The Reality of the First 30 Days in Addiction Treatment
Few people have been successful after just 30 days; however, they are few and far between.
Ever wondered what really happens during the first 30 days of addiction treatment? In this episode of Real Recovery Talk, Tom Conrad breaks it down with raw honesty. Drawing from his own journey and those of countless others, Tom explains why a mere month in treatment often falls short of what's needed for lasting recovery. Detox is just the beginning, typically spanning one to fourteen days depending on the substances involved and individual factors.
It's a crucial step, but it's far from the endgame. The real work begins once detox is over. Patients move into residential care, where they live at the facility and receive ongoing support. But as Tom points out, even this stage is more about stabilization than deep therapeutic work. The first 30 days might cover basic addiction education, but addressing underlying issues like trauma or mental health conditions requires much more time.
Tom stresses that intensive outpatient care is essential for developing the coping skills needed for long-term sobriety. This level of care allows patients to start reintegrating into daily life while continuing their therapy and group sessions. So, if you or someone you know is considering treatment, understand that those first 30 days are just the starting line.
Tune in to this episode for a candid look at what to expect and why patience and persistence are key on the road to recovery.