One of the most common myths about recovery is that treatment is a “quick fix” or something that can be done over a few weeks or even a month and will “cure” a person’s mental health or addiction. While there may be some rare success stories that are fast, the reality is that recovery doesn’t really work this way. In fact, recovery is considered by many as a lifelong process. It takes years and years, and even then, we’re always learning about new ways to go about daily life.

Healing in Treatment: A Worthwhile Process

Of course, a person’s recovery and time in treatment may vary depending on the person. If you’re currently considering how long to seek treatment for, the general rule of thumb is that less than 90 days is just too short of time for lasting change. As you think about the path you’ll take through treatment, consider that each person has different needs, so there may need to be slight adjustments to a person’s treatment plan. 12-Step programs can provide a sense of structure than really changes the way a person in recovery sees life. Frequent assessments within treatment can help both you and your healthcare team to explore what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to happen next.

What Researchers Say

Researchers have found that it’s the first year of treatment that receives the highest “drop out” rates. It’s true that the first year is the hardest, and that’s because there are a lot of learning curves that must take place. With this in mind, the amount of time spent in treatment can really set a person’s foundation for how they manage the rest of their lives. Recovery isn’t linear, but remaining in treatment with little change (such as dropping out and entering) can prove most beneficial for a person’s healing and recovery success. It takes time, dedication, and patience, but it’s absolutely worth it.

If you’re ready to build a solid foundation in recovery, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. It’s never too late to start building the life you’ve always dreamed of. Alta Loma is a world-renowned, Texas state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center exclusively for men with ranch style housing located in a peaceful, remote area. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at (866) 457-3843 for a consultation