If you or a loved one are considering drug rehab, one of the first things you want to know is how long drug rehab can be. How long will the program last? How many days, weeks, or months will I be away? Is there a way to speed it up or perhaps slow it down? Do I have to be away from home the entire time I’m in treatment?
It is normal to have questions like this. After all, drug rehab is a significant decision, and you deserve to go into it having as many questions answered as possible. This article will discuss common lengths of drug rehab and explain what influences the length.
What Are Common Lengths of Drug Rehab Programs?
Drug rehab programs can last for as few as 30 days and for up to a year or longer. At a glance, here are some of the more common drug rehab program lengths and the primary purpose of each.
Short-Term Drug Rehab Programs – Up to 30 Days
These programs focus on the drug or alcohol detox process and stabilization. It is often the starting point for longer treatment options or for those who are experiencing relatively mild substance abuse.
60- to 90-Day Drug Rehab Programs
Like short-term drug rehab programs, these two to three-month programs focus on detox and stabilization. They usually include mental health treatment and behavioral health therapy geared toward life after rehab. These programs could be inpatient (the participant stays in the drug rehab facility) or outpatient (participants live in their home environment but come for treatment).
Long-Term Drug Rehab Programs – 6 to 12 Months or Longer
These more extended programs are likely to include inpatient residential treatment, often followed by time in a sober living home. They are likely to include outpatient treatment and therapy. They are appropriate for those living with a dual diagnosis, which describes those with both a mental health concern and a substance use disorder (SUD).
What Influences The Length of Drug Rehab?
It’s important to recognize that every person’s path to recovery will be unique because we are unique. The time and circumstances at which we arrive in a drug rehab program are all different. Some common elements that influence how long drug rehab will last:
- Dual diagnosis or co-occurring mental health disorders. Examples of common mental health challenges for someone with a dual diagnosis include anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. When a person experiences this alongside a substance use disorder, their time in treatment is often longer.
- Type of substance abuse. Detox and treatment for substances will vary depending on the substance dependency. Detoxing from Benzodiazepines such as Valium or Xanax can often take longer than alcohol, for example.Â
- The severity of the addiction. The length of time a person has been addicted to a substance will play a role in both the detox process and the recovery treatment.
- Progress during treatment. Every person will progress at their own pace, and according to their needs. Once in treatment, it can be tempting to compare your progress to those around you. Understanding that there will always be people in different stages of treatment and focusing your energy on your personal recovery will serve you well.Â
Drug Rehab with The ARTS
Addiction is complex, and no single treatment plan will work the same for everyone. However, with the right plan and support, addiction is treatable.
At The Addiction Recovery and Treatment Services (ARTS), we offer a variety of treatment plans and options. If you have been looking for answers for yourself or a loved one, we hope you will contact us today to share your path and discuss potential treatment options. Recovery is possible. We are here to support you on your journey.
