According to research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2021, over 46 million people in the United States had a substance use disorder (SUD). Substance abuse and addiction can impact a person’s life in many ways and may become life-threatening.
It is important to treat substance use disorder as soon as you recognize the signs. People have different needs in treatment and throughout recovery. There are many levels of care and various types of treatment to meet a wide range of needs.
People may wonder if it is possible to extend your stay in rehab once you begin. This article will explore how to extend your time in treatment. You will learn:
What you will learn:
- What to expect from treatment
- What levels of care are available
- How long rehab lasts
- How to extend your time in rehab
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, you are not alone. Find treatment and recovery support at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn more about our treatment facility or to schedule an intake appointment.
What Happens in Rehab?
Rehab programs offer comprehensive treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). People may attend several levels of care throughout their recovery journey. Each level of care provides tailored support to address the roots of substance abuse.
Typical rehab therapies include:
- Assessments and screenings
- Medical detox programs
- Medications
- Treatment for mental health disorders
- Individual counseling
- Family therapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Psychoeducation focused on communication, coping skills, recovery resources, and other relevant topics
- Holistic therapies
- Behavioral therapies
- Aftercare planning
Levels of Care in Rehab
People have different needs throughout addiction recovery. A person’s needs can depend on a range of factors, including:
- The severity of their addiction
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Physical health disorders
- Community support
Addiction treatment programs are available in many settings and levels of care. Levels of care in rehab include:
- Medical detox programs
- Inpatient or residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Outpatient rehab
- Aftercare programs
Rehab centers typically offer multiple levels of care. This ensures people get the tailored care they need at each stage of their recovery. Many people begin recovery in an inpatient rehab before transitioning to outpatient treatment.
How Long Does Rehab Last?
There are many types of rehab and levels of care. Typically, people in rehab stay as long as they need to address the physical, behavioral, and psychological roots of their substance abuse.
Treatment programs may last 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, or longer. People may spend just a few days in a medical detox program before moving on to a comprehensive treatment program.
The length of time someone stays in treatment depends on their health, progress in recovery, and other factors.
Reasons to Extend Your Rehab Stay
Here are some common reasons people choose to extend their time in rehab:
1. You need more time to address underlying issues.
Many people enter treatment with co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or trauma. These concerns take time to fully explore and treat, and extra time in rehab allows for deeper work with therapists and counselors.
2. You’re not ready to transition home.
The idea of returning to daily life can feel overwhelming, especially if your home environment isn’t supportive or stable. Staying in treatment longer can help you build more confidence and develop stronger coping skills before taking that next step.
3. You’re still experiencing cravings or triggers.
If you’re still struggling with urges to use substances or feel easily triggered by certain thoughts or situations, more time in rehab can help you strengthen relapse prevention tools and build emotional resilience.
4. You want more structure and accountability.
Rehab offers a safe, structured environment where you can focus fully on healing. Extending your stay gives you more time to practice new habits, reinforce positive routines, and stay accountable to your recovery goals.
5. You’re building momentum and want to keep it going.
Sometimes progress starts to click near the end of a program, and you may feel like you’re just getting started. Choosing to stay longer can help you carry that momentum forward and keep growing.
At Alamo Behavioral Health, we believe in meeting people where they are. If you feel like more time in treatment would benefit you, we’re here to talk through your options. Our team can help you explore extended care, step-down programs, or supportive housing options like sober living.
Can You Stay in Rehab Longer?
Rehab programs provide comprehensive support and care to help people overcome SUD. Many people want to extend their treatment program as they approach their final weeks or days in rehab. But is this possible?
It depends. In most cases, people can choose to stay in rehab for longer periods. There are many ways to extend your treatment, including:
- Continuing treatment in your current treatment facility
- Receiving a different level of care
- Staying in a sober living home
- Receiving care from community providers
- Participating in a relapse prevention or aftercare program
Some factors may affect your ability to extend treatment. Here is an overview of some of these factors.
Treatment facility policies
In most cases, it is possible to stay in rehab longer. Extending your treatment program will allow you to gain more skills, have support for a longer period, and practice sobriety in a secure setting.
However, some treatment centers have limits on how long they allow clients to stay in treatment. Check with your treatment facility about the possibility of extending your stay in rehab.
Insurance coverage
Insurance companies typically must cover some or all costs associated with SUD and mental health treatment. However, insurance companies may require a medical professional to prove that you need additional treatment before covering your care.
Contact your insurance company or the Alamo Behavioral Health insurance specialists to learn more about insurance coverage for rehab.
Individual circumstances
Unique life circumstances may affect how long people can remain in treatment. Things like work requirements, family obligations, or living situations can affect how long people may stay in rehab.
Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our treatment programs. We can help you find the levels and types of treatment you need to overcome substance use disorder. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
