Along with the fact that nearly all rehabs today have adopted the 12-steps as part of their treatment, it is interesting to note that they have also adopted a '28-day' protocol for length of treatment. This varies of course from center to center, but for the most part; treatment today is usually 30 days or less. History shows that this started when insurance companies dictated how long a period they would pay for. Usually they will take all forms of payment, including paying online with your credit card and Greenpay transaction or paying in person with check or cash. The problem, however, is that this short period of time is usually not the proper length necessary to resolve a serious alcohol or drug addiction.

Long-Term Drug Rehab Programs

Many studies have been conducted over the years to show that long term inpatient rehab centers achieve higher success rates than outpatient treatment. There are many reasons for this. There is the fact that the person is kept in a safe place and remains sober for longer periods which allows for greater clarity and stability. This stability then carries over when they return home to help prevent a drug or alcohol relapse.

There is also the factor of more time spent working with the person to achieve the breakthroughs necessary to resolve the drug addiction. In many cases, the first week or two is spent resting and feeling well enough to talk to a counselor. If only 28 day treatment, the person is out the door just as rehab is about to get started.

And, while often overlooked, long term rehab means that physically the person becomes healthier. This is a result of eating and sleeping better without the barrage of alcohol or drugs during their long term inpatient rehab program.

Each of these factors contributes to lasting sobriety and true success.

The problem is that finding a non faith based, long term inpatient drug rehab facility can be difficult. Either because many alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers only offer 30 day treatment options or when they do provide 'extended care' programs (usually 60-90 days), they can be cost prohibitive.

It is not uncommon for many Christian or faith-based rehabs in the US to be classified as long term drug rehab. This is because they are frequently 3-6 month programs (some 12 months or longer). However, for those seeking non-faith based rehab, it poses a real dilemma as they know they need and want long term inpatient rehab but the religious elements including bible study and other factors eliminate these as viable options.

Non-12 Step Drug Rehab Programs

For those seeking the higher success rates of long term rehab, many are choosing to attend non 12 step drug rehab centers. Most of these non-religious treatment programs are 90 day drug rehab programs or longer and uses cognitive therapies; one-on-one counseling (no groups) and life skills courses. These non 12 step modalities are designed to build the individual back up to the point where they are able to confront and resolve their addictive behaviors and patterns.

In addition to being non-religious drug rehab centers, non twelve step rehabs are also popular because of their stance on addiction as to whether or not it is a disease. 12-step rehabs teach that an addiction is an incurable disease. Non-12 step rehab programs show patients the truth - addiction is not a disease at all; it's an adopted behavior.

As a result, it is not uncommon for non-12 step drug rehab centers to have success rates that are 75% or better vs. 10% found with those that use 12-step / disease model treatment.