Research shows that the longer you stay in treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, the better the outcome. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, anything less than a 90-day addiction treatment program is of limited effectiveness.1 Choosing the right 90-day program for you is essential for getting the most out of treatment.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment
Choosing between inpatient and outpatient treatment is the first order of business when looking at 90-day addiction treatment programs.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient programs involve living at a residential rehab facility. A 90-day inpatient program is essential if you have:
- A long history of addiction
- A co-occurring mental illness
- Ambivalence toward recovery
- An unsafe or unstable living environment
- Little support at home or in the community
- Been unsuccessful in treatment before
The benefits of an inpatient program include:
- Round-the-clock support and supervision
- The ability to focus solely on recovery
- A high level of structure
- No access to drugs or alcohol
- The opportunity to make strong friendships with peers in recovery
- Good nutrition to help improve physical and mental health
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment programs involve living at home while getting treatment for several hours each day at an outpatient facility. A 90-day addiction treatment outpatient program may be right for you if you have:
- A high level of support at home and in the community
- Strong intrinsic motivation to recover and a commitment to abstain
- Good physical and mental health aside from the addiction
The benefits of an outpatient program include:
- The ability to continue working, going to school or caring for the family while receiving treatment
- The opportunity to put new skills and strategies to work right away in the real world
- A lower cost than inpatient treatment
If you’re not sure which type of 90-day addiction treatment program is right for you, an addiction counselor or other mental health professional can help you decide.
A Holistic Approach is Best
Whether you opt for inpatient or outpatient treatment, choosing a holistic program is best. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration cites holistic programs as offering the best possible treatment outcomes.2
A holistic approach addresses a range of issues concerning mind, body and spirit. It looks at a variety of problems and issues from several different angles, drawing on both traditional and complementary therapies.
Traditional therapies used should include cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy and psychoeducational classes that help you understand the mechanics of addiction and recovery. Complementary therapies should include proven, research-based therapies like yoga and meditation, art or music therapy, nature or adventure therapy, biofeedback, massage therapy and acupuncture.
A holistic program promotes whole-person healing. It helps you find purpose and meaning in life and develop a rich toolkit of skills and strategies to help you cope with stress, cravings and other potent triggers for relapse.
Other Considerations for a 90-Day Addiction Treatment Program
A high-quality inpatient or outpatient treatment program will be accredited by the state where it’s located. The staff should include fully licensed mental health professionals.
Other considerations when choosing a 90-day addiction treatment program include:
Personal preference. If you’re vegetarian, choose a program that offers vegetarian fare. If you’re non-religious, don’t choose a religion-based program. Choosing a program that jibes with your personal preferences is important for keeping you engaged and motivated.
Proximity to family. A treatment program that’s close to family members can be highly beneficial if your home life is stressful due to family dysfunction. Family therapy is an important part of treatment for many, and having the family nearby makes attending sessions easier.
Cost and insurance. Choose a program that accepts your insurance. If you don’t have insurance, choose a program that will work with you to finance treatment.
Choosing the right 90-day addiction treatment program will help ensure you get the most out of treatment. It will help you stay motivated and engaged in your treatment plan. Most of all, it will provide effective, holistic programming to help you overcome your addiction for the long-term while improving your overall quality of life and sense of well-being.