Drug rehab can last anywhere from 3 days to more than 180 days. Rehab time relies on many things, such as the type and severity of the addiction, the patient’s motivation and readiness, their support, and their physical and mental health.
The 2015 SAMSHA National Survey on Drug Use and Health found 21.7 million 12-year-olds needed addiction treatment, but only 2.3 million went to rehab.
A common question is how long it takes to get clean from drugs. Let’s find out through our blog, you’ll have all the answers to your questions!
Most Common Rehab Program Lengths
If you or a loved one is addicted, you may ask how long it takes to get and stay sober. Because recovery programs vary in length and benefits, the answer is complicated.
Short-Term Rehab Programs
These are 3–10-day programs. They offer rapid detoxification and rudimentary counseling and education. They help those with mild addictions, robust support systems, and minimal relapse rates.
Short rehab programs are cheaper and less disruptive. These rehab programs are ineffective for patients with severe addictions, co-occurring psychiatric disorders, or significant relapse rates. They don’t give enough time to address addiction’s root causes or develop coping and relapse prevention skills.
7-Day Programs
These are one-week short rehab programs. They may provide more intense services and support like the ones above. They are helpful for immediate intervention or substance use-related medical emergencies.
They also work for persons who want to quit and can commit to follow-up care. However, they cannot treat chronic or complicated addictions or guarantee long-term recovery. The patient must be self-disciplined and have family and friend support.
30-day Programs
One-month treatment programs are the most prevalent. They provide detoxification, medication-assisted therapy, individual and group counseling, behavioral therapy, education, and aftercare.
They are helpful for moderate addicts who need more time and structure than short-term programs and can afford them. They also help dual-diagnosed patients and those with trauma, abuse, or familial troubles.
My upstairs neighbor is an addict therapist and doctor and he shared that these rehab programs duration isn’t enough for persons with a long history of addiction or who need extra assistance and direction following the program. They may also be unavailable or uninsured. Rehabilitation may benefit 2.4 billion people worldwide.
60-day Programs
Two-month programs extend 30-day treatment. They allow more time to address the fundamental causes of addiction, learn coping skills and relapse prevention, and prepare for life beyond recovery.
These rehab programs suit serious addicts who need more intensive and specialized care than 30-day programs and can afford the increased expense and longer stay. They help persons with numerous addictions or physical or mental health difficulties.
They are insufficient for persons with persistent or recurrent addictions or needing continuous care and monitoring after the program. They may also be inconvenient or inaccessible.
90-day Programs
These three-month programs provide the most long-term alcohol rehab. They provide all the services and benefits of shorter programs but in greater depth and duration.
They are suitable for chronic or relapsing addicts who need more intensive and specialized care than 60-day programs and can afford the highest cost and longest stay. I have two cousins who were almost same age and they both were accustomed to 90-day rehab.
As far as I have seen, these 90-day programs are suitable for people with complex addictions, legal challenges, domestic violence, or homelessness. They require a lot of patient drive and support after the treatment. Therefore, they don’t guarantee recovery. They may also be inaccessible to some.
Longer-term Programs
These are long-term alcohol rehab. They offer residential treatment, transitional housing, outpatient programs, sober living, recovery counseling, and alumni networks. They are excellent for chronic or relapsing addicts who need more long-term assistance and direction than 90-day programs and can afford the continuous cost and engagement.
They can also help persons with multiple or complicated addictions or other issues, including work, education, or family reunification. They demand a lot of patient attention and participation in the recovery community. Thus, they are not a cure for addiction. Some may not need them.
Factors that affect the length of drug rehab
Rehab time varies in duration and objective. However, some broad recommendations might help you comprehend drug treatment and choose the right solution.
The severity of the addiction
Treatment may take longer for strong addictions. Long-term drug users, multi-substance users, and those with high tolerances may need more rigorous and longer-term treatment than those with mild or moderate addictions.
The type of drugs used
Drugs vary in addictiveness. Opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine, and alcohol may cause stronger withdrawal symptoms than marijuana or hallucinogens. Thus, the drug kind affects detoxification and therapy length and severity.
The individual’s personal circumstances
Everybody’s situation affects rehabilitation. Age, gender, medical history, mental health, family support, employment position, legal concerns, and motivation can affect rehab length and effectiveness.
The availability of resources
Rehab programs’ duration depends on cost and accessibility. Insurance or financial aid may help some people finance longer or more thorough training. Some people cannot attend rehab due to transportation, childcare, or employment obligations.
Inpatient therapy typically lasts 28–30 days, but outpatient rehab can last 30–90 days or more. These averages may not reflect each person’s optimal duration. Some people may benefit from shorter or longer programs depending on their aims.
Drug rehab is not one-size-fits-all. It’s customizable to each person’s needs. A competent addiction counselor or therapist can examine your problem and prescribe the finest program to determine how long drug treatment will last for you. Population expansion, aging, and noncommunicable disease prevalence have boosted rehabilitation needs by 63% since 1990.
Determining Your Personal Rehab Timeline
Drug rehab is not one-size-fits-all. Addiction recovery needs, goals, and problems vary. Rehab staff will tailor a therapy strategy to your needs.
Treatment specialists will use numerous criteria to determine your best treatment timeline, including:
- The type and severity of your substance use disorder
- The presence of any co-occurring mental health issues
- Your medical history and physical condition
- Your personal preferences and expectations
- Your level of motivation and readiness for change
Rehab staff will recommend an exercise plan based on these criteria to help you recover. Such as:
Detox
Rehab time begins with detoxing and preparing for further therapy. Depending on the substance and withdrawal symptoms, detox can last a few days or weeks.
Inpatient rehab
A multidisciplinary team provides 24/7 care and assistance in this residential program. Depending on your progress and needs, inpatient therapy can last 28–90 days or longer.
Outpatient rehab
You attend sessions at the institution while living at home or in a sober living situation. Depending on severity and frequency, outpatient treatment might span weeks or months.
Aftercare
Post-rehab support and care, which means aftercare, may involve counseling, group therapy, medication management, relapse prevention, and peer support. Recovery is lifelong; thus, aftercare can last forever.
As we can see, the drug treatment length is undetermined. The addict’s situation determines it. However, sticking to your treatment plan and following rehab staff instructions is very important. They assist you in achieving. Relapse is typical and a sign to change or restart treatment.
Case studies illustrating different durations of drug rehab
If you or a loved one is addicted, you may ask how long it takes to get and stay sober. Because everyone’s situation is different, the answer is complicated. But I’ll show you some drug treatment case studies that show how varying lengths can help folks recover.
Case 1: John’s experience in a 30-day inpatient rehab program
John, 35, is a 10-year heroin addict. After a few days or weeks, he relapsed. After his wife threatened to leave and take their kids, he entered a 30-day inpatient rehab program.
John got medical detox, individual and group counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and relapse prevention in rehab. He joined recreational and peer support organizations. John found rehab challenging yet gratifying.
The staff and other clients helped him understand himself and his addiction. He was delighted with his improvement and stated 30 days had gone by fast.
He left the program with outpatient therapy, medication management, and sober living. He believed he could stay sober but understood he had to work hard and follow his plan.
Case 2: Sarah’s journey through a year-long residential rehab program
Sarah, 25, is a five-year alcohol and cocaine addict. She used pills and alcohol to treat her despair and anxiety but lost control. She quit college, lost her job, and alienated her family and friends.
She dropped out of several outpatient programs or was expelled for using drugs or alcohol. She applied for a year-long dual-diagnosis residential rehab program because she needed more intensive and long-term treatment.
Sarah underwent addiction and mental health treatment in the residential program. She got a psychiatric evaluation, medication management, individual and group therapy, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior, trauma-informed, and holistic therapies.
She participated in educational and vocational programs, life skills training, and community service. Sarah claimed the residential program transformed her. She felt protected and connected to her friends and counselors in the program.
She learned to control her emotions, stress, communicate, and set reasonable limits in rehab time. She rediscovered her passions, talents, self-esteem, and hope for the future.
She finished the program with treatment, medication, sober living, and aftercare. She appreciated the program’s healing and growth and was ready to start a new chapter.
Addicts may wonder how long drug recovery lasts. Because everyone’s situation is different, the answer is complicated. Some need short-term programs, while others need extended stays. Finding a treatment plan that meets your requirements and goals is crucial. Know what to send someone in rehab.
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