There are options to do rehab over 7,14,28 days, 3 months or even a year. A lot of it depends on the patient and how they respond to various treatments.
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Understanding how long rehab takes is crucial for planning your recovery journey. The duration varies significantly based on your addiction severity, personal circumstances, and treatment approach, with options ranging from 7 days to a full year.
How Long Does Rehab Take for Different Addiction Severities?
Rehab duration depends primarily on your addiction severity, with mild addictions requiring 7-14 days while severe dependencies may need 28 days to several months. Those with cannabis or prescription drug dependencies often succeed with shorter 7-14 day programs, while alcohol and hard drug addictions typically require longer treatment periods.
Your personal response to treatment also influences duration – some people progress quickly through the stages of recovery, while others need extended time to develop healthy coping mechanisms. Factors like your physical health, mental health status, and previous treatment attempts all impact how long your rehab journey will take.
Most rehab facilities offer flexible programs that can be extended if needed, ensuring you receive adequate support for lasting recovery. The goal is always successful long-term sobriety rather than rushing through a predetermined timeline.
| Program Length | Best For | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7-14 days | Mild dependencies, detox only | 40-50% |
| 28 days | Most addiction types | 60-70% |
| 60-90 days | Severe addictions, dual diagnosis | 75-85% |
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How Long Does Detox Take Within Rehab Programs?
Detox typically takes 7-28 days depending on the substance you’re withdrawing from and your physical dependence level. Alcohol detox usually lasts 7-10 days, while opioid detox can extend to 14-28 days due to the complexity of withdrawal symptoms.
Medical detox programs provide supervision and medication-assisted treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. The severity of your addiction determines whether you need medical supervision – severe dependencies require inpatient medical detox, while milder addictions may be managed through outpatient detox programs.
Your age, weight, overall health, and how long you’ve been using substances all influence detox duration. Some people begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms within hours of their last use, while others may not feel symptoms for several days.
How Long Does Intensive Inpatient Rehab Take?
Intensive inpatient rehab typically lasts 28-90 days, with the standard program being 28 days for most addiction types. Residential treatment provides round-the-clock care and removes you from environments that trigger substance use, making it highly effective for severe addictions.
During inpatient rehab, you’ll participate in daily therapy sessions, group counseling, medical monitoring, and structured activities designed to build recovery skills. The intensive nature means you’re fully immersed in treatment without outside distractions or temptations.
Many people find that 28 days provides sufficient time to complete detox, engage in meaningful therapy, and develop a solid foundation for recovery. However, those with co-occurring mental health disorders or multiple failed treatment attempts often benefit from extended 60-90 day programs.
How Long Does Outpatient Rehab Take Compared to Inpatient?
Outpatient rehab typically takes 3-6 months but allows you to maintain work and family responsibilities while receiving treatment. You’ll attend therapy sessions several times per week while living at home, making it ideal for those with strong support systems and less severe addictions.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) require 9-20 hours of treatment per week for 12-16 weeks, while standard outpatient programs involve 3-6 hours weekly for 3-6 months. The extended timeline compensates for the reduced treatment intensity compared to residential programs.
Outpatient treatment works best when combined with a strong support network and structured home environment. If you’re surrounded by triggers or lack family support, the longer outpatient timeline may not provide sufficient structure for early recovery.
How Long Does Therapy Take During Rehab Treatment?
Therapy continues throughout your entire rehab duration, typically starting immediately after detox stabilization. Individual therapy sessions occur 2-3 times weekly during inpatient treatment, while group therapy happens daily in most residential programs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are commonly used approaches that help you identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and address underlying mental health issues. These evidence-based therapies require consistent participation over weeks or months to be effective.
Family therapy sessions may be incorporated weekly or bi-weekly, helping repair relationships damaged by addiction and building a supportive home environment. The combination of individual, group, and family therapy provides comprehensive treatment addressing all aspects of your recovery.
Most people continue some form of therapy even after completing primary treatment, transitioning to weekly or bi-weekly sessions as part of their aftercare plan.
How Long Does Aftercare Take Following Primary Rehab?
Aftercare support typically lasts 6-12 months following primary treatment, though many people continue support group participation for years. This ongoing support is crucial for maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse during the vulnerable early recovery period.
Aftercare may include weekly individual counseling, support group meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous, sober living arrangements, and regular check-ins with your treatment team. The intensity gradually decreases as you build confidence and stability in your recovery.
Studies show that people who engage in aftercare for at least one year have significantly higher success rates than those who don’t participate in ongoing support. The transition from intensive treatment to independent sober living requires continued guidance and accountability.
How Long Does It Take to Choose the Right Rehab Program?
Choosing the right rehab program should take 1-2 weeks of research and consultation, though urgent situations may require immediate placement. At Help4Addiction, our initial consultation takes 1-2 hours where we assess your needs, discuss treatment options, and match you with appropriate facilities.
We consider factors like your addiction severity, insurance coverage, location preferences, and specific treatment needs to recommend programs with the best success potential. This thorough assessment ensures you enter a program designed for your specific situation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Don’t let the decision-making process delay your treatment – we can often arrange admission within 24-48 hours for those needing immediate help. The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you can start rebuilding your life free from addiction.
About Author
Nick Conn
Nicholas Conn is a leading industry addiction expert who runs the UK’s largest addiction advisory service and is regularly featured in the national press, radio and TV. He is the founder and CEO of a drug and alcohol rehab center called Help4addiction, which was founded in 2015. He has been clean himself since 2009 and has worked in the Addiction and Rehab Industry for over a decade. Nick is dedicated to helping others recover and get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. In 2013, he released a book ‘The Thin White’ line that is available on Amazon.
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