How Long Does Inpatient Drug Rehab Last?

Inpatient drug rehab is an effective approach to treating substance abuse and addiction. Still, each person will require an individualized approach, which will impact the length of their stay in the facility. With that said, you’re probably wondering, how long does an inpatient rehab last?

In this post, we will answer this question together with reasons why you might want to consider a longer stay. Keep reading to know more!

How long is inpatient drug rehab?

On average, an addiction treatment center would offer a 30-day program for its clients. During this period, the person will undergo medically assisted detox, group therapy, individual therapy, and other modalities.

However, this isn’t the same with everyone. Others may thrive in a shorter stay while some may require a much longer stay to ensure that will sustain a sober life.

So how would you know the exact length of your stay in an inpatient rehab? This would be determined during your admissions process and after the rehab center performs a comprehensive diagnosis of your condition.

Overall, an inpatient rehab can last for 30, 60, or even up to 90 days or more. Again, the duration is determined with your best level of recovery in mind.

Factors affecting the duration of inpatient drug rehab

The main goal of inpatient rehab is to distance you from the environment that caused your addiction. At the same time, it keeps you away from possible relapse through a controlled facility. And if you’re planning to enroll in this program, the following factors will usually dictate the duration of your stay:

1.   Severity of addiction

The severity of your addiction will play a big role in determining the duration of your inpatient rehab program. Usually, if you have long-standing and severe substance abuse issues, you’ll require a longer treatment process. This is to address the underlying causes of your addiction and to help you develop effective coping mechanisms.

2.   Co-occurring disorders

If you have co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, you may require a longer inpatient rehab program. Treating both the addiction and the underlying mental health condition simultaneously is crucial for successful recovery. At the same time, it requires additional time to ensure holistic recovery on your part.

3.   Individual progress

Your journey to recovery is as unique as you are, so expect that your stay in rehab will vary from other clients. Overall, the specialists in your rehab facility would have to consider your response to the treatment and level of commitment to the program. The more positive your response to the modalities, the faster your recovery will be. And in general, this could help shorten your program.

4.   Insurance coverage and financial resources

Insurance coverage and financial resources can also impact the length of your inpatient rehab program. Some insurance plans may only cover a specific number of days, while others may provide extended coverage. Additionally, limited financial resources may force you to opt for shorter treatment programs due to cost constraints.

Benefits of Longer Inpatient Drug Rehab Programs

While shorter inpatient rehab programs may be suitable for some individuals, longer treatment durations may offer you numerous benefits. If you’ve struggled with severe abuse substance, here’s why a longer treatment program might be good for you:

1.   Comprehensive treatment

Longer inpatient rehab programs will provide you with ample time to undergo a comprehensive treatment approach. This approach includes individual therapy, group counseling, family therapy, and medication management (if necessary).

Aside from that, you’ll also receive holistic therapies such as yoga or art therapy. The extended duration allows for time to address the causes of addiction and develop positive coping mechanisms to avoid relapse.

2.   Increased support and accountability

With longer inpatient rehab programs, individuals have access to continuous support from healthcare professionals and peers throughout their recovery journey. The extended duration enables you to establish strong connections within the treatment community. In the long run, this will foster a sense of accountability and support that can be crucial for maintaining sobriety after leaving the facility.

3.   Relapse prevention skills

Recovering from addiction involves learning and practicing new coping mechanisms and relapse prevention skills. Longer inpatient rehab programs give you more time to develop and refine these skills, increasing the likelihood of sustained recovery upon completion of the program.

4.   Addressing underlying issues

Addiction often stems from underlying emotional, psychological, or traumatic experiences. Longer inpatient rehab programs provide you with the opportunity to delve deeper into these underlying issues, allowing for more extensive healing and growth during the recovery process.

5.   Transition and aftercare planning

Extended inpatient rehab programs typically include comprehensive transition and aftercare planning. These plans help you seamlessly transition from the controlled environment of the treatment facility back into your daily life. All of this happens while you continue to receive the necessary support and guidance.

Is a shorter length of stay in inpatient drug rehab possible?

Recovery from substance abuse and addiction doesn’t happen overnight. Your doctor will determine the best treatment duration based on your specific condition and needs. But for some cases, rehab centers may consider a shorter stay. This includes the following:

1.   Early intervention

When substance abuse issues are identified in the early stages, a shorter inpatient rehab program may be sufficient for your recovery. Early intervention programs focus on education, counseling, and developing coping skills, since you may not have developed severe dependencies or co-occurring disorders yet.

2.   Mild to moderate addiction

If you have mild to moderate addiction, shorter inpatient rehab programs can provide an intensive and concentrated approach to treatment. These programs typically last around 30 days and focus on detoxification, therapy, and relapse prevention. They are often followed by outpatient or aftercare programs for ongoing support.

3.   Supportive home environment

If you have a supportive and stable home environment, a shorter inpatient rehab program can be possible. The presence of a strong support system at home can help you maintain sobriety and continue recovery after completing a shorter program.

Conclusion

The length of your inpatient drug rehab always depends on the level of care you need. In the end, you shouldn’t see a longer stay as a bad thing; you should consider it as the perfect opportunity to receive holistic treatment to overcome your addiction.

After all, the specialists in your rehab center only want what’s best for your health. Staying committed to your recovery will pay off in the end and you’ll thank yourself for finishing the program.