I am frequently asked "how long is the treatment program at Cedars?"  My usual quick response to this understandable question is (too often) a "tongue in cheek" answer like "asking how long is treatment is like asking how long is rope!  What usually follows is a brief discussion about something I take very seriously; the individualized approach to treatment. I have been involved in treatment for a long time now (I'm now to the point where I avoid responding in the actual number of years) and the staff we have here is doing the best job that I have ever seen of tailoring treatment to meet individual needs.

The real issue in anyone's treatment is change and growth - not number of days in a program. This is definitely a case where - one size doesn't fit all - The tasks of this stage of recovery are pretty well understood and are generally the same for everyone however; everyone is an individual, has individual needs and will achieve these tasks in different ways and in different time frames.

I actually ask that the clinical team consider treatment for an individual to be a 24 month beginning to a lifelong process - our particular emphasis is on the first six months.  Sue Donaldson, our Continuing Care provider in Victoria, has some very compelling data that shows extraordinary positive outcomes for those individuals who complete all six months (or more) of the Continuing Care that is integral to our primary treatment program.  Whether an individual reaches the point of moving into Continuing Care after being in treatment 4 weeks, 7 weeks or spent some time in Extended Care on the Cedar's campus the outcome often remains the same - the issue is that they reached the point of stabilization, displayed sufficient growth and demonstrated behavioral change to make the transition into Continuing Care.

As a guideline , we anticipate that most of our patients at Cedars will be ready for Continuing Care in about 6-7 weeks.  Obviously, many factors will influence this time frame. How long a detox period is required? Are there any other medical issues that inhibit the treatment process? Are they literate? Do they have any type of cognitive impairment? How old were they when they started using and how long have they been using? What kind of family or social supports do they have? Believe me, this is a very small sampling of the variables that will influence the answer to "How long is the treatment program? 

One thing that clearly influences many aspects of treatment outcomes is the active and visible participation of our alumni!  It is impossible for me to overstate how important it is to our current patients when they get to see real recovery and to meet people who have been through what they are going through.  I recently asked some of our alumni if they would help out by making an effort to come up to the Friday meeting.  The response was great - and the effect was immediate - and profound. I really want to thank those who responded.  Think about it - discharging someone into an environment where they already know people, like themselves, in recovery who can pave the way for them is an incredible support that can only be provided by alumni.  A solid alumni contribution will be a major factor in allowing for shorter stays and positive outcomes!!