If you’ve made the brave decision to get help for drug or alcohol addiction, you’ve taken an important first step towards a better life. However, you may be scared and unsure of what to expect. One concern that many people have is how long rehab will last.

The truth is there is no simple answer to this question. There is no single formula used to treat addiction because everyone is unique and has their own personal needs. In order for treatment to be effective, it must cater to your needs and adapt to the changes you go through in your recovery. As a result, the type of treatment you receive and the length of stay required will depend on your individual situation.

How Long Does Rehab Last?

There are various different program lengths to choose from, including:

• Short-term rehab (usually two weeks)
• 30-day program
• 60-day program
• 90-day program
• Extended care (long term rehab or aftercare such as continued therapy or sober housing)

When choosing the right program for you, it’s important to consider your needs, the severity of your addiction, and which program is most likely to set you up for long-term success.

Short-Term Rehab

Short-term addiction treatment can last anywhere from 14 to 28 days. These programs are very brief and they are rare to come across. Short-term rehab gives you enough time to detox and learn about the recovery-related resources that are available in your area. However, it doesn’t provide you with much time to heal from the root cause of your addiction or establish healthy behavioral changes.

30-Day Rehab

A 30-day program is a great place to start if you are unsure of how long you should stay in rehab. 30 days offer you ample time to detox, participate in group and individual therapy, and establish a long-term aftercare program. At the end of the 30 days, you can always decide to stay longer or go to an extended care program if needed.

60-Day Rehab

60 days can seem long, but it goes by very fast when you’re focused on healing your mind, body, and spirit. 60 days in rehab is enough time to detox and address the root causes of your substance abuse. You will also have plenty of time to develop healthy coping skills as well as a long-term aftercare plan to help you maintain recovery.

90-Day Rehab

Spending 90 days in a rehab facility can seem intimidating, but it’s important to note that the majority of people need at least 90 days of treatment to significantly reduce or stop their substance use.[1] A 90-day rehab program gives you time to detox, uncover the root causes of your addiction, restore your physical and mental health, and come up with a detailed aftercare plan that paves the way for life-long sobriety.

Extended Care

Some addiction treatment programs extend beyond 90 days. Others offer continuing care programs consisting of intensive outpatient programming (IOP), outpatient rehab (OP), and alumni programs. Participating in an extended care program can help you stay sober. These programs can last six months or more.

Advantages of Longer Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Principles of Effective Treatment, remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical. While most people struggling with addiction need at least 3 months in rehab, longer treatment programs are correlated with better treatment outcomes.[1] And, leaving treatment prematurely can greatly increase the risk for relapse.

Addiction recovery is not something that should be rushed. Rushing through rehab means you could miss important information or fail to address buried emotions that you need to confront. Your recovery can be a life and death matter, so it’s important to take it seriously. As a result, you should take your time in rehab and only leave when it is recommended for you to do so.

While committing to 90 days in rehab can be difficult to do, 90 days is a mere glimpse in time if it means you’ll be able to stay sober for the rest of your life.

Factors that Determine How Long Rehab Lasts

Some addiction treatment centers don’t have defined treatment lengths. Rather, they provide you with a discharge date when your primary therapist decides you are ready to lead a self-directed life in recovery. This is because some people progress faster in their recovery than others. A flexible approach like this one ensures you stay in treatment for the amount of time you personally need to stay sober.

Factors that influence how long your drug and alcohol rehab program may last include:

• The severity of your addiction
• How long you’ve been addicted
• Whether or not you have co-occurring mental health conditions
• The rate at which you make progress in treatment
• Your personal life circumstances

No matter your situation, it’s important to take your time in recovery and soak up every bit of healing that you can.

Find The Right Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center For You

Choosing the right addiction treatment program isn’t always easy because it can be difficult to evaluate your situation and your treatment needs. But, that’s why we’re here. At Addiction Interventions, our team of substance abuse treatment specialists can evaluate your needs, verify your insurance benefits, and connect you with the right rehab center for you.

Don’t wait any longer for the help you deserve. Call now for a risk-free, confidential consultation.

References:

1. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/principles-effective-treatment