How Long Does Addiction Treatment Take?
Alcohol and drug addiction is a chronic disease, and abstinence is the aim of rehab treatment.
Detox removes all traces of drugs and alcohol from the body and treats withdrawal symptoms, and psychotherapy treats the underlying psychological issues that could cause a relapse.
The longer the rehab programme, the less chance of relapse.
The ideal length of stay in rehab varies from person to person and is best decided by a Consultant Psychiatrist following the initial assessment. The necessary length of treatment should be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Generally, it has been proven that the longer a person stays in treatment, the better the outcome for long-term abstinence.
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How long does rehab take?
- Detox: 7-10 days (Methadone can take up to 20 days, and Benzodiazepines can take between 2-8 weeks).
- Hospital residential treatment: 16 days
- Long-term residential treatment: 90 days
- Short-term residential treatment: 28 days
- Outpatient treatment: 130 days
Why 28 days?
There is no exact scientific number of the number of days that someone suffering from addiction needs to get sober.
It all starts with your mindset and commitment to treatment and recovery.
Twenty-eight days is the most common programme because it teaches people battling depression, anxiety and substance abuse the chance to learn the basics of getting sober whilst working through the root causes of their use in the first place.
Many professionals believe that the 28-day programme makes it easier for addicts to begin their journey with a shorter program to motivate them into recovery.
This is why rehab centres will then offer an extension to treatment, where the individual can carry out further treatment, usually between 60-90 days.
The benefits of an inpatient 28-day rehab programme
- Most private insurers cover 28-day rehab treatments
- You will spend 28 days away from social pressures
- Allows you to get away and focus on getting better
- Receive the essential skills to continue your sobriety once therapy has been completed
- It’s a busy, compact but structured program
- You will continue to receive aftercare support
How are 90-day rehab programmes different from others?
Treatments and therapies that stretch over 90 days have been found to boast the most successful abstinence results.
The same therapies are still offered and continued with a long-term stay, but the extra time allows the patient to continue in their positive and sober environment.
The pros of a 90-day rehabilitation programme
- It helps you better readjust to life after rehab
- It gives you more time to focus on your recovery
- Allow you to immerse yourself in recovery fully
- Reduces the risk of relapsing
- Promotes relaxation – helping you relieve and avoid stress
Comparing the difference
30-day short-term stays can focus primarily on detoxing and treating, and fixing the immediate symptoms and problems you face.
Whereas the more extended stay programmes like the 90-day treatments give patients a better chance to properly detox and further teach techniques and methods for creating long-lasting and permanent changes to their lives.
Call 0808 115 0608 today and get the help you need now.
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Last Updated on June 15, 2022 by
