What is a Long-Term Rehab Facility?

Long-term rehab centres offer extended substance misuse treatment compared to standard inpatient or outpatient programmes. Patients reside at the rehab centre, hence the term “long-term residential treatment.” The duration of treatment varies, typically lasting from 6 months to 2 years or more, depending on factors such as the patient’s needs, the facility, and the specific programme. These centres provide intensive, structured care to individuals struggling with addiction. While recovery rates differ among individuals, research indicates that longer treatment durations generally lead to better outcomes.

Many individuals turn to drugs, alcohol, and other substances to cope with unresolved issues, using these substances to numb their pain and discomfort.

Our extended rehabilitation programme takes a comprehensive approach to address all aspects of an individual’s lifestyle impacted by addiction. Recognising that recovery is a gradual process, our long-term treatment is essential and has proven effective. There is no quick fix; instead, we focus on empowering individuals to embrace a new way of life free from substance dependence. We believe this approach makes long-term recovery attainable.

Our programme addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of addiction, tailoring each individual’s treatment to their specific needs. Through a combination of social, spiritual, psychological, and cognitive therapies, we facilitate essential transformations in our residents. This integrated approach helps individuals regain control of their lives.

Who Benefits from Extended Residential Treatment?

  • Individuals with prolonged substance abuse histories.
  • Those who have undergone multiple treatments at various centres.
  • Individuals without significant social or employment responsibilities.
  • Those facing severe consequences due to substance abuse, necessitating long-term inpatient care.
  • Individuals who have reached a point of despair and lost hope.

Located in Johannesburg, our substance-free living environment fosters healing, transformation, and personal development through a structured programme. Our facility separates substance abusers from their current social structures, enabling a comprehensive recovery. The programme includes basic activities like cooking, cleaning, and exercise, alongside more complex aspects such as discipline, self-respect, interpersonal relationship development, and emotional and psychological well-being. These elements are best addressed over an extended period within the secure confines of a treatment centre.

Long-term substance use refers to prolonged periods of substance misuse, often spanning years. This chronic misuse alters brain structure and function, making recovery challenging without professional help. Long-term rehab provides a structured environment, helping individuals recover safely from the damaging effects of addiction by offering various therapies and support services.

Treatment Length

Substance misuse treatment programmes are typically divided into stages, including medically assisted detoxification, rehabilitation therapy, and aftercare. These programmes are available in both inpatient and outpatient facilities, with inpatient or residential treatment centres often accommodating longer treatment periods compared to outpatient options. Long-term inpatient rehab centres usually start with several days of medically assisted detox, followed by 90 to 120 days of intensive substance misuse therapy and aftercare planning. Shorter-term options are also available, such as short-term rehab, 30-day programmes, 60-day programmes, 90-day programmes, weekend rehab, and same-day emergency detox covered by medical aid.

Addiction affects not only the individual but also their loved ones. Our programme recognises the importance of allowing families time to heal and undergo their recovery process independently. With a decade of experience, we have seen that profound addiction recovery is achievable over extended periods in an environment conducive to comprehensive recovery.

Long-term inpatient programmes typically last from three months to a year, with patients residing at the facility. These programmes include individual and group therapy, support group meetings, mental health counselling, medication management, recreational activities, alternative therapies, family counselling, and vocational training. Such extended treatment is beneficial because it removes individuals from daily stressors and triggers, allowing them to focus solely on recovery. According to research, longer treatment periods significantly increase the chances of success, providing ample time to overcome addiction and establish a stable foundation for a substance-free life.

Long-Term Inpatient Treatment vs. Other Treatments

Long-term inpatient treatment offers significant advantages over outpatient care by removing individuals from environments where they may encounter triggers for substance use. This structured setting eliminates access to drugs and associations with past usage, providing a safe and focused environment for recovery.

Extended time in a treatment centre allows for a deeper exploration of underlying issues contributing to addiction. Patients engage in self-examination and work with mental health professionals to identify and address these issues. Short-term programmes may not provide sufficient time to uncover and resolve these root causes, potentially leaving them unaddressed.

Long-term treatment also offers the benefit of prolonged sobriety before re-entering daily life. Exiting a rehabilitation programme can be daunting, but having an extended period of sobriety, such as three months to a year, builds confidence and reduces the risk of relapse. While long-term rehab may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with work or family commitments, it offers substantial benefits for those who can commit to an extended inpatient stay.

Changes Long-Term Rehab Facility

Changes is a non-governmental private care long-term rehab facility designed for individuals needing extended time to reintegrate into society, River Manor, commonly known as ‘The Farm,’ is Changes’ dedicated long-term treatment centre. Changes has been featured in many community projects and publications both locally in South Africa and abroad. The long-term secondary facility is located on a spacious plot in Ruimsig in Johannesburg, this 20-bed facility offers a safe and serene environment for clients to deeply address their addiction. The facility includes animal therapy, including equine therapy, where patients care for various farm animals. Clients follow a structured therapeutic routine guided by professionals, promoting personal development and growth.

The facility provides ample time for self-reflection and helps clients cultivate a deep level of self-awareness, significantly enhancing their chances of achieving long-term sobriety. Nutritious meals are tailored to meet individual dietary needs. Clients receive 24-hour supervision, including a nurse on night duty, ensuring immediate care for any emergencies. This comprehensive approach supports a thorough and sustained recovery.

For immediate assistance and to begin your journey towards recovery, contact Changes Rehab today. You can reach us by phone at 081 444 7000 or via email at [email protected]. Our Johannesburg facility is located at 216 Weltevreden Rd, Northcliff, Johannesburg, 2115. Our team is ready to provide the support and information you need to take the first step towards a healthier, addiction-free life.