If you’re considering addiction rehab, you may be wondering how long individual programs last. The length of addiction treatment can vary from one person to the next based upon a variety of factors. On average, most people remain in treatment for at least one month. However, many programs can extend to 90 days and even beyond. While short programs that include detox, therapy, and ongoing support can work well for some individuals, successfully treating substance use disorder often takes time. Those living with co-occurring disorders or co-morbidity, and people who’ve used large quantities of highly addictive substances for several years tend to do best in long-term treatment.
For these and other individuals, the best treatment options last between three and six months. According to research, relapse rates are lowest among people who commit to longer treatments. When entering rehab, getting sober as quickly as possible so that you can immediately begin rebuilding your life may seem ideal. Detox alone, however, does not set the stage for success. Taking a more comprehensive approach to recovery will allow you to identify the underlying causes of your addiction, develop improved coping skills, and learn how to establish healthy relationships that support your commitment to recovery.
Longer programs additionally assist their clients with life-planning so that factors such as housing instability and financial instability do not derail their continued efforts. Learning how to build and maintain a lifestyle that supports sober living can take time. The good news is that there are a number of flexible options in drug and alcohol treatment. As such, you can find the perfect rehab type and duration for your needs and your circumstances.
Choosing Between Inpatient And Outpatient Treatment
Drug rehab can be structured in a vast range of ways. Most programs, however, offer either inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment. With inpatient rehab, you will spend the entire duration of the program in a closed, on-campus facility. Visitation and outside contact are usually very limited in these environments so that all clients can feel safe and secure. This arrangement additionally ensures that all participants are able to focus entirely on getting well. Inpatient programs can last between one month and 12 months, depending upon the individual. They include:
- Detox support
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Life planning sessions with case managers
- Therapies for stress management
- Support for comorbidity
- Nutritional and other general health support
Outpatient programs are structured similarly, but they are designed to meet the needs of people who do not necessarily require the constant structure of inpatient, on-campus care. With outpatient rehab, people are able to continue going to work or school, and spending time with their families. Outpatient treatment proves most successful for those who:
- Have only been struggling with addiction for relatively short periods of time
- Are not using highly addictive substances
- Have not tried and failed in rehab before
When choosing outpatient rehab, you’ll still need to commit to a specified number of weekly hours spent receiving on-campus support. For instance, with an intensive outpatient program, you can spend up to 30 hours each week taking part in on-campus workshops, therapy, guidance sessions, and other activities. The level of commitment that you make should ultimately be determined by your addiction history and your individual needs. As with inpatient treatment, outpatient rehab can span from one month to three months. Some programs can last as long as six to nine months. It’s important to note that if you have a number of co-dependent or toxic relationships, or if you’re living in an unhealthy environment that actually fosters or supports your addiction, inpatient rehab may be the best choice.
This will provide a safe, stable space that’s conducive to establishing a healthy, sober lifestyle. For lasting success, both inpatient and outpatient programs can be followed by relapse prevention therapies and other forms of continued support. Detoxing from a substance of choice is only the very first step in recovery.
Thus, while you might begin this process in a simple, one-month program, it is important to have plans for receiving continued care. Ongoing services help people deal with the temptations, stress, and cravings that they’ll invariably face while moving through life post-treatment. If you’re looking for the right rehab for your substance abuse history, circumstances, and treatment needs, we can help you find it. Call us today at 833-846-5669.