Inpatient rehabilitation is proven to be an effective approach to drug addiction. However, it takes time, and individuals with substance use disorder will be required to stay inside the facility throughout the treatment duration.
Unfortunately, not everyone can spare 30 days to enter rehab – much so a program that takes twice or thrice longer than that. In that case, many ask us, “How long are drug rehab programs?”
So, to help you understand the drug rehabilitation program timeline, we decided to create this brief guide with all the key information you should know. Read on and see how we determine treatment durations and why longer programs might actually be good.
How long are drug rehab programs?
In general, there’s no cookie-cutter measurement as to how long drug rehabs are. It always depends on what a person with substance use disorder (SUD) needs and the approach of the treatment center.
Based on our experience, the average length of drug treatment is a minimum of 28 to 30 days. However, this often stretches to months for our residents with a severe to chronic case of addiction.
We have to consider many factors to determine how long your drug rehab would be. Some of these include your needed level of care, substance use history, and more, which we discussed in length in a separate section below.
But if you want to get an accurate time estimate, feel free to call us anytime. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide a possible duration. However, please note that we can only determine the final timeframe for addiction recovery once you’ve finished our admissions process.
Factors affecting the duration of drug rehab programs
How long does substance abuse treatment take? As we’ve mentioned, there are some factors to consider to determine the length of our drug rehab in Los Angeles. But in general, we often look at the following aspects:
1. Severity of addiction
The severity of your addiction plays a significant role in determining the duration of your drug rehab program. If your addiction is more severe or chronic, it may require a longer period of treatment. Also, you’ll need additional support to help you overcome it.
2. Types of drugs used
The types of drugs you’ve been using can also impact the duration of your rehab program. Some drugs may have more intense withdrawal symptoms and may require a longer time to detoxify from your system (which we discussed in another section below).
3. History of substance abuse
Your history of substance abuse can influence the length of your treatment. If you have a long-standing history of drug use, it may take more time to address underlying issues and develop new coping mechanisms.
4. Previous treatment and its outcome
If you’ve undergone previous treatment for addiction, we will factor in the outcome of those treatments to determine the duration of your stay in our facility. If previous treatments were unsuccessful, it may be necessary to extend the duration of your current program to address any unresolved issues.
5. Overall health
Your overall health plays a crucial role in determining the duration of your rehab program. If you have other medical conditions or physical health concerns, it may take longer to ensure your overall well-being and address any specific needs during your recovery.
6. Co-occurring disorders
If you have co-occurring disorders such as mental health issues or other addictions, we may decide to stretch the duration of your treatment. It’s because polydrug use tends to be more difficult to address due to the compounding effect of various substances.
7. Level of care needed
Some clients who come to us for help need a more intensive treatment, which increases the length of their program. Take note that duration is the least priority when it comes to your treatment plan. What’s important is the quality of care and the modalities you’ll receive.
8. Relationship with family and friends
Your relationship with family and friends is also a make-or-break part of your treatment. Having a strong support system can positively influence your recovery, while strained relationships may require additional time for healing and rebuilding trust.
9. Financial situation
Financial constraints may push some to end treatment prematurely. This limits their access to much-needed drug rehab treatments, which will drag their recovery much longer than those who can afford the upfront cost.
The good thing is that we accept most major insurances here at LA Wellness Home. If you want to check if we accept your plan, you can request a free insurance verification from us right now.
Common types of drug rehabs and their duration
Overall, there’s no standard drug rehab program length since each type of drug takes a specific period to treat. To give you an idea of how much time each drug requires to treat, here’s a comparison of drug rehab program lengths based on our experience:
- Opiate detox. When it comes to this drug, the addiction treatment often requires a couple of weeks. This duration of opiate rehab includes medical detox, psychoeducation, and a combination of other modalities.
- Heroin detox. The duration of heroin rehab is usually a minimum of 30 days, which can stretch to 90 days or more. Since heroin is extremely addictive, many of our residents tend to stay longer than the minimum time in drug rehabilitation.
- Fentanyl detox. Since fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin, it also takes more time to address when someone abuses it. We still offer a 30-day program for this, but for guaranteed recovery, fentanyl rehab duration may require twice or even three times that period.
- Cocaine addiction treatment. Abusing this Schedule II drug will bring a myriad of health problems, and it will also require a lengthy rehab duration. For this, we recommend a minimum of one month or more, depending on the severity of the case.
- Meth addiction treatment. Meth is hard to quit and therefore challenging to treat. With this, rehab duration can be anywhere from 30 days to a few months, depending on the severity of use.
Why extended care drug rehab programs might be more effective
When it comes to short-term vs. long-term rehab, the latter might be a more effective choice in many cases. It gives you or your loved one enough time to recover inside a structured environment while surrounded by specialists and people who are also on the path of healing.
Here’s why a long-term rehab might be good for you:
1. More time to address underlying issues
Extended care programs typically last for an extended period, ranging from 90 days to a year or more. This longer duration allows you to receive intensive and comprehensive treatment, addressing underlying issues and developing healthy coping mechanisms over an extended period. It provides more time for you to make significant changes in your life and establish a solid foundation for recovery.
2. Chance to focus on long-term recovery
With a longer treatment duration, you can stay in a structured and supportive environment to focus solely on your recovery. These programs often include a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, life skills training, and support groups. Also, the structured setting helps you establish routines, develop new habits, and learn essential skills for maintaining sobriety.
3. Addressing co-occurring disorders
More often than not, most of our residents struggling with addiction also have co-occurring mental health disorders. With a longer program, you’ll have the resources and expertise to address both addiction and co-occurring disorders simultaneously. By providing integrated treatment, these programs can better manage underlying mental health issues, which can contribute to your recovery success.
4. Enjoy continuous peer support and community
With a longer rehab, you’ll have opportunities to connect with peers who are going through similar struggles. Peer support and community play a crucial role in recovery as you can share experiences, provide encouragement, and hold each other accountable. The sense of community fosters a supportive and understanding environment where you can learn from one another and build lasting connections.
5. Lower the risk of relapse
When you enroll in a longer rehab program, you’ll have time to prioritize relapse prevention strategies and receive ongoing support after the initial treatment phase. This will equip you with the tools and skills necessary to identify triggers, cope with cravings, and prevent relapse in the long term. Aside from that, ongoing support significantly reduces your risk of relapse and increases the chances of sustained sobriety.
Start your recovery with a trusted drug rehab in Los Angeles
Here at LA Wellness Home, we believe that it’s not too late to recover from addiction. Our addiction treatment center welcomes clients from all walks of life, wherever they are in their journey to recovery.
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our facility is just a call away. You can call our 24-hour hotline and start the admissions process anytime.
If you’re ready to take your life back from drug addiction and regain hope, send us a message today. Our recovery advocate will reach out to you soon.
