Most people usually wonder how long drug rehab takes, but there is no specific answer to this question. The duration of rehab will vary based on each individual. Some of them may only need a short treatment which includes detox, therapy sessions, and extra care, but dealing with an addiction is a complicated process that may go on for years. It might be preferable to complete rehab as fast as possible for some, but studies indicate that the longer one stays in drug rehab, the better the chances of avoiding a relapse.

Rehab usually differs for each case, and the duration of one’s stay will depend on elements such as the person’s rate of progress and the seriousness of the addiction. For people with severe alcohol or drug dependency with a co-occurring mental illness, extended medical care might be needed. A good drug rehab facility will provide its patients with a specified plan suited to their needs. Even though success is not always assured, it is still better to get some form of treatment. People in drug rehab usually stay in for an average of 30 to 90 days, depending on individual circumstances.

Drug rehab is usually categorized into short-term treatment and long-term treatment. The standard duration of short-term drug rehab is roughly 28-30 days and about 90 days for long-term rehab. However, there can also be longer stays if need be for severe cases. Both options involve a detox period of 2 weeks, then an analysis of the specific issues advancing the person’s addiction. Such issues may include excessive addiction triggers, chemical imbalances, and psychological trauma.

Short-Term Rehab

Individuals with busy schedules often prefer short-term stays at drug rehab. It is difficult for most people to set aside 30 days or even 90 days from their schedules. When selecting an option for treatment, you need to consider such practical concerns.

Another reason most people opt for short-term drug rehab is insurance coverage. Sadly, insurance does not always cover drug rehabilitation, so most people cannot afford the cost of longer, more comprehensive treatments.

Long-Term Drug Rehab

Even though short-term rehab has its advantages, long-term rehab may be inevitable in some instances of severe addiction. It is usually the last alternative for individuals who have had problems with numerous relapses or struggled with short-term rehabilitation. Long term rehab offers advantages such as:

• Nutritional assistance in reestablishing a healthy diet
• Restoring broken relationships with loved ones
• Addressing psychological issues in more time
• Helping the individual’s brain recover and heal
• Around-the-clock healthcare
• Treatment that is not dominated by detox
• Providing more time to relearn essential life skills that were neglected

It is generally agreed that long-term drug rehab provides maximum success for cases of persistent substance abuse. Studies show that most people suffering from addiction need a minimum of 90 days or three months in rehabilitation to stop their drug use or reduce it significantly for the best results. Drug addiction recovery is a longstanding process and often needs several treatment sessions. Relapses are common for people in recovery from substance abuse disorders. While they don’t mean the treatment has failed, they indicate that the treatment needs to be modified. People tend to leave drug rehab programs prematurely, and some treatment plans need to have strategies for keeping patients in treatment.

Duration of The Steps of Drug Rehab

To successfully overcome substance addiction, you need to go through several rehabilitation stages, including detoxification, treatment, and aftercare. Anyone in recovery should remain keen on maintaining their sobriety as it is a long-lasting commitment. Physicians also typically prescribe some aftercare after the program.

Detox

The standard duration for medical detox is 7 to 10 days, while more severe cases of addiction may require a more extended period. Withdrawal treatment drugs like Buprenorphine can cut down the duration of detox. Various substances call for varying detox lengths. Alcohol detox takes 3 to 14 days, Methadone takes 4 to 10 days, Heroin takes 4 to 10 days, and benzodiazepines take at least 2 to 8 weeks.

Treatment

The treatment phase of a drug rehab program can go for 30 days to 1 year, depending on how severe the addiction is. Patients with an addiction to specific drugs will need to stay longer. Individuals with serious addiction problems might also need long-term rehabilitation treatment. The treatment phase follows detox and is the central aspect of the rehabilitation program.

Aftercare

The journey to recovery does not end once you complete the treatment phase of drug rehab. You can still get cravings for alcohol or drugs at any time, and it is common to be tempted. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the drug addiction relapse rate is at 40 to 60 percent. Physicians typically recommend aftercare for patients to help them avoid a relapse. This rehabilitation stage may include self-help programs like Narcotics Anonymous, medication, regular meetings with support groups, and staying in a sober house. Patients need to remain in drug rehabilitation treatment for a minimum of a year and a half. It does not have to be inpatient treatment, but the period can include some aftercare to help the brain heal. The duration of aftercare will be based on how severe the addiction is. Some individuals might require these recovery services for life. The typical duration of stay is a year in some sober living homes, but some residents may remain there for up to 4 years or longer. According to research, active participation by patients in self-help group meetings like Narcotics Anonymous throughout and after rehab promotes extended recovery periods.

For some people, it is easier to achieve and maintain sobriety than for others. Specific individuals can get through their substance addiction in drug rehab with little or even no aftercare. Others might have to stay proactive about their recovery for months, years, or even a lifetime to avoid getting back on the addiction horse.

When one decides to get help for a substance abuse disorder, the experts at their drug rehab facility will diagnose their addiction problem. These specialists will then set up a treatment plan for the individual depending on their specific addiction.

Some rehab centers provide shorter rehabilitation of 28 or 30-day recovery program, but typical durations for drug rehab include:

• One month or 28-30 days
• Two months or 60 days
• Three months or 90 days
• 91-120 days (3-4 months)
• Long-term treatment of over 120 days

In conclusion, there is no particular answer for how long one should stay in drug rehab. Each person’s case is different, and they will have varying needs and expectations from the rehabilitation course.