One of our specialties at BRC Recovery is dealing with chronic relapsers, people who have attempted sobriety numerous times with several stints in rehab, but have been unsuccessful long-term. One of the major concerns and questions that anyone has after going through so many treatment centers, especially the loved ones and friends of the addict, is whether long-term rehabs are really worth it. Long-term rehab centers are usually seen as the last hope for people who want, hope, desire, and need sobriety. They are an intensive option which is well tailored to those who have significant drug or alcohol issues, and/or those who have previously not had success with other options. At the same time, long term recovery centers are not only beneficial for patients who have serious addictions or co-concurrent mental health issues (i.e. dual diagnosis). They can help anyone who has a substance use disorder – long-term treatment can be so effective that it makes a good choice for anyone who desires recovery from addiction. Furthermore, long term addiction treatment programs have proven to solve some of the environmental issues that play a role in previous unsuccessful attempts at sobriety. Long term programs can apply treatments which are not available in medical facilities, with the aim of treating not just the body but also the emotions, mind, and spirit. Most long term programs have medical staff available around the clock to address any needs that arise, but their primary focus is on treating the entire individual through a more holistic approach. So why are long term program outcomes so much better than other options? Long term programs provide “distance” from the patient’s previous lifestyle. Patients who enroll in long term programs are away from the lifestyle, people, and places where they were using drugs or drinking prior to treatment, which provides them with a safer environment to recover in. Long term programs provide in depth patient monitoring. Even the world’s best counselors have trouble helping patients if they are only able to meet weekly. The greater the degree of contact between staff and patients, the better recovery tends to go. Long term treatment maximizes contact between patients and staff. Long term programs create a close, intimate peer-recovery support system. Long term facilities encourage clients to establish close relationships with their peer recovery community. This is one of the major factors behind the outstanding results which long term facilities produce. Long term programs utilize a different approach. A long term program gives the staff the freedom and opportunity to take a different approach than is possible in outpatient treatment. Patients and counselors can speak at any time of day or night, whenever it’s necessary, and the patient’s attention is uninterrupted and completely focused on treatment.