The length of addiction treatment is different for every individual, although there are some specific parameters, which, if one abides by them, can make the process more likely to be successful. In addition, aftercare and the need for multiple treatment programs can also affect the length of time addiction treatment can take. If you are looking for safe, reliable rehab, call 888-810-3710 Who Answers? now.

General Treatment Lengths for Rehab

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that treatment shorter than 90 days is usually of limited effectiveness, and the longer the program, the more likely it usually is to be effective. However, there are many different rehab programs available all over the country that also provide different levels––and lengths––of care. The normal treatment lengths one is likely to encounter include:

• 30 days
• 60 days
• 90 days
• 6 months
• 12 months

Some programs may be even longer or shorter while others may be more likely to base specific lengths of the needs of the patient. But for the most part, you are likely to find standard-length treatment programs providing care from between 30 and 90 days and long-term programs providing care for around 6 months to a year. Some programs, like methadone maintenance, can also last as long as the patient needs them to, even years.

Every Patient Needs Their Own Program

It is important to remember that there is no one, tried-and-true formula for addiction treatment. Addiction manifests in different ways in different individuals, even when two people have been abusing the same drug, and a number of variables can affect an individual’s needs for recovery care, such as:

For severe addictions, inpatient care can last 6 months to a year.

• Co-occurring physical or psychological disorders that must be treated simultaneously with addiction
• Financial issues
• Social problems and the need for resocialization or group therapy
  • Resocialization focuses on using everyone in the treatment center as a part of the individual’s care, helping them to change negative beliefs, attitudes, and patterns (NIDA). This can take a long time, though, and most individuals receiving this type of treatment need to be in rehab for a year at least.
• Legal action that may require the individual to attend rehab for a specific length of time
• Age, gender, and other factors

Because there are so many variables that can affect an individual’s recovery, treatment must be catered to each individual and their needs, and this includes the length of the particular program they choose to attend. Therefore, even the common periods stated above may need to be tweaked for your specific needs.

What Happens During Rehab?

Treatment Requires Multiple Episodes

Unfortunately, many people are convinced that recovery can be done quickly and that a patient needs only to attend one treatment program to be able to move on from their substance abuse issues. The truth is that individuals who attend multiple treatment programs over their lifetime or those who participate in aftercare options are more likely to experience positive results (NIDA).

Treatment can, essentially, last as long as a person needs it to, and you can start a new, less intensive program after finishing the first option you decide to utilize. You may also want to return to your original rehab program for booster sessions after finishing the regular sessions. Recovery is a long process, and allowing yourself to benefit from multiple treatment episodes throughout your life can help you stay on track and avoid relapse. This may make it seem like treatment itself is never really over, but depending on your situation, you can determine what your needs are at any given time in your recovery.

Rehab Lengths and Recovery

Every individual is different, but if you have never attended treatment for an addiction before, it is likely much safer to choose a professional rehab program that offers at least 90 days of care. Afterwards, you can always choose to attend another type of program or attend booster sessions as aftercare. It can also help to talk to your doctor about your needs for recovery in order to ensure that you are able to find the best option.

We can help as well. Call 888-810-3710 Who Answers? now to find rehab centers that will provide you with an appropriate treatment length for your needs and help you recover as safely as possible.