Addiction is a chronic and progressive disease, which means it can worsen over time if left untreated. If you struggle with substance abuse or addiction, you should get treatment sooner rather than later, but how do you know how long you should stay in rehab?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment. As a result, there are varying lengths of programs for you to choose from. Most addiction treatment centers offer 30, 60, and 90-day treatment options.
Knowing how long to stay in rehab depends on your personal needs. It is important to know how to examine your own needs to determine the best length of treatment time for yourself.
How Long Should I Stay in Rehab?
Some people may need to stay in rehab longer than others. There are a variety of factors that influence how long you should spend in treatment to successfully treat your addiction.
Some of these factors include:
- The longevity of your addiction
- What types of substances you abused
- Whether you have a co-occurring mental health condition
- If you have a history of trauma
- How strong your support network is
- How quickly you make progress during treatment
When you are choosing the length of your rehab program, you must consider whether all of your needs can be met in the certain amount of time allotted. In other words, you should be staying in treatment as long as it is clinically necessary for you to achieve personal progress and learn to maintain long-term sobriety. Rather than focusing on how long you should stay in rehab, you should listen to the recommendations of the clinical team and only leave once they determine you are ready to do so.
If you suffer from severe addiction, have co-occurring disorders, and have a history of trauma, you will likely benefit from extra time in a rehab program. People with more concerns to address should expect to stay in rehab longer. Others who only suffer from mild issues may benefit from a 30 or 60-day program. If you or your therapist decide you need to stay in rehab longer, your treatment can be extended or you can continue your care at an outpatient program.
Understanding the Length of Rehab
While many California drug rehab centers offer a standard 30-day program, there are other options. Most treatment facilities offer a 30, 60, and 90-day program to allow patients to decide what would best fit their needs.
Having 30, 60, and 90-day rehab programs all allow enough time for:
- Clinical assessments
- Identifying behavioral concerns
- Establishing personal goals
- Creating an individualized treatment plan
However, there can be advantages to staying in rehab longer.
30-Day Rehab
Addiction treatment programs are customized to your personal needs, but generally, after you complete detox you will attend residential treatment for at least 28 to 30 days. 30-day programs have been the standard for almost 60 years, as they can provide you with enough time to recover from the effects of addiction.
30-day rehab will allow you to address your negative thinking patterns and work towards improved decision-making skills and social connectivity. These programs provide various clinical interventions, such as positive coping mechanisms, improved social skills, a decrease in impulsive behavior, and increased positive relationships with others.
The only downside to 30-day programs is their short duration. For some people with mild addictions, 30 days is enough time to adequately address their treatment needs. However, if you suffer from a moderate to severe substance use disorder or suffer from any co-occurring conditions, you may require more time in a treatment program.
In the most severe cases, some patients are still experiencing post-acute symptoms of withdrawal after 30 days, meaning this isn’t always enough time to fully recover.
60-Day Rehab
60-day rehab allows you to fully immerse yourself in the therapeutic process. This length of treatment extends your time in a clinically beneficial environment and allows you to remain surrounded by excellent sources of support and experts in the addiction and mental health recovery field.
While 60-day rehab is similar to a 30-day rehab, it offers more time for aftercare preparation and planning so you are ready for the transition from a treatment program to real life. These programs include a wide range of medical services and behavioral therapies that can challenge any underlying issues that may have contributed to the development of your addiction, allowing you to fully recover from the causes and effects of your substance use disorder.
60-day rehab is a good choice for individuals who don’t suffer from severe addictions, but still feel they need a little more time to recover than just 30 days.
90-Day Rehab
While most people are successful in a 30 or 60-day rehab, some patients require extended care. Sheer Recovery offers a 90-day modified treatment program that allows you ample time to recover from the causes and effects of addiction.
People who may benefit from a 90-day extended rehab stay include:
- Those with severe addictions and a high risk for relapse
- People who also struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Someone who does not have a strong support system
- A person who does not have access to safe, supportive, or sober housing
- Someone who is referred to this length of the program by their substance abuse counselor
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), most people who suffer from addiction need at least 90 days of treatment to significantly reduce or stop their drug use.[1] In the same study, NIDA also found that the best treatment outcomes come from longer treatment times.
While shorter programs focus on detox and treating the immediate symptoms of addiction, 90-day programs provide the time for entire lifestyle changes.
Find the Right Addiction Treatment Program for You
If you or a loved one suffer from addiction, you must find the right addiction treatment program for you. At Sheer Recovery, we understand that addiction is different for everyone. That is why we offer various programs to address the unique individual needs of every patient who walks through our doors. Start your recovery today by calling to speak with one of our qualified admissions specialists.
"*" indicates required fields