Learning The Ins and Outs Drug Rehab Length? Here’s Your Guide
How long does a person remain in drug rehab? Coming to terms with what others may think and how much recovery can cost are often the hardest hurdles to overcome. Though, many will have a serious concern with the length of time it takes to complete a program.
This can be a tough question to answer, as there are different programs and different lengths of time are needed for each person. We will take a look at some of the factors and clarify any questions you have concerning the period of the process.
How long are normal rehabs?
There is no set time on how long rehab will take for each person. Your experiences, the help you need, and the severity of your condition contribute to how long recovery will take.
Most treatment centers offer basic treatment options with set lengths; 30, 60, and 90-day programs are standard for inpatient treatment, but they can last up to six months. Outpatient programs are typically longer, and three months to a year are typical.
Research shows that most addicts need at least three months of rehab for it to be successful. Most studies show that the longer time spent in treatment, the better the expected outcome. Shorter programs are useful for less severe cases but are often enough to get through the initial hurdles.
It’s essential to select the option that best suits your needs. If shorter programs are enough, then it’s perfectly fine to choose them. However, one should never cheat themselves out of extended treatment plans when they need additional support.
You aren’t locked into any program either. If you select a shorter period than you need, you can always continue into a more extended program if you feel it is necessary.
Extended Care
You may want more than 90 days to 6 months of treatment to help you achieve sobriety. Extended care programs are offered for that. If you must eliminate outside influences, you should consider a program that provides sober living housing.
These programs immerse you in a drug and alcohol-free environment to promote sobriety.
It is a lifestyle change that allows you to function as you typically would outside of rehab, but subjects you to a support system of peers who are on the same road to recovery. Additionally, treatment plans will continue in a sober living program.
What are the stages of rehab?
While there are variations between treatment centers, four stages of rehab are typical. This does not mean that each person will be subjected to the same process. The initial intake phase is used to assess and decide on a plan that will work best.
- Intake
- Detox
- Rehabilitation
- Aftercare /Outpatient
What should I expect in rehab?
The type of program selected will have a significant impact on your experience. Outpatient treatment and inpatient treatment programs are vastly different from one another. Despite having the same end goal, they implore different techniques designed to tackle and individual’s flexibility and needs.
- Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient programs are much more intensive and include a detox period with medical treatment. They also include daily therapy sessions, specialized treatment, and 12-step meetings. Individual, group, and family therapy sessions are typical. However, alternative therapy is implored as well and often includes exercise, music, or art therapy.
As a residential program, you will be staying at the treatment center until it has been completed.
- Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient programs are similar in that they include therapy. Most experience 9-15 hours of treatment throughout the week.
Outpatient treatment includes drug abuse education and counseling that aims to teach you about how to treat your addiction. If an outpatient program with a detox period is selected, everything remains the same except for medical treatment.
- Recovery House
As an addition to outpatient drug treatment programs, one may consider checking into a recovery house.
A recovery house should not be confused with a halfway house. Though they are similar, recovery housing is privately owned and will expect a regular check for rent.
These homes provide a drug and alcohol-free environment and require one’s active involvement in treatment programs. Furthermore, they implore other regulations, such as employment guidelines, to help ensure one is establishing a safe lifestyle.
Concluding Thoughts:
How long treatment will take should be a small concern when checking into rehab. Selecting a program that will indeed be effective is far more critical. It can be hard to come to terms with the need for a prolonged stay, but it should never be ruled out if needed.