How Long is Rehab? Treatment Duration for Substance Use

Naomi Carr
Dr. Jennie Stanford
Written by Naomi Carr on 24 October 2024
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jennie Stanford on 29 November 2024

Rehabilitation treatment for substance use addiction can involve a range of inpatient and outpatient programs. These interventions can vary in duration, with some treatments lasting a few days to a week, and others lasting several months or years. The type and duration of rehab treatment will vary depending on the person’s needs and should be individualized to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Key takeaways:
  • Rehab duration can range from several days to two years.
  • The duration of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the person’s addiction, the type of substance, and the type of treatment interventions required.
  • Many inpatient and outpatient treatment programs offer 30, 60, and 90-day options, although shorter and longer programs are available as required.
a photo of different hour glass variants in light blue background to symbolize different rehabilitation treatment durations

Treatment length for substance abuse rehabilitation

Substance use rehabilitation, or rehab, often involves several interventions implemented over a period of many days, weeks, or months. Individuals will be assessed before commencing treatment to determine their specific treatment needs.

Various factors can influence the type, duration, and intensity of rehab treatment, including:

  • Severity of substance addiction
  • Duration and frequency of substance use behaviors
  • Co-occurring mental health issues
  • Physical health conditions
  • How quickly treatment is commenced
  • Whether detoxification is necessary
  • The cost of treatment
  • Insurance coverage
  • Past treatments
  • Individual circumstances such as support networks and living situations
  • Progress during treatment

Rehab treatment can involve various interventions, such as individual and group therapy, holistic therapies, medicinal treatments, detox, and long-term aftercare. As such, rehab duration can vary significantly depending on the individual, and their treatment plan should be tailored to meet their needs.

Typically, the longer a person remains involved in substance use treatment, the better their outcome will be. This is because they will spend more time engaging in therapeutic interventions and learning and practicing crucial skills in a supportive environment that can help promote recovery and prevent relapse.

Typical duration of substance use treatment programs

Often, rehab duration will range from several weeks to several months.

  • Follow-up care or transitional interventions, such as sober living homes, can continue for many years after initial rehab treatment.
  • Some people require professional support to withdraw from substances. Detox treatment tends to last from several days to two weeks.
  • Rehabilitation treatment to help recovery and prevent relapse can range from short-term treatments of seven days to longer-term treatments of 30, 60, or 90 days.
  • In some cases, particularly for severe substance use disorders, longer-term treatments of up to one or two years may be necessary.

Different types of rehab programs and their duration

Various types of rehab programs are available, which can vary in treatment intensity and duration. The type of treatment required depends on the individual and their specific needs.

Outpatient

Outpatient programs are the least intensive type of rehab program, with people remaining at home while receiving treatment. This can involve weekly appointments for individual and group therapies, medicinal interventions, and psychosocial interventions.

Outpatient treatment programs might be 30, 60, or 90 days in duration and can continue for longer. Additionally, people may transition from other treatment types to an outpatient program during their treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are similar but involve more intensive care, often including daily appointments or several appointments per week for interventions. Individuals can remain living at home while receiving more intensive treatments, and this may continue for 3-6 months.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

During a partial hospitalization program, individuals can remain living at home but will require some inpatient care during this time to ensure their well-being. This is appropriate for people who continue to require intensive treatment interventions after inpatient rehab. This component might last 4-6 weeks.

Inpatient

Inpatient rehab treatment is the most intensive option, with individuals staying at a residential facility for a period of time to receive around-the-clock care and monitoring, alongside therapeutic and medicinal interventions. This can involve 30, 60, or 90-day programs, and it may be extended for a longer time.

Rehab duration for specific substances

When receiving substance use treatment, the type and duration can vary, depending on the specific substance, as the impact of the drug can vary, affecting aspects such as withdrawal, relapse risk, and physical and mental well-being.

How long is rehab for alcohol use disorder?

Commonly, rehab programs for alcohol use disorder (AUD) will involve a 30, 60, or 90-day program. This might vary depending on the severity of the individual’s addiction. Treatments over 90 days are usually more effective.

How long is rehab for opioid use disorder?

Treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) can be more extensive, as it may take some time for the individual to be stabilized on maintenance medications, such as methadone. Detox and withdrawal treatments may take a couple of weeks, with maintenance treatments potentially continuing for around a year.

How long is rehab for stimulant use disorder?

Treatment for stimulant use disorder (SUD) can also vary, depending on the needs of the individual. This may involve a 30, 60, or 90-day program with ongoing interventions. Many people with SUD continue to utilize therapeutic interventions for 5-10 months.

Where to find the right addiction treatment center

To find a treatment center in your area, Recovered offers a directory of rehab facilities with a range of treatment options.

FAQs

1. Can rehab be shorter than 30 days?

Yes, although longer treatments are typically more effective and have better outcomes. Detox treatments tend to last from several days to two weeks, although they are often followed up by additional treatment interventions.

2. How long can you stay in a rehab facility?

You can stay in a rehab facility for as long as your treatment takes. This may depend on your insurance, costs, and availability, but some people remain in treatment long-term, while others stay for just a few days.

3. What happens if you leave rehab early?

Leaving rehab early can be detrimental to treatment outcomes. Typically, the longer you remain in treatment, the more effective the treatment will be.

4. Can you choose an outpatient rehab instead?

Different types of rehab are available, ranging from outpatient, which is the least intensive approach, to inpatient, which is the most intensive. In most cases, people can choose which type of rehab they wish to use.

5. Does insurance cover long-term rehab stays?

Long-term rehab of up to two years may be necessary for some individuals, particularly those with very severe substance use issues. Insurance plans may cover long-term rehab, although this will depend on the plan provider, specific coverage arrangements, and the treatment provider. It is best to check with your insurance policy before commencing treatment.

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Resources:

  1. American Addiction Centers. (Updated 2024). How Long is Rehab? Drug and Alcohol Rehab Lengths. Retrieved from
  2. Northern Illinois Recovery Center. (n.d). How Long is Rehab? Retrieved from
  3. National Institute of Drug Abuse. (2014). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). NIDA. Retrieved from
  4. Hauck, C. (Updated 2024). Addiction Rehab: Length of Stay. American Addiction Centers. Retrieved from
  5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2006). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4131. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Retrieved from
  6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Treatment of Stimulant Use Disorders. SAMHSA. Retrieved from
  7. Donato, S., & Ray, L. A. (2023). Neurobiology and the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder: A Review of the Evidence Base. Substance abuse and rehabilitation, 14, 157–166.
  8. Lee, Y. K., Gold, M. S., Blum, K., Thanos, P. K., Hanna, C., & Fuehrlein, B. S. (2024). Opioid use disorder: current trends and potential treatments. Frontiers in public health, 11, 1274719.
  9. Minozzi, S., Saulle, R., Amato, L., Traccis, F., & Agabio, R. (2024). Psychosocial interventions for stimulant use disorder. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2(2), CD011866.

Activity History - Last updated: 29 November 2024, Published date:


Reviewer

Dr. Jennie Stanford

MD, FAAFP, DipABOM

Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM is a dual board-certified physician in both family medicine and obesity medicine. She has a wide range of clinical experiences, ranging from years of traditional clinic practice to hospitalist care to performing peer quality review to ensure optimal patient care.

Activity History - Medically Reviewed on 05 October 2024 and last checked on 29 November 2024

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Jennie Stanford

Dr. Jennie Stanford

MD, FAAFP, DipABOM

Reviewer

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