Extended drug/alcohol treatment may be in order for teens, longtime addicts and professionals

Addicts in these high-risk groups, as well as those with psychological or mental health issues, are likely to benefit more from longer stays. Not everyone with a substance abuse disorder needs to commit to three months or more in an inpatient program, but certain groups of people do tend to require more care. Among those are teenagers, young adults, longtime addicts, high- functioning professionals and people with psychological or mental health problems. Also, people with eating disorders and a history of abuse need to have those issues addressed during treatment -- which takes additional time -- or they're likely to have more difficulty recovering, says Dr. Harry Haroutunian of the Betty Ford Center. The type of drug being abused can also affect treatment length, addiction experts say. Methamphetamine and heroin addictions, for example, are often more difficult to overcome.

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