- For anyone battling with addiction, acknowledging that you need treatment is a crucial and courageous first step.
- When you don't know what to expect, the equally vital next step of getting help might be just as intimidating (as when you're picturing the worst-case scenario).
- When it comes to addiction treatment, one of the main concerns that many individuals have is how long it will take.
For anyone battling with addiction, acknowledging that you need treatment is a crucial and courageous first step. When you don’t know what to expect, the equally vital next step of getting help might be just as intimidating (as when you’re picturing the worst-case scenario). When it comes to addiction treatment, one of the main concerns that many individuals have is how long it will take. All wounds heal with time, or so you have been told—but how much time do you have?
The solution is a little trickier than you may imagine. Depending on who you ask, the length of time you spend in inpatient treatment for addiction varies a lot. However, it should be based on your specific therapy needs since this strategy will help you achieve the greatest potential results for long-term recovery.
How long will you be in inpatient treatment? The optimal length-of-stay suggestions are based on a thorough assessment of your requirements. Certain programs are designed to last a specific amount of time—say, 30 or 90 days—but there is no one-size-fits-all answer for how long residential treatment should endure. (source: NHS, n.d.)
Media depictions and famous works of fiction influence public perceptions about inpatient addiction treatment. A “normal” stay, as depicted in films is usually around a month long.
When it comes to addiction rehabilitation, there are no such pet rules for every patient since no two individuals experience addiction—or recovery—in the same manner. (source: NCBI, 2023)
However, if you contact an insurance provider, the answer could range from 1 to 6 weeks or more, based on criteria like the range of therapeutic programs a person has previously completed. When someone is facing legal action, state requirements may also come into the equation. Different treatment institutes, of course, may offer multiple programs with durations ranging from a month to a year or more.
To summarize, there is no strict rule on how long you must stay in inpatient treatment. The standards that do exist are subjective at best; there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to addiction recovery since no 2 persons experience addiction—or recovery—in the same manner. (source: NICE, 2011)
Thousands of individuals can use a single handbook to fix tens of multitude of computers or cars of the same type or model. Because they are not unique, you can use a user guide to repair something like a car or a computer. Human beings, on the other hand, are not mass-produced, and there is no guidebook for addiction treatment. Even if two persons are addicted to the same substance, they may require completely different types of help, as addiction and recovery are affected by a variety of physiological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
To put it another way, there is no such thing as a “standard” stay. How long you’ll need to stay in residential treatment is totally dependent on your needs and how well the treatment center you choose can meet them. [4]
Choosing the Appropriate Length of Stay in Residential Treatment
It is ultimately up to you how long you stay in an inpatient mental health program, but things are more complicated than simply deciding how long you want to stay. Working with mental health experts who can effectively guide you through detox, assess your health, and offer you a specific program that will help you get on course to long-term recovery is critical to determining how long you truly need to stay.
As a result, it’s critical to find a treatment center that provides programs that fit your needs rather than one that forces individuals to follow the program. Treatment centers that provide long-term programs without needing a lengthy stay at the campus are preferable because they are better equipped to provide continuous support during your recovery—even if your first stay in residential treatment is brief. Recovery does not happen overnight; it takes patience, time, and effort. However, with the correct treatment program’s mental and medical assistance, it is feasible to not only achieve but also maintain recovery. [5]
The Advantages Of A Thirty-Day Program
A 30-day program is an excellent place to begin treatment. Because you may not know how long you will need to be in treatment, this will help you decide whether or not to enroll in a longer program. This program allows you to work through any physiological symptoms of withdrawal you may be experiencing while also allowing you to start developing relapse prevention strategies. [6]
The Advantages Of A Sixty-Day Program
A 60-day program gives you more time and support while you’re in therapy. You will have time to detox from the drug on which you have been addicted, as well as therapy sessions to address any behavioral, situational, or familial factors that may have led to your compulsive behavior. (source: National Institute of Mental Health)
A 60-day program will offer you more time to thoroughly detox from alcohol or drugs while also allowing you to begin actively practicing positive and healthy behaviors that will aid in your long-term recovery. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover the entire 60-day program, many rehab centers offer financing options that enable you to pay in smaller monthly installments.
The Advantages of a 90-Day Program
A 90-day program may appear daunting at first. However, as previously stated, the longer you are in therapy and receive assistance, the better your chances of being sober while in recovery. [8]
These programs have the greatest success rates out of the three.
You would go through admission and assessment, detox, counseling, self-help groups, and setting up a follow-up and aftercare plan during this program. This approach is beneficial because it allows you to acclimate to life without alcohol or drugs over a longer period of time. You’ll be able to improve your ability to resist temptation in the future, as well as recognize any potential triggers. Those with serious or long-term addiction should also consider this program. [9]
Options for Long-Term Care
After a 90-day program, you may require more treatment or desire to move into a more regulated home environment to maintain your long-term sobriety. Additional programs in which you can engage yourself in sober living conditions are offered. A sober living house is a low-cost, drug- and alcohol-free setting where you can work through your own recovery plan with the help of your friends. This is an optional step if you’re not quite ready to return to the real world yet and require further help and discipline to learn how to be effective with the abilities you’ve acquired via the program.
FAQs
Inpatient treatment can provide a variety of mental health treatments. For you or a loved one, the best mental health centers will combine evidence-based techniques, peer support, and alternative therapies. These types of services are known as “evidence-based programs.”
During a crisis, you may also request inpatient mental health treatment for a loved one. Your loved one could be a threat to themselves or others. They may be oblivious to reality and therefore unable to make choices regarding their own care.
The Article
References
- findtreatment.gov. (n.d.). FindTreatment.gov. [findtreatment.gov]
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Mental health medications. National Institute of Mental Health. [nimh.nih.gov]
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Management of substance abuse. World Health Organization. [who.int]
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2017). Drug misuse prevention: Targeted interventions. NICE. [nice.org.uk]
About This Article
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This article was written by THE BALANCE’s clinical content team and reviewed by a licensed medical or mental health professional (such as an MD, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or equivalent). Our reviewers ensure that the information reflects current research, accepted medical guidelines, and best practices in mental health and addiction treatment. THE BALANCE’s medical editors draw on extensive real-world clinical experience supporting individuals in residential, outpatient, and luxury private treatment settings across Europe and internationally.
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Mental health and addiction conditions are complex and vary significantly between individuals. The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. To maintain accuracy and trust, THE BALANCE updates articles regularly as new research and clinical guidance become available.
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