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how long is drug rehab

Are you worried that you or a loved one may be in need of drug rehab? When you’re ready to take the first step to recovery you’re making an amazing decision for your health. An estimated 22 million current Americans have resolved a drug or alcohol problem, and you or your loved one could be next.

Many people are put off by the idea of going to drug rehab because of the time commitment. How long is drug rehab anyway?

We’re here to answer your question and give you a timeline of what treatment looks like. Keep reading to learn more. 

What Does Drug Rehab Consist Of? 

The drug rehab timeline varies from person to person. Because everyone is different, every addiction experience is different. That said, there is a general timeline that most people experience. 

The first step is detox. Detox can last anywhere from 4 to 14 days (regardless of whether you’re in rehab for drugs or alcohol), but it averages between 7 and 10. This is the time needed for your body to lose the physical dependence on the drug.

If you’re doing a residential treatment, there are both short-term stays and long-term stays. Again, this will vary depending on the person.

Short-term stays can last as short as 28 days. Long-term stays may last 90 days or more. These stays include both group and individual therapy and medically-assisted treatment, as well as counseling and medication management. 

What Factors Go Into The Length of Drug Rehab?

So why does it vary so much?

Different drugs have different treatment needs. Some drugs have quick detox periods while others require more medically-assisted and supervised treatment in order to be safe.

Beyond this, some people take to treatment better than others. Those with newer or more mild conditions, and those with good support systems, may not need as much guided care. 

Some people are also limited by their life situations. If someone can’t spend three months away from their responsibilities, they may get a quicker intensive treatment instead of a long-term one. The benefits of rehab are there regardless.

What About Afterwards? 

Treatment doesn’t end when you leave the residential center. A good treatment center will help you create a post-treatment plan so you’re able to continue your recovery. Remember, recovery is a life-long journey, not a destination.

You may continue counseling, group therapy, and various other methods of recovery and treatment long after your residential stay is complete.

With addiction, relapse is common. Some people don’t choose to go to post-treatment care until relapse occurs, or they let relapse set them back.

Remember, when you finish your stay, relapse is often considered a part of recovery. It’s not setting you back. It’s a speedbump, not a wall. It should provide more encouragement to stick with your recovery plan. 

So How Long Is Drug Rehab? It Varies

When you’re admitted to a drug rehab center, your needs will be assessed so the best treatment plan can be made for you. When it comes to “how long is drug rehab,” it’s kind of like asking “how long is a line?”

You want treatment and recovery that’s suited to your needs. Don’t worry about how long it will take. Worry about the results.

If you or a loved one is in need of drug treatment, we want to help. Contact us to learn more about our programs today and start your journey towards recovery.