The longer an individual with a drug or alcohol problem remains engaged in substance abuse treatment, the better chance of success. Many people have completed an outpatient or residential program only to relapse and fall back into old patterns afterwards. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, research has shown unequivocally that good outcomes are contingent on adequate lengths of treatment. Research also shows that total participation (including residential and outpatient) in treatment for less than 90 days is of limited or no effectiveness, and treatments lasting significantly longer often are indicated.

Many individuals who are admitted into Pathways Florida have a need for intensive residential treatment that lasts longer than 28 days. This need may arise for various reasons. A longer stay may be necessary due to the individual’s history, due to court involvement, or due to family desire. Many clients have been using drugs or alcohol for a very long time. This creates patterns and daily habits that can be very difficult to break. When someone has been using for an extended period of time, 28 days of residential treatment often is not enough to help break those learned patterns of behaviors. A longer stay in intensive residential treatment provides an opportunity for expanded exploration of these behavior patterns and more time for clients to practice using newly found skills.

We have many clients in treatment who are involved with the legal system. Sometimes treatment has been mandated as a part of sentencing by a judge. Based on the nature of the charges, the Court may require intensive residential treatment for longer than 28 days in order to satisfy legal requirements.

Pathways Florida Extended Care Program frequently works with the Court to satisfy legal requirements and to provide treatment in lieu of incarceration. Sometimes an attorney will recommend treatment prior to the outcome of a legal situation, and the length of treatment can significantly impact the Court’s decisions.

Families are impacted greatly by an addict or alcoholic’s behaviors. While 28 days may feel like enough time in treatment to the addict or alcohol himself, families often feel more comfortable with longer lengths of stay. This provides a greater foundation for the client’s recovery and provides some reassurance to the family. The Pathways Florida Extended Care Program was developed to meet these needs.

After the completion of the core 28 day curriculum, Extended Care clients receive intensive treatment based on his or her particular needs. The Pathways Florida Extended Care Program has groups that focus on co-occurring issues for individuals who have mental health issues along with substance abuse. The program also has a track that focuses on criminal thinking for individuals with a history of legal involvement.

In addition to the groups that address specific needs such as mental health or legal involvement, the Extended Care Program also includes additional addiction education classes, individual counseling, family counseling, trauma counseling, and a focus on involvement in the 12-Step programs or support groups. The primary counselor works with the client and the client’s support network to develop a plan for the Extended Care treatment that is individualized to the client’s specific needs.