Starting a recovery journey can be stressful. Most will want to know what to expect. They may wonder, ” How long is addiction treatment?”
The length of treatment can vary depending on the severity of the addiction. There are also different types of treatment programs that vary in length.
This article will review all aspects of substance use disorder treatment, so you know exactly what to expect.
How Long is Drug Rehabilitation Treatment?
Your time in a rehabilitation program varies, and people with more severe addictions may undergo extended treatment. However, here’s what your recovery journey may look like.
Inpatient Treatment
This type of treatment involves staying at a treatment facility 24/7, typically for 1-3 months. It is recommended for individuals with severe drug abuse dependency issues.
The initial stage of inpatient treatment is detox, a drying-out period that can last 1-2 weeks. This stage is often considered the most difficult part of rehab as patients experience withdrawal symptoms that increase relapse risk.
However, addiction specialists oversee the process for relapse prevention and to avoid severe complications. Medication-assisted treatment may also be integrated to reduce symptoms and cravings.
When symptoms become manageable, patients move on to therapy. Evidence-based treatment options are used to address the underlying mental health issues that may have contributed to addiction. Patients learn coping strategies to deal with urges, stressors, and cravings.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP is similar to inpatient treatment; however, rather than staying at the facility 24/7, patients undergo mental health treatment for 6-8 hours a day and return home at night. It is a recommended substance abuse treatment for patients who have less severe addictions and a safe home environment.
This program can be a primary form of care or a follow-up to inpatient treatment. It typically lasts 2-6 weeks but can be as long as 1-3 months for people who require a structured environment but can safely live off-site.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
Like PHP, outpatient rehab can be a primary or follow-up treatment, but it is primarily a step down from inpatient or PHP. It involves continued therapy, in which patients see a therapist up to five times a week for 30-60-minute sessions. It often lasts 8-12 weeks.
Outpatient Treatment/ Aftercare Plan
After patients complete the initial stages of treatment, they may continue seeing a therapist and attend support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), once a week or as needed. For some, this is a lifelong process essential to sobriety maintenance.
This final stage of treatment is typically part of a larger aftercare plan. The client is often recommended to integrate healthy habits and mindfulness exercises to support long-term recovery. They may continue to interact with the treatment team through social gatherings and alumni meetings to support a sense of connection.
What Determines Rehab Duration?
Rehab duration is determined by several factors, including the following:
- Clinical Assessment: Medical professionals will assess your condition to determine the severity of your addiction and underlying issues contributing to your dependency. They will also look at your cravings level, home support system, and relapse history.
- Progress & Stability: Treatment centers will continue to monitor your progress in terms of mood, coping skills, cravings, and safety. If you are unstable after some time in recovery, they may recommend longer programs.
- Insurance Coverage: Some insurance providers are limited in the amount of coverage they offer. They may require check-ins after 1-2 weeks, then a re-review, or only allow minimal PHP after an inpatient stay. State-funded programs may have similar requirements, while self-pay can be limited by budget.
- Program Design: Some programs have a preset arc with guidelines for how long a patient stays in inpatient, PHP, and outpatient care. Others are customized to patient needs.
BlueCrest Recovery Provides Comprehensive Support
At BlueCrest Recovery, we understand that entering a rehab program can be stressful. We will do everything we can to ease the burden. Our team will tell you exactly what to expect from the time you arrive until you check out.
Our holistic interventions support lasting recovery. We consider the co-occurring mental health disorder that may contribute to addiction. This whole-person approach has been shown to support long-term sobriety.
Contact us to learn more about what we have to offer.
FAQs
If I start with inpatient and then move to PHP, does my inpatient time cut into my PHP time?
Not directly. Each level of care is authorized based on the patients’ current clinical needs. However, if you’ve already had a long inpatient stay, insurance may approve a shorter PHP stay before stepping down to IOP.
Is it possible to do 3 months of inpatient and then 3 more of PHP?
It’s possible, but not typical. That length of treatment is usually only recommended for individuals who have high needs, with a history of chronic relapse, a lack of home support, and severe mental health issues, and requires clinical justification and insurance or funding approval.
Do all programs follow the same timeline, moving from inpatient to detox to PHP to IOP?
No, while most people start with detox, they can move on to inpatient, PHP, or outpatient treatment from there. The trajectory can be adjusted to patient needs.
What is the difference between detox length and rehab length?
Detox is the drying-out period, typically focused on managing withdrawal symptoms. It usually lasts 3-10 days. Rehab focuses on the underlying condtions that contribute to addiction and can last weeks or months.
Is 30 days of rehab really enough?
Thirty days is typically just the starting point. Research suggests people achieve better outcomes when they remain in treatment programs for 90 days or more and then continue with outpatient care.
