Here are the top benefits of long-term treatment for both male and female adolescents, aged 12 to 17:
Deepening Therapeutic Engagement
Extended stays, lasting 30 to 90 days or more, allow residents ample time to engage in intensive individual and group therapy sessions. This extended duration fosters stronger therapeutic alliances, promotes trust, and enables residents to delve into the underlying causes of their challenges, shaping personalized recovery plans with long-term goals.
Fostering Comprehensive Skill Development
With an extended residency at Muir Wood, adolescents can hone essential life skills in a supportive environment. From communication and conflict resolution to emotional regulation and relapse prevention techniques, residents develop the tools for sustainable recovery and successful social reintegration.
Cultivating a Supportive Community
Extended stays at Muir Wood allow residents to forge deep connections within our community.
Through positive peer interactions and role modeling, residents develop a sense of belonging and access a robust support network, mitigating feelings of isolation and fostering lasting friendships.
The Vista Research Group found that specific actions significantly increased the likelihood of sobriety six months post-treatment.
For instance, 67% of patients who regularly attended recovery support meetings for at least a month after leaving treatment remained abstinent, compared to only 34% of those who did not.
Similarly, 27% of patients who lived in a sober group home for at least their first-month post-treatment maintained sobriety, while only 8% of those who did not live in such an environment remained abstinent. Additionally, the treatment center’s involvement in alum programs or aftercare monitoring programs was associated with increased sobriety rates.
These findings highlight the importance of building community and continued support in maintaining sobriety after completing initial treatment.
Nurturing Sustainable Change and Relapse Prevention
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, monitoring drug use during treatment is crucial for adolescents recovering from substance use disorders. Relapse, or a return to drug use, is a common challenge during recovery. Triggers for relapse can range from mental stress to social situations associated with past drug use.
Detecting a return to drug use early is critical to preventing relapse from progressing to more severe consequences. When a relapse occurs, it indicates the need for additional treatment or adjustments to the individual’s current treatment plan to address their needs better.
By gradually reintroducing residents to external triggers in a controlled setting, Muir Wood’s extended stays facilitate the practice of new coping skills and strategies.
According to a study conducted by Vista Research Group, nearly one-quarter of patients who experienced relapse within the first year post-treatment reported doing so within the initial days after leaving treatment. Additionally, half of the participants reported relapsing within the first month following treatment.
These findings underscore the importance of long-term stays in treatment facilities, as extended periods allow for more comprehensive support and skill development, which can significantly aid in relapse prevention efforts.
With a focus on identifying early warning signs of relapse and creating robust aftercare plans, residents at Muir Wood are empowered to sustain their progress beyond our residential program.
