Long-Term Drug Rehab in Iowa

Treatment time varies depending on what level of care is received. Below is the general timeframe you can expect for each treatment type.

• Outpatient – Ranges from 4-12 weeks, with a couple of hours each day spent receiving care. The length of time in outpatient depends on the needs of the client.
• Detox – 1-2 weeks depending on the type and amount of substances the client is using.
• Short-term inpatient – 28 days is the standard length of treatment for most short-term programs
• Long-term Residential– The length of these programs usually ranges from 8-12 weeks. Still, it can go upwards to a year or even longer in some cases.

Generally speaking No. Anyone of legal age must be admitted willingly into a drug and alcohol rehab center. However, some states have laws to receive a court order for treatment, and if your loved one is a minor, they could be admitted without consent.

While it may seem that your loved one does not want help, there are ways to convince them to get treatment. Medical professionals and certified interventionists are trained in helping people realize they need to go to rehab. Enlisting their help can make a difference in someone gaining sobriety.

Once on a waiting list to attend rehab, one should do their best to stay motivated and not lose sight of why they sought help in the first place. It is not unusual to feel discouraged if you cannot get into treatment immediately but do not let this negatively affect your chance at recovery. Here on some tips while you wait to get admitted:

• Understand the risk associated with coming off your drug of choice. Stopping alcohol, benzos, or opiates requires medical supervision, so consult a medical professional before completely stopping your substance use.
• Check-in regularly with the rehab center and ensure you follow their guidelines to stay on the waiting list. Some centers require you to check in daily to remain on the list.
• Understand that the wait time you are told is generally a worst-case scenario. Beds can open faster than expected, and you can sometimes get in sooner than you were initially told.
• Consider getting on multiple waiting lists to better your chances of getting into treatment faster.
• Utilize the time to your advantage. Examples of this are planning with your employer, handling your living situation, or settling any financial obligations. Taking the time to manage responsibilities before entering treatment ensures you will stay focused on your recovery and have less attention on things outside of treatment.

Most insurance will cover behavioral and mental health treatment for substance use disorder, but the amount covered can vary drastically from policy to policy. There are two ways to check your coverage quickly:

1. Call the help number on the back of your insurance card. It will connect you to someone who can go over your coverage options for drug and alcohol rehab.
2. Give your insurance information to the center you are interested in attending. They can check how much coverage you will receive.

It is important to understand that just because you have coverage does not guarantee your claim will be approved. The person attending rehab must be deemed to have a medical necessity for treatment. If this is not established, then it’s possible insurance will not pay. During the admissions process, it is vital to ask the intake counselor how the facility handles a patient who does not meet medical necessity.

Yes, it is worth going back. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs often provide refresher programs or outpatient services to graduates. However, consider the following before making the decision:

• Contact the treatment center aftercare services or graduate helpline. Discuss the circumstances of the relapse.
• Consider attending a 12-step meeting or support group.
• Outpatient programs provide excellent aftercare support.
• If relapses occur frequently, it would be time to return to a residential program.

The reality of recovery is relapse happens. Yet, how an individual handles the relapse determines the outcome. Keep pushing forward, reach out to other sober people, be grateful, and focus on the positive.

The questions from Addicted.org's "Ask a Professional" are answered by Michael Leach, CCMA. If you need further clarification on any of the questions above or have any other questions you can contact him directly at M.Leach@Addicted.org.