How Long Do Addiction Treatment Programs Last?

Along with cost and approach and location, one of the things that you will be considering when you evaluate rehab programs is the length of your stay, especially if you will be residing at the facility. Your decision to seek care may depend upon how long you can take out of your life.

The reality is that no predetermined length of stay is perfect for every person and every addiction. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse does caution readers that research unequivocally demonstrates length of treatment determines positive outcomes. They state that participation that lasts fewer than 90 days is limited in efficacy. Plus, treatment lasting longer than 90 days is actually recommended for maintaining positive outcomes.

But, this doesn’t mean that you have to take three months out of your life. If you only have enough insurance coverage for a 28-30 day stay, you can still take advantage of treatment’s benefits by continuing your recovery outside of treatment with support group participation and therapy. Regardless, a 28-30 day stay is always better that the alternative, no treatment.

The following discussion will break down a variety of treatment lengths and their benefits. This should help you to decide what will work for you. For additional help making that decision, call 800-430-1407Who Answers?. We can help you to make up your mind and direct you to rehab centers that match your needs.

How Does the Rehab Center Determine the Program Length?

Those with co-occurring mental disorders may need longer rehab stays.

There isn’t a single method used by all rehab centers to determine the length of the stay. But, most centers rely upon an initial assessment in order to draw up an estimate to submit for insurance billing and other reasons. Truly, only your addiction and the results that are experienced when you are in rehab can determine how long you need to stay.

Your initial assessment will aim to determine:

• Your substances of abuse
• Your abuse patterns and history
• The presence of co-occurring conditions
• Your social situation
• Your medical situation
• Your psychological situation

A mix of addiction professionals will conduct evaluations that will be combined to create your first treatment plan. It will be adjusted as you move forward and make progress.

What About Detox?

Before a discussion of treatment length, you will want to consider the length of detox. Considered the first stage or treatment, detox services are never to be considered as a “cure” for addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration alerts readers detox can take place in a lot of settings and a variety of intensities within the setting. This will lead to a number of different detox lengths.

Generally, detox lasts between 3 and 14 days. Essentially, it will continue for as long as your body needs to rid itself of substances of abuse and withdrawal symptoms. This period of treatment will affect the length of your next phases of treatment. For example, if a 28-day treatment plan involves 14 days of detox, you will only have two weeks of formal treatment.

How Long Should Inpatient Drug Rehab Be?

Why Should I Choose a 30-Day Treatment Length?

This is the original treatment length. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the first model involved a 3- to 6-week hospital environment inpatient phase before a period of lengthy outpatient therapy and partaking of a self-help group.

Consider this a nice starting point. You will be able to work through all of your withdrawal symptoms and will experience facets of treatment, like

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Educational sessions
• Support group meetings

When you complete the 30-days, you will have a good understanding of what happens in rehab and this can help you to decide whether or not you should continue the process.

The major benefits of a 30-day rehab period are cost and commitment. It is a lot easier to commit to short-term care and it carries a lower price tag than more lengthy endeavors.

Why Should I Choose a 60-Day Treatment Length?

A 60-day treatment program will offer the same treatment benefits as a 30-day one: completing detox, understanding the components of care, and providing the choice of continuing or not.

In addition, you will be able to spend more time learning how to cope with cravings and triggers. You will also be able to go in-depth with your therapy and explore more difficult, embedded topics that couldn’t otherwise be addressed.

Why Should I Choose a 90-Day Treatment Length?

This length seems a little scary because it is three whole months. However, you are recommended to remain in treatment at least this long.

This will give you the most skill strengthening and that leads to a better ability to remain abstinent. If you have co-occurring conditions, a severe addiction, or complicated psychological underpinnings for your substance use, you will get the most comprehensive care in a program of this length.

Deciding on a rehab center is a difficult process, but you don’t have to do it alone. We can help. Call 800-430-1407Who Answers? and speak with an expert. You can ask all about treatment lengths and learn about the benefits they offer in your specific situation.