Drug and alcohol use disorders affect millions of people in the United States. Living with an addiction can have devastating effects on your mental, physical, and social health. People with substance use disorder (SUD) are at risk of life-threatening consequences of addiction.

Getting comprehensive treatment can help people identify and overcome the physical, behavioral, and psychological aspects of their substance use. Addiction is a complex condition, and treating it can take time, patience, and continuing support.

People have different needs throughout their recovery journey. There are many types of treatment programs and levels of care to meet an enormous range of unique needs.

Many people wonder, how long does rehab last? The answer is not simple. Everyone has their own recovery process, which can vary a lot from person to person.

This article will explore how long each stage of recovery may last.

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our comprehensive treatment programs. You may also reach out for information about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

How Long Does Rehab Last?

Choosing to seek addiction treatment is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Many people want to have an idea of how long treatment may last.

Determining exactly how long your treatment program will be is almost impossible. However, here is an overview of each stage of rehab and how long it may take to complete.

Assessment

The first step of your recovery journey may include a substance abuse assessment. This evaluation provides information about:

• Your substance abuse
• Your mental health issues
• Medical conditions
• Family history of substance abuse
• Insurance coverage

Your assessment may also include a physical examination and lab testing. This information can help your treatment team determine whether inpatient rehab or outpatient treatment is best for your needs. It will also help your team create the most effective treatment program.

Generally, this assessment will take around two hours.

Medical detox

Many people require the support of a medical detox program before starting comprehensive treatment. A detox program provides supervision, treatment, and emotional support to help people manage withdrawal symptoms and avoid relapse.

During a medical detox program, you may reside in the treatment facility. Medical and mental health specialists will monitor your withdrawal symptoms and provide treatment. Treatment may include:

• Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
• Treatment for mental health disorders and medical conditions
• Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
• A secure, supportive environment
• Emotional support
• Nutrition support, exercise, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies

This stage of the treatment process is critical. It can ensure you remain safe throughout the detox process. You must have supervision and treatment until your detox is complete.

The average length of stay in a detox program is two to seven days. However, people may stay longer if they need ongoing support to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

Check if my insurance covers rehab

Treatment

There are several types of rehab and levels of care. Each program offers evidence-based treatments that can help people work toward long-term sobriety. These treatments include:

• Medication management
• Mental health treatment
• Individual counseling
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Coping skills education and practice
• Holistic therapies like art therapy, yoga, exercise, nutrition support, and more
• Aftercare planning

Inpatient treatment programs require people to live in the rehab facility while receiving care. Inpatient and residential rehab programs offer the most intensive support and treatment.

Outpatient programs offer treatment sessions during the day or evening, allowing people to return home afterward. There are several types of outpatient treatment, including:

• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Outpatient rehab programs

Some people stay in rehab for weeks, and some remain in treatment for a year or longer. Many treatment programs last 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. Research has found that long-term treatment (programs lasting 90 days or more) is best at helping people achieve and maintain long-term sobriety.

After rehab, people must stay active in recovery by following an aftercare plan. An aftercare plan might include group and individual therapy, sober living, regular mental health and medical care, and other activities to support lifelong recovery.

Addiction recovery is not a final destination. Instead, it is a lifelong journey that requires patience and plenty of support.

What Factors Can Affect the Length of Rehab?

Many factors may affect the length of rehab. These factors include:

• The length and severity of your addiction
• Your readiness to change
• Your existing support network
• Your mental and physical health
• Your environment
• Your gender
• Family history of substance abuse

Finding the right treatment level and completing your program is crucial. Finishing your rehab program ensures you have the treatment, support, and skills you need to avoid relapse moving forward.

Find Treatment and Support Now

If you or someone you love lives with drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment programs or schedule an intake appointment.