How Long Does Drug Rehabilitation Take

Every year over 2.5 million people enroll in some type of drug rehabilitation program. Some have found their lives to be unmanageable and found help for themselves. Others had friends or family members who guided them into treatment. And, others may have had a legal push or health impact that required professional help for a drug problem. Whatever way an individual found help is usually less important than the fact that they are in a program or facility designed to help them get their lives back.

Because there are so many different types of treatment the time someone is enrolled is entirely dependent on the specific program as well as the type of treatment that he or she chooses for recovery. With that said the National Institute on Drug Abuse does report in its Principles of Effective Treatment that residential treatment programs lasting for 6 months or more can have the best result when someone is trying to overcome a substance abuse issue.  

Different Types Of Treatment

Here are the different types of treatment and the length of each type of program:

Traditional 12 Step – This type of treatment takes 28 days on average and usually consists of group meetings and sometimes individual counseling. In addition to this clients work the ’12 Steps’ of recovery which include admitting you’re powerless, making amends and even belief in a higher power.

Medical Detox – Medical detoxification is considered a short term type of rehab, although there is usually

not an actual ‘treatment’ component. Medical detox exists to take a person safely off of drugs that have life threatening side effects. For example an individual who is addicted to a prescription drug like Xanax can have a risk of seizures. Under a doctor’s supervision they are weaned off the medication and watched for medical complications.

Outpatient – Considered treatment one can do from home while still working, etc. outpatient is when someone goes to treatment for a few hours every day. It can last a few weeks and even longer depending on the individual needs of the drug user.

Long-term Residential Treatment – Looked at as one of the most effective types of rehab available, residential treatment can be anywhere from 90 days to 6 months. Some programs will even last up to one year. Clients can do a variety of different things in residential treatment. Some programs use a holistic method, others use bio-physical and there are also programs that utilize art or equestrian therapy.

The length of the rehabilitation program often depends on the individual needs of the substance abuser. A more severe addiction may require a long time in treatment but each case should be assessed individually.

What A Good Program Has

The components of a good program include:

• A safe withdrawal with the goal being a 100% drug free approach.
• A physical component to curbing physical drug cravings.
• Mental and emotional (life skills) help to handle underlying issues that lead to addiction.
• A guide to living a sober, productive and happy life.
• Aftercare to help with long-term sobriety.

The treatment environment should also be safe and serene so one can effectively focus on recovery.

Source: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-addiction