking on a journey through the past. It’s a unique journey, one no one else has ever taken.
In the Quran: Why did Allah Say unto Moses, behold the mountain?
By: Prof.dr. Ibrahim Khalil | 18/11/2009The Noble Quran says that When Moses asked to see Allah, Allah Said, behold the mountain, which is stronger than you are, and if it remains, stays fixed, in its place, then you shall see Me’.
Bukit Merah
By: Jing | 17/11/2009A description of the town I live in. And humanity through my eyes.
Where to from Here?
By: Robert | 16/11/2009Something to Think About
A Cosmetic Dentist Often Will Recommend Veneers And Bonding To Repair Damaged Teeth
By: Christine OKelly | 14/10/2008 | HealthConsultation with a cosmetic dentist will help you make an informed decision regarding a treatment for damaged, chipped, or stained teeth. Two common approaches are veneers and bonding procedures, which both have advantages and disadvantages.
Make Your Trade Show Exhibit Work For You
By: Christine OKelly | 14/10/2008 | MarketingDesigning a trade show display can be a challenge because you want it to not only draw attention but want it to promote interaction between the attendees and your employees. Hiring a professional trade show exhibit company will allow you to define your goals and design a display within your budget.
The Needs Confined Space Rescue Teams Have Beyond Knowledge Of The Procedures
By: Christine OKelly | 14/10/2008 | CareersEffective and successful confined space rescue procedures require more than just the knowledge behind the procedures. Confined space rescue teams must have all of the necessary items to follow through these procedures and this article outlines some of these.
What Services You Should Expect Your Dentist To Provide
By: Christine OKelly | 13/10/2008 | HealthWhether you've moved or are just ready for a new dentist, it's important to do your research on the services offered by local dentists. This article explains some services that many dental offices offer to their patients.
Errors Veteran Property Managers Make With Apartment Rentals
By: Christine OKelly | 13/10/2008 | FinanceEven the most experienced property managers who have been dealing with the apartment rental industry for years can be making mistakes that are hindering the profits coming in from the building. Here are some you should consider.
Display Advice For Corporate Glass Signs
By: Christine OKelly | 13/10/2008 | MarketingGlass signs are a stylish, trendy, and effective method of advertising for any business. This article looks at different ways to use and mount a glass sign that will increase visibility and improve profits.
Identifying Minor Repairs In A Volvo Transmission
By: Christine OKelly | 09/10/2008 | CarsRemanufactured Volvo transmissions are sometimes inevitable, but by learning the basics of this important part and learning how to eliminate simple problems, you can save a significant amount of money. Here is a quick overview of what to look for in a Volvo transmission.
Smart Tips For Using A Hydraulic Vehicle Lift
By: Christine OKelly | 06/10/2008 | CarsCasual and professional mechanics use a vehicle lift for a variety of different auto repairs and maintenance. There are several things you can do when working with truck lifts to make sure they are used safely.